http://www.rosshalfin.com/ Almost daily notes from Ross on his life in Rock Rock Photography en Copyright 2008 ross.halfin@rosshalfin.com (Ross Halfin) crispin@cavespider.com Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:39:11 GMT I had Christmas day with Brian And Monique Wheat. They went out of their way and I sort of had a good time - even though I hate the day... Went record shopping which is good in America as they generally sell records way cheaper than the UK. A mint unplayed LP is around $5.00 and Americans have not dumped downloads and discovered the culture of vinyl. Instead of sitting home bored out of my mind I was in record heaven, as for Christmas Brian had given me a huge record voucher to spend I had Christmas day with Brian And Monique Wheat. They went out of their way and I sort of had a good time - even though I hate the day... Went record shopping which is good in America as they generally sell records way cheaper than the UK. A mint unplayed LP is around $5.00 and Americans have not dumped downloads and discovered the culture of vinyl. Instead of sitting home bored out of my mind I was in record heaven, as for Christmas Brian had given me a huge record voucher to spend http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Sun, 26 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin My right leg is still killing me, it just throbs all the time. Saw a specialist doctor today who said I've damaged my sacro-iliac joint. It's knocked out of place and twisted. Now I sort of found comfort in thinking I know what it is - until you have to explain what your sacro-iliac joint is and I've no idea. I just know it "hurts" and it isn't the cold doing it. And the weather in London is still shit My right leg is still killing me, it just throbs all the time. Saw a specialist doctor today who said I've damaged my sacro-iliac joint. It's knocked out of place and twisted. Now I sort of found comfort in thinking I know what it is - until you have to explain what your sacro-iliac joint is and I've no idea. I just know it "hurts" and it isn't the cold doing it. And the weather in London is still shit http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Wed, 22 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Jean Pierre Leloir died yesterday. He was 79 and a great photographer. He started Rock And Folk, a French Magazine I used to buy in the foreign magazine shop in Old Compton Street in my youth. I got to know Jean Pierre and did a book with him - Led Zeppelin Over Europe. Like Jim Marshall it was an honour to have known him. With both of them passing this year it made me think of my influences and who of the greats is still left. Jean Pierre Leloir died yesterday. He was 79 and a great photographer. He started Rock And Folk, a French Magazine I used to buy in the foreign magazine shop in Old Compton Street in my youth. I got to know Jean Pierre and did a book with him - Led Zeppelin Over Europe. Like Jim Marshall it was an honour to have known him. With both of them passing this year it made me think of my influences and who of the greats is still left. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Tue, 21 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Snowing in London again - cold, cold, cold. I got my Deluxe copy of the Jimmy Page book (I have number 2) and after becoming a bit blase about it, looking at it now I think it is a stunning book. Spent this morning finishing off my travel book which will be out end of January. My fault it's late as I changed some photos. Without wanting to sound pompous I am happy with it. This is the first book of mine I've liked when finished with the layout, normally I'm sick of them by then. Genesis Books will be putting on their website how to order etc in early January Snowing in London again - cold, cold, cold. I got my Deluxe copy of the Jimmy Page book (I have number 2) and after becoming a bit blase about it, looking at it now I think it is a stunning book. Spent this morning finishing off my travel book which will be out end of January. My fault it's late as I changed some photos. Without wanting to sound pompous I am happy with it. This is the first book of mine I've liked when finished with the layout, normally I'm sick of them by then. Genesis Books will be putting on their website how to order etc in early January http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Fri, 17 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Strange weather in Los Angeles, hotter than August - not that I mind. Went to see The Black Crowes at The Palladium yesterday. I've had a good time seeing them again, like Metallica they made feel welcome. The Palladium was where I first saw Metallica come into their own and I've seen loads of shows there although I haven't been there in years - it's still a dump. Strange weather in Los Angeles, hotter than August - not that I mind. Went to see The Black Crowes at The Palladium yesterday. I've had a good time seeing them again, like Metallica they made feel welcome. The Palladium was where I first saw Metallica come into their own and I've seen loads of shows there although I haven't been there in years - it's still a dump. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Sat, 12 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Drove out to El Mirage, which I think is in the Mojave Desert, to shoot the salt lake beds. It was flooded (it didn't look flooded to me, just a few puddles ) and closed. Closed! I mean, how can the desert be closed? A three hour drive each way, a waste of the day, but the sunset was good. Clean and western, soothing, baking hot then as soon as the sun set, freeeeeeeeeeezing. Only in America would they say a desert is closed. Baffles me, America, the land of the free, governed by so many rules. Drove out to El Mirage, which I think is in the Mojave Desert, to shoot the salt lake beds. It was flooded (it didn't look flooded to me, just a few puddles ) and closed. Closed! I mean, how can the desert be closed? A three hour drive each way, a waste of the day, but the sunset was good. Clean and western, soothing, baking hot then as soon as the sun set, freeeeeeeeeeezing. Only in America would they say a desert is closed. Baffles me, America, the land of the free, governed by so many rules. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Fri, 10 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Cold, cold, cold. I'm off to Los Angeles - here comes the sun, in theory. If I go to Hell I suppose at least it'll be warm. Up at dawn to travel across London to Heathrow. Funny, no matter what you do security is always unpleasant, arguing with you about toothpaste being a millimetre too big. Morons, not a single person can think or use their brain. People talking at you with contempt. It's an American thought process - if you don't believe me you travel across the US airports and see - the brain dead security. Cold, cold, cold. I'm off to Los Angeles - here comes the sun, in theory. If I go to Hell I suppose at least it'll be warm. Up at dawn to travel across London to Heathrow. Funny, no matter what you do security is always unpleasant, arguing with you about toothpaste being a millimetre too big. Morons, not a single person can think or use their brain. People talking at you with contempt. It's an American thought process - if you don't believe me you travel across the US airports and see - the brain dead security. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2010/diary-december-2010.php Tue, 7 December 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin It's about to snow here - I now miss Australia... I've been playing the Baroness CDs, good artwork, and Soundgarden - Mailman. Found an LP called Torture Garden I got ages ago and never played. It has a naked Japanese girl whipping someone on the cover - must give it a listen. General Noriega gave his master a set of the Bad Company CDs with mini covers like the albums. I've been playing those and I even found my Bad Company negs from Wembley '79 in an old box. It's about to snow here - I now miss Australia... I've been playing the Baroness CDs, good artwork, and Soundgarden - Mailman. Found an LP called Torture Garden I got ages ago and never played. It has a naked Japanese girl whipping someone on the cover - must give it a listen. General Noriega gave his master a set of the Bad Company CDs with mini covers like the albums. I've been playing those and I even found my Bad Company negs from Wembley '79 in an old box. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Thu, 25 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Said goodbye to Metallica in the early hours as they headed off to San Francisco. I had a really good time with them on this trip, just like when I first knew them. I'm pleased I still shoot them. Ran properly this morning and then sat in the sun enjoying the morning Said goodbye to Metallica in the early hours as they headed off to San Francisco. I had a really good time with them on this trip, just like when I first knew them. I'm pleased I still shoot them. Ran properly this morning and then sat in the sun enjoying the morning http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Mon, 22 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunday morning in Melbourne, heading home tomorrow. Finally my book is ready. I have to check the layout one last time next week but you can pre-order it from Genesis Publications at www.genesis-publications.com It is a limited signed edition of 950 copies. Each book comes with a different 5X7 print, an introduction by Jimmy Page and with writing by Baron Wollman, Peter Makowski and Brad Tolinski. Price £145. Sunday morning in Melbourne, heading home tomorrow. Finally my book is ready. I have to check the layout one last time next week but you can pre-order it from Genesis Publications at www.genesis-publications.com It is a limited signed edition of 950 copies. Each book comes with a different 5X7 print, an introduction by Jimmy Page and with writing by Baron Wollman, Peter Makowski and Brad Tolinski. Price £145. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Sun, 21 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Fell asleep by the hotel pool and got cooked, then went to a Vicious Sloth BBQ and watched lamb get cooked. In the evening it was the Metallica end of tour party at the Australian Centre For Contemporary Art. A band and crew party, it was great fun. Kirk telling me, slurring, that he "loved me" and how much my book and photography exhibition meant to him, Lars showing me and Kazuyo the "love", Robert not far behind Kirk in the enjoyment zone - James bemused, watching it all. Fell asleep by the hotel pool and got cooked, then went to a Vicious Sloth BBQ and watched lamb get cooked. In the evening it was the Metallica end of tour party at the Australian Centre For Contemporary Art. A band and crew party, it was great fun. Kirk telling me, slurring, that he "loved me" and how much my book and photography exhibition meant to him, Lars showing me and Kazuyo the "love", Robert not far behind Kirk in the enjoyment zone - James bemused, watching it all. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Fri, 19 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I thought I'd lost my "charm" but was nice to the hotel front desk manageress (Asian of course) and she upgraded me to an enormous suite overlooking Sydney Harbour. Sometimes it's okay being me. Drove out to the Acer Arena for some 'Tallica, as Lars would say. It took an hour and a half to get there and after the show just twenty minutes to get back. The catering was "native tucker" - kangaroo. I thought I'd lost my "charm" but was nice to the hotel front desk manageress (Asian of course) and she upgraded me to an enormous suite overlooking Sydney Harbour. Sometimes it's okay being me. Drove out to the Acer Arena for some 'Tallica, as Lars would say. It took an hour and a half to get there and after the show just twenty minutes to get back. The catering was "native tucker" - kangaroo. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Wed, 10 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I seem to have lost a day flying - woke up at dawn over Darwin,. The sky was a cold blue white as the light came. Watching the sky change never ceases to fascinate me. The whole of New South Wales appeared overcast - Australia is covered in a blanket of white cloud. The crew turned on the lights just as conditions were perfect, all the cabin light ruining the view of dawn. I had to put a blanket over my head to take a few photos - I think they thought I was praying to the east (and I don't mean Dalston). We landed at 7am - shot a quick picture of the harbour while circling I seem to have lost a day flying - woke up at dawn over Darwin,. The sky was a cold blue white as the light came. Watching the sky change never ceases to fascinate me. The whole of New South Wales appeared overcast - Australia is covered in a blanket of white cloud. The crew turned on the lights just as conditions were perfect, all the cabin light ruining the view of dawn. I had to put a blanket over my head to take a few photos - I think they thought I was praying to the east (and I don't mean Dalston). We landed at 7am - shot a quick picture of the harbour while circling http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Tue, 9 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin My leg which I injured in my car crash a couple of months ago has been really hurting, so I haven't been running for ages. Made myself do it today - ran for a hour and felt great. Must get running properly again. Off to Sydney this evening for Metallica. I can't honestly say I'm looking forward to the flight especially as I'm going London-Paris-Bangkok-Sydney, a bit like a gap year student's trip but in a day and a half. Mind you, I'll be honest - I am in the front of the plane... My leg which I injured in my car crash a couple of months ago has been really hurting, so I haven't been running for ages. Made myself do it today - ran for a hour and felt great. Must get running properly again. Off to Sydney this evening for Metallica. I can't honestly say I'm looking forward to the flight especially as I'm going London-Paris-Bangkok-Sydney, a bit like a gap year student's trip but in a day and a half. Mind you, I'll be honest - I am in the front of the plane... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Sun, 7 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Started the day going to Notting Hill Gate on the train to shoot Julian Temple. Sat in a cafe waiting for an hour then realised he wasn't turning up. His PR said he's now available next Tuesday. No consideration for wasting my time - fuck him, and the people that work for him. I've only ever been stood up once before, by Julian Lennon - must never shoot anyone called Julian again. Came home and headed back up to London again for a night with Herr Page to launch his book. Started the day going to Notting Hill Gate on the train to shoot Julian Temple. Sat in a cafe waiting for an hour then realised he wasn't turning up. His PR said he's now available next Tuesday. No consideration for wasting my time - fuck him, and the people that work for him. I've only ever been stood up once before, by Julian Lennon - must never shoot anyone called Julian again. Came home and headed back up to London again for a night with Herr Page to launch his book. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2010/diary-november-2010.php Thu, 4 November 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went from Los Angeles to Sacramento driving along a road called I-5 - straight for four hundred miles. My chauffeur/personal photographer Brian Wheat drove, while I had a nap. He woke me for a gourmet meal at IHop-International House Of Pancakes, it was truly awful. We drove through thousands and thousands of perfectly aligned fruit trees of every type you can imagine, just like in the Grapes Of Wrath. Went from Los Angeles to Sacramento driving along a road called I-5 - straight for four hundred miles. My chauffeur/personal photographer Brian Wheat drove, while I had a nap. He woke me for a gourmet meal at IHop-International House Of Pancakes, it was truly awful. We drove through thousands and thousands of perfectly aligned fruit trees of every type you can imagine, just like in the Grapes Of Wrath. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Mon, 25 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Woke up thinking about painting, in fact felt I inspired to paint something which I will do as soon as I'm home. I'd started a portrait a while ago now I want to finish it. Saw Paul Stanley and family at my hotel. He looked super fit, t the best I've seen him in years. Joe Elliott came over for a coffee to see Brian Wheat and we all caught up. Joe was saying have good the last Kiss album was... Spoke to Paul and it was really good to catch up with him. Paul's a good painter so maybe that's why I started thinking about it again. Really good to see him. Woke up thinking about painting, in fact felt I inspired to paint something which I will do as soon as I'm home. I'd started a portrait a while ago now I want to finish it. Saw Paul Stanley and family at my hotel. He looked super fit, t the best I've seen him in years. Joe Elliott came over for a coffee to see Brian Wheat and we all caught up. Joe was saying have good the last Kiss album was... Spoke to Paul and it was really good to catch up with him. Paul's a good painter so maybe that's why I started thinking about it again. Really good to see him. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Sun, 24 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A day spent with my good friend Brian Wheat. We just cruised around LA after a morning at the Equinox gym. I made him go shopping for clothes. We ended up in Ameoba looking around. I found Yesterdays By Yes on vinyl, mint for $3.99, with the inner sleeve.Yes,boring, I know, if you're not into it. I love a record sleeve, something intrinsic about holding it - even youthful. A day spent with my good friend Brian Wheat. We just cruised around LA after a morning at the Equinox gym. I made him go shopping for clothes. We ended up in Ameoba looking around. I found Yesterdays By Yes on vinyl, mint for $3.99, with the inner sleeve.Yes,boring, I know, if you're not into it. I love a record sleeve, something intrinsic about holding it - even youthful. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Fri, 22 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Ian and Trudi Hunter had invited me to the BFI Festival on the Southbank at Waterloo to see the film Mott The Hoople, so I invited Jimmy Page and off we went. The BFI is a nice venue with a good shop selling books and DVDs on all the Art House films that I love and the films are cheap - go and have a look. I'm going to have a longer look tomorrow. Mick Ralphs was there and Verden Allen, Blue Weaver and the annoying Luther Grosvenor who still seems to think he is the biggest rock star on planet earth. The film took me back to being a teenager again Ian and Trudi Hunter had invited me to the BFI Festival on the Southbank at Waterloo to see the film Mott The Hoople, so I invited Jimmy Page and off we went. The BFI is a nice venue with a good shop selling books and DVDs on all the Art House films that I love and the films are cheap - go and have a look. I'm going to have a longer look tomorrow. Mick Ralphs was there and Verden Allen, Blue Weaver and the annoying Luther Grosvenor who still seems to think he is the biggest rock star on planet earth. The film took me back to being a teenager again http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Sat, 16 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Met up with my friend Ulf Zick and his partner Bonna for an early dinner at The Soho House. My son Oliver came along - strange to think I'd be hanging out with him at twenty three, but I had a wonderful time with him. We were joined by the always late Dave Brolan and Jimmy Page. I enjoyed the Soho House. The upstairs bit past the bar was nice to hang out in. Ulf and Bonna went to the "Jungle" to see Axl and back up band at the 02 while Oliver, Jimmy and I looked around Soho , Jimmy pointing out where the Marquee Club was, me telling my son about Soho in the good old days Met up with my friend Ulf Zick and his partner Bonna for an early dinner at The Soho House. My son Oliver came along - strange to think I'd be hanging out with him at twenty three, but I had a wonderful time with him. We were joined by the always late Dave Brolan and Jimmy Page. I enjoyed the Soho House. The upstairs bit past the bar was nice to hang out in. Ulf and Bonna went to the "Jungle" to see Axl and back up band at the 02 while Oliver, Jimmy and I looked around Soho , Jimmy pointing out where the Marquee Club was, me telling my son about Soho in the good old days http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Wed, 13 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin 10-10-10, a day of good luck in the East and a beautiful day in London. I'm sick with a chest infection, not dying, just feeling rotten. Well, perhaps I am dying, but you cannot argue with a sunny day. In the winter, which is coming fast, the sun's light seems cutting, almost sharp light and shade in primary colours, hanging in the air then gone with no lingering colour, just flat tones - fascinating light. Made myself go out, went to the National Army Museum in Chelsea to look at the paintings. The rifles and bayonets were huge and daunting. The uniforms were amazing as well, blood red to Army greens, browns and khaki. I must go back again, I could look for hours. 10-10-10, a day of good luck in the East and a beautiful day in London. I'm sick with a chest infection, not dying, just feeling rotten. Well, perhaps I am dying, but you cannot argue with a sunny day. In the winter, which is coming fast, the sun's light seems cutting, almost sharp light and shade in primary colours, hanging in the air then gone with no lingering colour, just flat tones - fascinating light. Made myself go out, went to the National Army Museum in Chelsea to look at the paintings. The rifles and bayonets were huge and daunting. The uniforms were amazing as well, blood red to Army greens, browns and khaki. I must go back again, I could look for hours. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Sun, 10 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Summer's returned to England, a hot sunny Friday. Met Luke Morley for a coffee and a catch up on our past evil ways - I now am a child of God and well behaved. I did speak to an old female aquantaince from my past who said I looked okay, and still had that "twinkle" in my eye, so maybe my evil ways are still there and I'm just kind of good. I have to say London is a wonderful city when the sun is shining. Summer's returned to England, a hot sunny Friday. Met Luke Morley for a coffee and a catch up on our past evil ways - I now am a child of God and well behaved. I did speak to an old female aquantaince from my past who said I looked okay, and still had that "twinkle" in my eye, so maybe my evil ways are still there and I'm just kind of good. I have to say London is a wonderful city when the sun is shining. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Fri, 8 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Drove down to Brighton to the Komedia to see Ian Hunter. I've been good about my diet lately but gave in to the temptation of fish and chips and I enjoyed every morsel. Felt a bit guilty afterwards so bought some wine gums to give balance to my diet... Ian opened his set with Sea Diver, a slow-building ballad and my all time favourite Mott song. He played a lot of his last album, Man Overboard, which was good. During Walking With A Mountain I was smiling so much - Ian made me realise why I liked music in the first place.There something so real about Ian Hunter that very few other bands have - and he did a great Sweet Jane. Drove down to Brighton to the Komedia to see Ian Hunter. I've been good about my diet lately but gave in to the temptation of fish and chips and I enjoyed every morsel. Felt a bit guilty afterwards so bought some wine gums to give balance to my diet... Ian opened his set with Sea Diver, a slow-building ballad and my all time favourite Mott song. He played a lot of his last album, Man Overboard, which was good. During Walking With A Mountain I was smiling so much - Ian made me realise why I liked music in the first place.There something so real about Ian Hunter that very few other bands have - and he did a great Sweet Jane. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2010/diary-october-2010.php Tue, 5 October 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Re-wrote my intro for my travel book - it has to be finished this week and I still have no title. Maybe Ross Halfin or just Halfin, I just don't know, and I want to change things at the last minute in a paranoid way. Kind of read the Sunday papers, more skimmed them then went for a run and a cycle. Had a hard sports massage with my female Irish torturer Bernie O'Donovan - she is amazing, kills you in a good way, and my right leg is still messed up Re-wrote my intro for my travel book - it has to be finished this week and I still have no title. Maybe Ross Halfin or just Halfin, I just don't know, and I want to change things at the last minute in a paranoid way. Kind of read the Sunday papers, more skimmed them then went for a run and a cycle. Had a hard sports massage with my female Irish torturer Bernie O'Donovan - she is amazing, kills you in a good way, and my right leg is still messed up http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sun, 26 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Woke up to a baking hot New York dawn. It was 80F at 7am. Didn't bother me at all, I shot a picture of God's light, or Ross's light, over Central Park. Made myself go for a run - it truly can clear the old mind. Felt euphoric, it set me up for rest of the day. Met my friend Bill McCue who took me record shopping, a dying art in Manhattan. Some of the stuff was woefully overpriced - the first MC5 LP $100, errr, NO! Woke up to a baking hot New York dawn. It was 80F at 7am. Didn't bother me at all, I shot a picture of God's light, or Ross's light, over Central Park. Made myself go for a run - it truly can clear the old mind. Felt euphoric, it set me up for rest of the day. Met my friend Bill McCue who took me record shopping, a dying art in Manhattan. Some of the stuff was woefully overpriced - the first MC5 LP $100, errr, NO! http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sat, 25 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin At Terminal 4 Heathrow queuing at security to go to NY via Kuwaiti Airlines, "front of plane". I'll be getting caviar and goat for dinner, two wives for dessert... Security was on full red alert as you boarded - bags, shoes, body search etc.The crew were "nice", mainly females from the Philippines and Thailand plus one from Kuwait, chatty and friendly. The deluxe cuisine was vintage Edgware Road without the belly dancer and the big plus was it was an empty flight, just myself and my harem in waiting as I enjoyed the cabin decor modelled after a Sultan's palace. My seat converted into a large ottoman waterbed, which was alright for an hour then I started to feel seasick, like a child riding in the back seat of a car. Landed and one of my Rimowa cases was missing. They found it after an hour and were, dare I say it, helpful... At Terminal 4 Heathrow queuing at security to go to NY via Kuwaiti Airlines, "front of plane". I'll be getting caviar and goat for dinner, two wives for dessert... Security was on full red alert as you boarded - bags, shoes, body search etc.The crew were "nice", mainly females from the Philippines and Thailand plus one from Kuwait, chatty and friendly. The deluxe cuisine was vintage Edgware Road without the belly dancer and the big plus was it was an empty flight, just myself and my harem in waiting as I enjoyed the cabin decor modelled after a Sultan's palace. My seat converted into a large ottoman waterbed, which was alright for an hour then I started to feel seasick, like a child riding in the back seat of a car. Landed and one of my Rimowa cases was missing. They found it after an hour and were, dare I say it, helpful... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Thu, 23 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I ran today for the first time since my car was smashed up. My right leg has been killing me - I forced myself to do it, hard at first then switched off my mind and I got into it. I felt euphoric afterwards - on top of the world, it was a better feeling than any drug I'd ever taken and in my day I've taken a few. I am happy... Had to go to the Apple Store who are "fixing" my brand new MacBook Pro. It has been there since Sunday and they hadn't even started. Then I was being talked down to by a child genius serving me. I ran today for the first time since my car was smashed up. My right leg has been killing me - I forced myself to do it, hard at first then switched off my mind and I got into it. I felt euphoric afterwards - on top of the world, it was a better feeling than any drug I'd ever taken and in my day I've taken a few. I am happy... Had to go to the Apple Store who are "fixing" my brand new MacBook Pro. It has been there since Sunday and they hadn't even started. Then I was being talked down to by a child genius serving me. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Weds, 22 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Looked through some old boxes of mixed stuff today, found a whole load of negs I've been missing. A lot of Bali which I'll add to my book, Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall at a Journey show in Hawaii (I was and still am in love with Marie Helvin), and lots of Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Robert Plant, in colour. I have to say finding the negatives has made me very happy - must dig some more. And best of all today Baron Wolman, a photographer I am privileged to know, has written something for my travel book, a great compliment - it has made my day... Looked through some old boxes of mixed stuff today, found a whole load of negs I've been missing. A lot of Bali which I'll add to my book, Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall at a Journey show in Hawaii (I was and still am in love with Marie Helvin), and lots of Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Robert Plant, in colour. I have to say finding the negatives has made me very happy - must dig some more. And best of all today Baron Wolman, a photographer I am privileged to know, has written something for my travel book, a great compliment - it has made my day... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Tue, 21 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got a hire car today, as I needed to drive if I was ever going to drive again. Odd, I've driven all my life and now the cars, traffic, stop lights were all exaggerated in my mind. Everything seemed magnified. I felt like a child - cautious slightly afraid. And my right side and knee are still aching so I can't go running which is my drug or head clearer. Been playing Rock Love by The Steve Miller Band which I have on vinyl. It has a good grove, if that isn't to '70s sounding. Got a hire car today, as I needed to drive if I was ever going to drive again. Odd, I've driven all my life and now the cars, traffic, stop lights were all exaggerated in my mind. Everything seemed magnified. I felt like a child - cautious slightly afraid. And my right side and knee are still aching so I can't go running which is my drug or head clearer. Been playing Rock Love by The Steve Miller Band which I have on vinyl. It has a good grove, if that isn't to '70s sounding. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Mon, 20 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin This date always sticks in my mind - just thought about seeing Goodbye Summer - The Who, Faces, Mott The Hoople - thirty-nine years ago today at The Oval Cricket Ground. I would love the poster for that show if anyone out there has it. I can't believe I saw bands playing that long ago. And Jimi Hendrix died forty years ago today. I remember buying Voodoo Chile-Slight Return for six shillings, rushed out the same week - "I stand up next to a mountain and chop it down with the ledge of my hand..." My body feels like it's been chopped down. I'm sore all down my right side and my jaw feels like it's been kicked several times. This date always sticks in my mind - just thought about seeing Goodbye Summer - The Who, Faces, Mott The Hoople - thirty-nine years ago today at The Oval Cricket Ground. I would love the poster for that show if anyone out there has it. I can't believe I saw bands playing that long ago. And Jimi Hendrix died forty years ago today. I remember buying Voodoo Chile-Slight Return for six shillings, rushed out the same week - "I stand up next to a mountain and chop it down with the ledge of my hand..." My body feels like it's been chopped down. I'm sore all down my right side and my jaw feels like it's been kicked several times. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sat, 18 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I was going to an event in London last night. As I was driving a large van hit me on my drivers side - my car was completely destroyed. I walked away without a mark on me, the whole bottom of my car had bent in two and the side I was driving had caved in. If there is a God he was watching me... Luckily my friends Gordon and Atif were nearby and dealt with the police etc. I was a bit shocked - Julie Abbott came like a knight to the rescue. Woke up this morning feeling like I've been run over by a train. Life can be, what's the right word? "Strange". Thinking about this I'm fortunate to be in one piece. I was going to an event in London last night. As I was driving a large van hit me on my drivers side - my car was completely destroyed. I walked away without a mark on me, the whole bottom of my car had bent in two and the side I was driving had caved in. If there is a God he was watching me... Luckily my friends Gordon and Atif were nearby and dealt with the police etc. I was a bit shocked - Julie Abbott came like a knight to the rescue. Woke up this morning feeling like I've been run over by a train. Life can be, what's the right word? "Strange". Thinking about this I'm fortunate to be in one piece. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Fri, 17 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Yesterday I had lunch with lawyer David Atlas at David's favourite New York restaurant, Gotham Bar And Grill. I expected a hamburger bar - it was very upmarket. Good food, good vibe, great place, next time I'm here I'll come for dinner. Finished lunch and had another look around Soho then checked out of the Essex House Hotel. Years ago this was the first hotel I ever stayed at in NY when I used to shoot for Sounds and Chrysalis Records in the days of Blondie and UFO. It has an old school style, the new bar is hip and trendy. Yesterday I had lunch with lawyer David Atlas at David's favourite New York restaurant, Gotham Bar And Grill. I expected a hamburger bar - it was very upmarket. Good food, good vibe, great place, next time I'm here I'll come for dinner. Finished lunch and had another look around Soho then checked out of the Essex House Hotel. Years ago this was the first hotel I ever stayed at in NY when I used to shoot for Sounds and Chrysalis Records in the days of Blondie and UFO. It has an old school style, the new bar is hip and trendy. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Wed, 15 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A beautiful day, baking hot. I walked over to Q-Prime and gave Peter Mensch (manager from the stars) a copy of my Metallica book. Peter has written an into about "Moi" and it was good of him - and it is excellent. Had lunch with Donna Faircloth from Varvatos who bought lunch then let me go to the Soho Varvatos store and partake of some clothes. I tried not to abuse her hospitality so a big thank you xxx A beautiful day, baking hot. I walked over to Q-Prime and gave Peter Mensch (manager from the stars) a copy of my Metallica book. Peter has written an into about "Moi" and it was good of him - and it is excellent. Had lunch with Donna Faircloth from Varvatos who bought lunch then let me go to the Soho Varvatos store and partake of some clothes. I tried not to abuse her hospitality so a big thank you xxx http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Mon, 13 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A rainy New York day but I kind of didn't mind at all. Went down to Soho, ate at my favourite deli, Dean & Deluca - they have good cheese etc. I just like going there to smell it. I met up with Rick Canny for a coffee and a wander. Rick pointed out to me 'It's good to be Ross Halfin at the moment' We looked in the upmarket John Varvatos store - I saw a jacket I liked at only $3,995 + tax, and a pair of boots only $895 + tax... It might be good to be me but shopping is dangerous - at least what I like. A rainy New York day but I kind of didn't mind at all. Went down to Soho, ate at my favourite deli, Dean & Deluca - they have good cheese etc. I just like going there to smell it. I met up with Rick Canny for a coffee and a wander. Rick pointed out to me 'It's good to be Ross Halfin at the moment' We looked in the upmarket John Varvatos store - I saw a jacket I liked at only $3,995 + tax, and a pair of boots only $895 + tax... It might be good to be me but shopping is dangerous - at least what I like. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sun, 12 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Could not sleep last night and had to head off to Heathrow at dawn, feeling on edge. Flying Continental who I hadn't flown with long haul since the early 80s. Security was just three people in their early twenties checking passports. I asked if they were trainees and they were. Incredible if you consider this is September 11 - 9/11... Sat in the Skylounge where they had free full English breakfast, very good, and the flight was enjoyable - lots of World Cinema to choose from instead of the usual bland movies. I sat and read The Diary Of An Optimist and sketched some ideas to paint. I'm thinking of portraits as ideas. I want the painting to be ethereal - at least that's what I'm going to try to do and it's what I studied to do. Could not sleep last night and had to head off to Heathrow at dawn, feeling on edge. Flying Continental who I hadn't flown with long haul since the early 80s. Security was just three people in their early twenties checking passports. I asked if they were trainees and they were. Incredible if you consider this is September 11 - 9/11... Sat in the Skylounge where they had free full English breakfast, very good, and the flight was enjoyable - lots of World Cinema to choose from instead of the usual bland movies. I sat and read The Diary Of An Optimist and sketched some ideas to paint. I'm thinking of portraits as ideas. I want the painting to be ethereal - at least that's what I'm going to try to do and it's what I studied to do. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sat, 11 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to New York tomorrow at dawn - I should have gone today. I haven't been for a couple of years, odd that in the past I used to go there more than LA. I'm going to try to get to like it again - I know a lot of people there. I'm going to the John Varvato's fashion week party at CBGB's which is now John's store. ZZ Top are playing two nights at the Beacon Theatre and I may be shooting The Killer himself - Jerry Lee Lewis. Finished writing an intro for a book of Def Leppard photos I have coming out next year. It is an official book. It started off quite hard then I remembered some funny stuff I had long forgotten about Off to New York tomorrow at dawn - I should have gone today. I haven't been for a couple of years, odd that in the past I used to go there more than LA. I'm going to try to get to like it again - I know a lot of people there. I'm going to the John Varvato's fashion week party at CBGB's which is now John's store. ZZ Top are playing two nights at the Beacon Theatre and I may be shooting The Killer himself - Jerry Lee Lewis. Finished writing an intro for a book of Def Leppard photos I have coming out next year. It is an official book. It started off quite hard then I remembered some funny stuff I had long forgotten about http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Fri, 10 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Checked emails and had a nice one from Paul Stanley inviting me to lunch - except it's in LA. I wish I'd stayed, it's always a pleasure seeing Paul. At home it's raining and I'm having a new shower put in, which kind of goes together. And last night I noticed it was getting darker earlier, winter is coming - I need to go some where warm, or I'm having LA withdrawals. Checked emails and had a nice one from Paul Stanley inviting me to lunch - except it's in LA. I wish I'd stayed, it's always a pleasure seeing Paul. At home it's raining and I'm having a new shower put in, which kind of goes together. And last night I noticed it was getting darker earlier, winter is coming - I need to go some where warm, or I'm having LA withdrawals. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Wed, 8 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin One of those days where I felt at peace - by that I mean it was perfect. Beautiful weather. I went to Macy's, got underwear in the sale plus the other day I got a red scarf for $40 reduced from $360. Got everything done I needed to - I felt sort of accomplished. I was stopped at the Sunset Marquis by two fans who told me they loved my photos which is nice. They were on the last day of a holiday from Manchester. As I was talking to them David Grey walked past with a black cloud hanging over his head. He looks miserable One of those days where I felt at peace - by that I mean it was perfect. Beautiful weather. I went to Macy's, got underwear in the sale plus the other day I got a red scarf for $40 reduced from $360. Got everything done I needed to - I felt sort of accomplished. I was stopped at the Sunset Marquis by two fans who told me they loved my photos which is nice. They were on the last day of a holiday from Manchester. As I was talking to them David Grey walked past with a black cloud hanging over his head. He looks miserable http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Mon, 6 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went shopping - it's Labor Day in Los Angeles so 70% off everything. I ended up record shopping, got John McLaughlin, My Goal's Beyond, mint on vinyl which I've been after for ages, and a dvd of the Korean film, Mother, which I wanted to see. Craig from Florida had sent me a load of LPs - thank you Craig. I need to figure out how to get them home. Found a book called The Child Thief with beautiful illustrations. It is a modern take on Peter Pan. Even treated myself to a manicure and pedicure, one of the things men do here and not in England Went shopping - it's Labor Day in Los Angeles so 70% off everything. I ended up record shopping, got John McLaughlin, My Goal's Beyond, mint on vinyl which I've been after for ages, and a dvd of the Korean film, Mother, which I wanted to see. Craig from Florida had sent me a load of LPs - thank you Craig. I need to figure out how to get them home. Found a book called The Child Thief with beautiful illustrations. It is a modern take on Peter Pan. Even treated myself to a manicure and pedicure, one of the things men do here and not in England http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sun, 5 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew out of an empty Sacramento airport back to Los Angeles. Sat on the plane missing the Wheats, both are good friends. Before I left Brian insisted on doing a shoot of me in front of his house (for his Halfin book), it went amazingingly - I look like, well, me. A copy of my new book, The Ultimate Metallica, was sent to me at my hotel. Now I normally pick holes in things I do but I have to say it looks fantastic. Good printing, the pictures pop out at you and the designer, Tom Jerman, has done a great job. So a big thank you Tom! Flew out of an empty Sacramento airport back to Los Angeles. Sat on the plane missing the Wheats, both are good friends. Before I left Brian insisted on doing a shoot of me in front of his house (for his Halfin book), it went amazingingly - I look like, well, me. A copy of my new book, The Ultimate Metallica, was sent to me at my hotel. Now I normally pick holes in things I do but I have to say it looks fantastic. Good printing, the pictures pop out at you and the designer, Tom Jerman, has done a great job. So a big thank you Tom! http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Sat, 4 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Up at 5am and off to LAX. Flew up to Sacramento to photograph Soulmotor - it wasn't just hot it was baking. Made Los Angeles seem cold and it's a hundred degrees there. Staying with Brian and Monique Wheat in their wonderful Victorian house right in the middle of downtown. Had lunch with Brian who then showed me an amazing record shop called The Beat - good vinyl, I wanted to spend hours there. I was dragged out after an hour then found Newsbeat, one of the best magazine shops. Up at 5am and off to LAX. Flew up to Sacramento to photograph Soulmotor - it wasn't just hot it was baking. Made Los Angeles seem cold and it's a hundred degrees there. Staying with Brian and Monique Wheat in their wonderful Victorian house right in the middle of downtown. Had lunch with Brian who then showed me an amazing record shop called The Beat - good vinyl, I wanted to spend hours there. I was dragged out after an hour then found Newsbeat, one of the best magazine shops. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Fri, 3 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Nice to wake up to sunshine and warmth, except that I wake up at 4am and it's still dark and I'm wide awake. "Waiting For The Sun", as the song goes. Spent last night at Ago in the company of the very beautiful and fun Boh Runga. I hadn't seen her for a while and it was great to catch up - and she bought me dinner. Went and ran, it it clears my mind. I saw Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother who's in LA writing, and Joe Bonamassa. Nice to wake up to sunshine and warmth, except that I wake up at 4am and it's still dark and I'm wide awake. "Waiting For The Sun", as the song goes. Spent last night at Ago in the company of the very beautiful and fun Boh Runga. I hadn't seen her for a while and it was great to catch up - and she bought me dinner. Went and ran, it it clears my mind. I saw Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother who's in LA writing, and Joe Bonamassa. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Thu, 2 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Los Angeles - it's been a while since I was last here. Flew on Air New Zealand which was nice as it was empty. Okay, the back was full, it's the front bit that was empty. I was not looking forward to the flight, worried about panicking, something I suffer from sometimes when the flight is long or I'm tired. Seriously, I get to a point where I want to get off and I feel like I'm entombed in a coffin. Some lorazepam sorted me out, it made me "drift", as if I was flying the plane. If I'd had Electric Ladyland, 1983 A Merman I Will Be I'd be in space, floating. Go and play it and you'll get the effect - and that was without drinking on it. Watched the route map, even numbed it was interesting looking at things over Iceland like the Eirik Ridge and Angmassalik. It could have been Greenland but I was vapourising at that point - the only way to fly. Los Angeles - it's been a while since I was last here. Flew on Air New Zealand which was nice as it was empty. Okay, the back was full, it's the front bit that was empty. I was not looking forward to the flight, worried about panicking, something I suffer from sometimes when the flight is long or I'm tired. Seriously, I get to a point where I want to get off and I feel like I'm entombed in a coffin. Some lorazepam sorted me out, it made me "drift", as if I was flying the plane. If I'd had Electric Ladyland, 1983 A Merman I Will Be I'd be in space, floating. Go and play it and you'll get the effect - and that was without drinking on it. Watched the route map, even numbed it was interesting looking at things over Iceland like the Eirik Ridge and Angmassalik. It could have been Greenland but I was vapourising at that point - the only way to fly. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2010/diary-september-2010.php Wed, 1 September 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin My last day in the company of the Wheats. I took them to Charlotte Street for lunch, joined by Jimmy Page. Had a good time until I was pestered by some loonie woman who wouldn't leave me alone. The ruder I was to her the more she came back, plus she was ugly. I mean why can't I get pestered by a Gong Li look-a-like instead of some thing that looks like a cow. She would not fuck off. She seemed to think she and I had bonded, 'Where did you get your Prada bag?' I got up, ignored her and walked down the street with Jimmy leaving her driving Brian crazy. He phoned me ten minutes later, 'She's fucking nuts!' 'I know, that's why we left - enjoy her.' Jimmy and I did what any civilised person would do and went record shopping. My last day in the company of the Wheats. I took them to Charlotte Street for lunch, joined by Jimmy Page. Had a good time until I was pestered by some loonie woman who wouldn't leave me alone. The ruder I was to her the more she came back, plus she was ugly. I mean why can't I get pestered by a Gong Li look-a-like instead of some thing that looks like a cow. She would not fuck off. She seemed to think she and I had bonded, 'Where did you get your Prada bag?' I got up, ignored her and walked down the street with Jimmy leaving her driving Brian crazy. He phoned me ten minutes later, 'She's fucking nuts!' 'I know, that's why we left - enjoy her.' Jimmy and I did what any civilised person would do and went record shopping. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Sat, 28 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Bank Holiday Friday. I hate Bank Holidays. The weather was SHITE, in capitals. Gloom and rain - I'd arranged to go to the Reading Festival to shoot Queens Of The Stone Age, which looking at the weather was now a bad idea. Took Brian Wheat book shopping. He insisted on buying a library, then said 'can you ship them for me?' 'What?' He did buy me a few books as well - The SS, A New History, a joyous fun-filled Bank Holiday read. Farundell, a novel (nice cover) and City Of Sin, London And It's Vices, as in a lot of prostitutes and where to find them. Bank Holiday Friday. I hate Bank Holidays. The weather was SHITE, in capitals. Gloom and rain - I'd arranged to go to the Reading Festival to shoot Queens Of The Stone Age, which looking at the weather was now a bad idea. Took Brian Wheat book shopping. He insisted on buying a library, then said 'can you ship them for me?' 'What?' He did buy me a few books as well - The SS, A New History, a joyous fun-filled Bank Holiday read. Farundell, a novel (nice cover) and City Of Sin, London And It's Vices, as in a lot of prostitutes and where to find them. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Fri, 27 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Another night of fine dining with the Wheats, Monique and my personal iphone4 photographer Brian, at Bam-Bou in Percy Street. We were joined by Jimmy Page but that didn't stop Brian from documenting yours truly. Brian now wants to do a photo book of me - he thinks it will sell more than my travel book. I've been trying to get into new (or semi-new) music. Ray LaMontagne - God Willin', quite sad but uplifting in it's own way. Hawkwind At The BBC '72 sounds rubbish but then sounds amazing after a bottle of wine and a couple of Vicoden, really you do end up in deepest space. Another night of fine dining with the Wheats, Monique and my personal iphone4 photographer Brian, at Bam-Bou in Percy Street. We were joined by Jimmy Page but that didn't stop Brian from documenting yours truly. Brian now wants to do a photo book of me - he thinks it will sell more than my travel book. I've been trying to get into new (or semi-new) music. Ray LaMontagne - God Willin', quite sad but uplifting in it's own way. Hawkwind At The BBC '72 sounds rubbish but then sounds amazing after a bottle of wine and a couple of Vicoden, really you do end up in deepest space. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Thu, 26 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin English weather - I woke up to sunny skies. I woke up at 4am and could not sleep, haven't slept for three weeks. I would just love to go to bed and sleep until 8.30am without waking or my mind wandering. Keith Boyce, the drummer of The Heavy Metal Kids, came to my house at 10am this morning. He lives in Toulouse - his parents have lived in Sutton for thirty eight years. We drove to Putney to shoot the HMKs with new singer John Altman - Nasty Nick from East Enders. I called him Nick without thinking. English weather - I woke up to sunny skies. I woke up at 4am and could not sleep, haven't slept for three weeks. I would just love to go to bed and sleep until 8.30am without waking or my mind wandering. Keith Boyce, the drummer of The Heavy Metal Kids, came to my house at 10am this morning. He lives in Toulouse - his parents have lived in Sutton for thirty eight years. We drove to Putney to shoot the HMKs with new singer John Altman - Nasty Nick from East Enders. I called him Nick without thinking. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Tue, 24 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went out to the Soho House for dinner last night with my friend Gordon, Stefano, and his wife Gemma Arterton. A lovely meal. Walked along Old Compton Street afterwards which I found disturbing. Go and do it at midnight on a Saturday and you'll understand. Jimmy Page is on the cover of the Sunday Times today with his photo book which I worked on. They call it a book of snaps which it is not. Snaps/snapper, awful, lazy, slang use of English. Went out to the Soho House for dinner last night with my friend Gordon, Stefano, and his wife Gemma Arterton. A lovely meal. Walked along Old Compton Street afterwards which I found disturbing. Go and do it at midnight on a Saturday and you'll understand. Jimmy Page is on the cover of the Sunday Times today with his photo book which I worked on. They call it a book of snaps which it is not. Snaps/snapper, awful, lazy, slang use of English. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Sun, 22 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Doing household chores, amazing what you find. I need a new toilet seat, need to throw out all the plant pots in the garden as well so off to the dump then Tesco - I think they sell toilet seats (I really have no idea). After saying I haven't seen a good film in ages I just saw a great film, Romanzo Criminale, fantastic and nearly three hours long. Centurion was entertaining but silly - Roman soldiers swearing in present day English. Got another couple of silly Japanese films to watch, Prisoner 701 Sasori and Goemon. Doing household chores, amazing what you find. I need a new toilet seat, need to throw out all the plant pots in the garden as well so off to the dump then Tesco - I think they sell toilet seats (I really have no idea). After saying I haven't seen a good film in ages I just saw a great film, Romanzo Criminale, fantastic and nearly three hours long. Centurion was entertaining but silly - Roman soldiers swearing in present day English. Got another couple of silly Japanese films to watch, Prisoner 701 Sasori and Goemon. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Thu, 19 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A bit of everything... The pylons are driving back in from the desert, they go on for miles in the middle of nowhere.The fish are pulled out, have water thrown on them and sold (remember this is an outdoor market where the temperature is 50c). It was odd seeing sharks. I wanted to shoot more of the fish but the Indian workers would not stop hustling so I gave up. The cows head is I think kind of beautiful in that it stands/sits there as the last piece of it's form. The butcher told me that Africans normally want the head but prefer if the skin is on. It's a strange contrast to the rest of Dubai's futuristic world. A bit of everything... The pylons are driving back in from the desert, they go on for miles in the middle of nowhere.The fish are pulled out, have water thrown on them and sold (remember this is an outdoor market where the temperature is 50c). It was odd seeing sharks. I wanted to shoot more of the fish but the Indian workers would not stop hustling so I gave up. The cows head is I think kind of beautiful in that it stands/sits there as the last piece of it's form. The butcher told me that Africans normally want the head but prefer if the skin is on. It's a strange contrast to the rest of Dubai's futuristic world. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Mon, 16 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Took off from Dubai in the early hours of this morning. The engine blew up as we were flying down the the runway, nearly taking off. The pilot, being German, merely said 'We must return to get this fixed.' Something of an understatement. I felt oddly detached as if I wasn't there. Well, I was kind of somewhere else as I'd taken two temazepam. He seemed to fix the engine quickly, we were in the air again in thirty minutes. I didn't mind at all - the drugs do work Took off from Dubai in the early hours of this morning. The engine blew up as we were flying down the the runway, nearly taking off. The pilot, being German, merely said 'We must return to get this fixed.' Something of an understatement. I felt oddly detached as if I wasn't there. Well, I was kind of somewhere else as I'd taken two temazepam. He seemed to fix the engine quickly, we were in the air again in thirty minutes. I didn't mind at all - the drugs do work http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Sun, 15 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Decided to get away from the city and go out to the desert, it's sixty miles away and I haven't done it on my own for a while. Driving over the sand dunes in a 4X4 is not my idea of fun, I just wanted to vomit. Worse than a fairground ride and I always disliked funfairs. Still, when we stopped it was eerily silent like space, nothing - not a sound. I found it quite calming, it cleared the mind. Plus watching god's light spread over nothing gave me some perspective. Came back to Dubai at dusk, went for a run and later watched 2001, A Space Odyssey. The end opens your mind as well, infinite space - we all need it. I finished the evening going to the cinema to see Jonah Hex. It was enjoyable in a mindless way... Decided to get away from the city and go out to the desert, it's sixty miles away and I haven't done it on my own for a while. Driving over the sand dunes in a 4X4 is not my idea of fun, I just wanted to vomit. Worse than a fairground ride and I always disliked funfairs. Still, when we stopped it was eerily silent like space, nothing - not a sound. I found it quite calming, it cleared the mind. Plus watching god's light spread over nothing gave me some perspective. Came back to Dubai at dusk, went for a run and later watched 2001, A Space Odyssey. The end opens your mind as well, infinite space - we all need it. I finished the evening going to the cinema to see Jonah Hex. It was enjoyable in a mindless way... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Fri, 13 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Today is my birthday and I must say I really do have good friends, and this is a quick thank you to all of them. I do appreciate all of you, and at my age people fall by the wayside. In the last week my friends have risen to the fore and it is truly fantastic of them. A sincere thank you... I'm going to try to enjoy today. Today is my birthday and I must say I really do have good friends, and this is a quick thank you to all of them. I do appreciate all of you, and at my age people fall by the wayside. In the last week my friends have risen to the fore and it is truly fantastic of them. A sincere thank you... I'm going to try to enjoy today. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2010/diary-august-2010.php Wed, 11 August 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A big shoot today in the company of Senor Billy Gibbons. Started with Senor Gibbons in the North - the North side of Wandsworth bridge. Shot him in various styles of expensive clothing as this is for a fashion piece set around the wilds of South West London, also known as Chelsea. Found a suburban street where a goal post had been painted on a wall, which made a good backdrop. While driving Billy and Pete Makowski spotted the Vintage Guitar Emporium, so we stopped there and I got Billy to sit at a bus stop with a guitar with Parsons Green in the background - a thank to Rick Zsigmond for digging out some classic guitars. A big shoot today in the company of Senor Billy Gibbons. Started with Senor Gibbons in the North - the North side of Wandsworth bridge. Shot him in various styles of expensive clothing as this is for a fashion piece set around the wilds of South West London, also known as Chelsea. Found a suburban street where a goal post had been painted on a wall, which made a good backdrop. While driving Billy and Pete Makowski spotted the Vintage Guitar Emporium, so we stopped there and I got Billy to sit at a bus stop with a guitar with Parsons Green in the background - a thank to Rick Zsigmond for digging out some classic guitars. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Wed, 28 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A hot, muggy, oppressive day. I find this weather depressing, or as the police in Florida call it, "Mad Season", because it sets off the lunatics. Did some errands then went record browsing, Picked up John McLaughin/Devotion (I have never seen this and didn't know it existed) on Douglas 4 label, Mose Allison/Wild Man On The Loose, The Pirates/Out Of Their Skulls. I used to shoot the Pirates all the time around 1977 in the Nashville Rooms and at The Marquee Club. A hot, muggy, oppressive day. I find this weather depressing, or as the police in Florida call it, "Mad Season", because it sets off the lunatics. Did some errands then went record browsing, Picked up John McLaughin/Devotion (I have never seen this and didn't know it existed) on Douglas 4 label, Mose Allison/Wild Man On The Loose, The Pirates/Out Of Their Skulls. I used to shoot the Pirates all the time around 1977 in the Nashville Rooms and at The Marquee Club. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Tue, 27 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Back to the far east in the afternoon for some Ian Hunter and Joe Elliott plus ELP who are closing the event with a seven-hour set. Jimmy came along to see Ian Hunter - surprisingly they have never met. I introduced them and Ian told Jimmy he used to book him in shows at the Embassy Club in Northampton, which JP remembered. Saw Phil Anselmo, Dave Snake Sabo - my new assistant, John Varvatos, carried my bag. Mike Kobayashi looked after us and made sure Halfin Makowski Page had our own dressing room. I even had my own physician, Doctor Anita Lim, who arrived by bike with her doctors bag. Back to the far east in the afternoon for some Ian Hunter and Joe Elliott plus ELP who are closing the event with a seven-hour set. Jimmy came along to see Ian Hunter - surprisingly they have never met. I introduced them and Ian told Jimmy he used to book him in shows at the Embassy Club in Northampton, which JP remembered. Saw Phil Anselmo, Dave Snake Sabo - my new assistant, John Varvatos, carried my bag. Mike Kobayashi looked after us and made sure Halfin Makowski Page had our own dressing room. I even had my own physician, Doctor Anita Lim, who arrived by bike with her doctors bag. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Sun, 25 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a peaceful day today sat in my garden - no Kazuyo moaning or smoking. At one point there were huge white thunder clouds I even got my camera for five minutes and took some photos. I was going to stay in when Mike Kobayashi phoned me and told me Joe Elliott was playing the Borderline and I'm invited,so as it was a summers night I thought why not. Drove up and saw more amazing sky and I will make myself shoot this next week. I hadn't been in the Borderline for so long I can't remember when it was - I think when Mick Wall was still out and about and had a mullet... Had a peaceful day today sat in my garden - no Kazuyo moaning or smoking. At one point there were huge white thunder clouds I even got my camera for five minutes and took some photos. I was going to stay in when Mike Kobayashi phoned me and told me Joe Elliott was playing the Borderline and I'm invited,so as it was a summers night I thought why not. Drove up and saw more amazing sky and I will make myself shoot this next week. I hadn't been in the Borderline for so long I can't remember when it was - I think when Mick Wall was still out and about and had a mullet... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Thu, 22 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the day trying via NY, Nashville, Berlin, France and London to organise a big photo shoot for next week, which I think will come together. Later I drove across the south via Battersea to Soho, bathed in the end of day light, and you know, I must do this with a camera. Went to meet Rich Robinson for dinner. I haven't seen him for a year or so, he is in London with wife D'yani and son, Beau. We all had dinner with Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy at Tamarind in Mayfair. It was a nice enjoyable evening. I hadn't seen Kate for a long time Spent the day trying via NY, Nashville, Berlin, France and London to organise a big photo shoot for next week, which I think will come together. Later I drove across the south via Battersea to Soho, bathed in the end of day light, and you know, I must do this with a camera. Went to meet Rich Robinson for dinner. I haven't seen him for a year or so, he is in London with wife D'yani and son, Beau. We all had dinner with Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy at Tamarind in Mayfair. It was a nice enjoyable evening. I hadn't seen Kate for a long time http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Wed, 21 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A day shooting Jimmy Page in 3D for a special Guitar World cover. Brad Tolinski was over from NY to interview Jimmy about his new book. Shot him with his twin neck guitars and his Harmony Acoustic which he used to record Led Zeppellin III (it is the 40th Anniversary of the record) plus a satanic red back ground for a bit of "Do what thou wilt" - Aleister Crowley would have been proud. I took some of my satanic assistant posing with the guitars too, plus some of me as too much Jimmy may make you have evil thoughts. We finished the day having dinner at Hakkasan, looked after very well by the manager Yvonne Lee. A day shooting Jimmy Page in 3D for a special Guitar World cover. Brad Tolinski was over from NY to interview Jimmy about his new book. Shot him with his twin neck guitars and his Harmony Acoustic which he used to record Led Zeppellin III (it is the 40th Anniversary of the record) plus a satanic red back ground for a bit of "Do what thou wilt" - Aleister Crowley would have been proud. I took some of my satanic assistant posing with the guitars too, plus some of me as too much Jimmy may make you have evil thoughts. We finished the day having dinner at Hakkasan, looked after very well by the manager Yvonne Lee http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Tue, 20 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I watched When You're Strange on dvd, the movie about the Doors. Interesting footage, in fact excellent, but the film seems sanitised and Johnny Depp's narration is mundane. I was half-heartedly involved in an exhibition in Munich. My problem was I didn't like the photos they chose - Flea in underpants, RHC Peppers pulling faces. I felt I had much better images but being German they would not budge. I ended up giving them a few Metallica plus a Gene Simmons. I also offered some good Paul Stanley but was told "Nein", they already had some. I watched When You're Strange on dvd, the movie about the Doors. Interesting footage, in fact excellent, but the film seems sanitised and Johnny Depp's narration is mundane. I was half-heartedly involved in an exhibition in Munich. My problem was I didn't like the photos they chose - Flea in underpants, RHC Peppers pulling faces. I felt I had much better images but being German they would not budge. I ended up giving them a few Metallica plus a Gene Simmons. I also offered some good Paul Stanley but was told "Nein", they already had some. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Mon, 19 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to the "Loony Fair" at Earls Court today. It's Movie and Science Fiction and full of loonys who think Star Wars is real and dress up. I was looking at old movie posters. Took Jimmy Page along with me and my friend Gustavo from Columbia. It did not disappoint in the loony stakes, full of sad people dressed up as Jack Sparrow and those silly robots in the white suits. Jimmy was asked if he was Jimmy Page. 'No I'm not, I'm paid to dress up as Jimmy Page.' Best of all as we walked along the Brompton Road was seeing all the people from the fair outside a pub drinking pints of lager and eating hamburgers and chips in full costume. I wished I'd had a camera - this lot need to get a life. Off to the "Loony Fair" at Earls Court today. It's Movie and Science Fiction and full of loonys who think Star Wars is real and dress up. I was looking at old movie posters. Took Jimmy Page along with me and my friend Gustavo from Columbia. It did not disappoint in the loony stakes, full of sad people dressed up as Jack Sparrow and those silly robots in the white suits. Jimmy was asked if he was Jimmy Page. 'No I'm not, I'm paid to dress up as Jimmy Page.' Best of all as we walked along the Brompton Road was seeing all the people from the fair outside a pub drinking pints of lager and eating hamburgers and chips in full costume. I wished I'd had a camera - this lot need to get a life. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Sun, 18 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent Saturday in Bethnal Green, in the Far East of London. It was the hottest day of the year. Walked through Victoria Park had lunch at a gastro pub called The Empress Of India. I knew I was a long way from home when I saw buses that said Canning Town. Late afternoon I wentto Unilet in New Malden who were having a summer BBQ. It's a good place to get hi-fi equipment and records. I even found the Best Of Rainbow from the 80's with all my photos on it uncredited, lifted from the Japanese Tour Book of the time. It was strange getting a train from London via Wimbledon/Raynes Park - all the haunts of my youth. Spent Saturday in Bethnal Green, in the Far East of London. It was the hottest day of the year. Walked through Victoria Park had lunch at a gastro pub called The Empress Of India. I knew I was a long way from home when I saw buses that said Canning Town. Late afternoon I wentto Unilet in New Malden who were having a summer BBQ. It's a good place to get hi-fi equipment and records. I even found the Best Of Rainbow from the 80's with all my photos on it uncredited, lifted from the Japanese Tour Book of the time. It was strange getting a train from London via Wimbledon/Raynes Park - all the haunts of my youth. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Sun, 11 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Independence Day - independent from what? I sat in my garden independently bored reading the Sunday papers, or independently depressed on my own, fed up. My friend Pete Merluzzi who tour manages Slash invited me to the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park. So I went down to hang out. It's a sunny Sunday and it beat being on my own. Chatted to Slash and Myles Kennedy. It was odd being at a show with nothing to do - I shot Slash live, the head of Show Sec Security from Leeds in the pit recognised me and was friendly. It took a nervous Slash a while to win over the hiphop crowd. There was one young fan with a Slash hat and two girl punks cheering him on, the rest of the crowd looked lost in Hyde Park. Far more suited to "Yo Clubbing" in the 'hood. Independence Day - independent from what? I sat in my garden independently bored reading the Sunday papers, or independently depressed on my own, fed up. My friend Pete Merluzzi who tour manages Slash invited me to the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park. So I went down to hang out. It's a sunny Sunday and it beat being on my own. Chatted to Slash and Myles Kennedy. It was odd being at a show with nothing to do - I shot Slash live, the head of Show Sec Security from Leeds in the pit recognised me and was friendly. It took a nervous Slash a while to win over the hiphop crowd. There was one young fan with a Slash hat and two girl punks cheering him on, the rest of the crowd looked lost in Hyde Park. Far more suited to "Yo Clubbing" in the 'hood. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Sun, 4 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A warm sunny Saturday on my own. Did nothing, sat in my garden reading. Went to the Roundhouse in the evening. I drove across a busy London, everyone going out as it's Saturday night. Ozzy Osbourne's playing the iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse. Saw Sharon, Jack and and Kelly, the last time I'd seen them was at Ozzy's 60th in Las Vegas. Spoke to Ozzy just before he went on and asked him to please not throw any buckets of water over me. And you know what, he didn't... A warm sunny Saturday on my own. Did nothing, sat in my garden reading. Went to the Roundhouse in the evening. I drove across a busy London, everyone going out as it's Saturday night. Ozzy Osbourne's playing the iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse. Saw Sharon, Jack and and Kelly, the last time I'd seen them was at Ozzy's 60th in Las Vegas. Spoke to Ozzy just before he went on and asked him to please not throw any buckets of water over me. And you know what, he didn't... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Sat, 3 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a bonding day with my son, well, kind of - I paid him to clear out my garage while I supervised. Found a complete set of International Times newspapers I'd forgotten I had - the counter culture lives, in my garage. And a complete set of Zig Zags from the 70s in mint condition, a load of books from my youth, one called Twenty-Minute Fandangos And Forever Changes, A Rock Bazaar Edited by Jonathan Eisen (whoever he is). I have no idea where I got this, it's hardback and mint condition I might even read it. Because my life is "so exciting" at the moment I spent Friday evening in Waitrose. Drove home looking at the most blue sky peppered with white thunder clouds and I didn't have a camera Had a bonding day with my son, well, kind of - I paid him to clear out my garage while I supervised. Found a complete set of International Times newspapers I'd forgotten I had - the counter culture lives, in my garage. And a complete set of Zig Zags from the 70s in mint condition, a load of books from my youth, one called Twenty-Minute Fandangos And Forever Changes, A Rock Bazaar Edited by Jonathan Eisen (whoever he is). I have no idea where I got this, it's hardback and mint condition I might even read it. Because my life is "so exciting" at the moment I spent Friday evening in Waitrose. Drove home looking at the most blue sky peppered with white thunder clouds and I didn't have a camera. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2010/diary-july-2010.php Fri, 2 July 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at dawn - I'm making myself go off to the gym then the Grand Bazaar before flying home early evening. A morning at the Grand Bazaar. It is very exotic and it's meandering alleyways are worth seeing. The problem that I've always ignored is that the Turks who have shops there are just vile. I had a friend with me from Turkey Burak. This seemed to make the shop owners ruder. I asked in one rug shop if they have any Gabba's. 'My friend,' (said in the most insincere way) 'I don't know this, I have a shop since 1920, our rugs are good, this is no good.' I'm thinking if he doesn't know this how come it's no good? I ask how much for a Kilim pillow on the floor (I have two the same I got in Covent Garden for £30 each). Got up at dawn - I'm making myself go off to the gym then the Grand Bazaar before flying home early evening. A morning at the Grand Bazaar. It is very exotic and it's meandering alleyways are worth seeing. The problem that I've always ignored is that the Turks who have shops there are just vile. I had a friend with me from Turkey Burak. This seemed to make the shop owners ruder. I asked in one rug shop if they have any Gabba's. 'My friend,' (said in the most insincere way) 'I don't know this, I have a shop since 1920, our rugs are good, this is no good.' I'm thinking if he doesn't know this how come it's no good? I ask how much for a Kilim pillow on the floor (I have two the same I got in Covent Garden for £30 each). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Mon, 28 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I drove back in the rain to Athens where I slept for three hours (or tried to - I couldn't sleep at all), then off to the airport at dawn leaving Kaz and Norieiga to go sightseeing. I write this in Athens airport, tired. I flew home on an empty plane, the best way to fly. Had a relaxing day at home doing nothing. Found some original Jim Marshall prints - Janis Joplin sitting on her Porsche, in colour, a rare dye transfer print I got from Jim in 1989. Mick Jagger backstage at the LA Forum in '72 and Keith Richards recording Exile at Sunset Sound, signed by Keith and Jim. The Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East Cover print shot in Atlanta and Keith Moon from the San Francisco Civic '72. I drove back in the rain to Athens where I slept for three hours (or tried to - I couldn't sleep at all), then off to the airport at dawn leaving Kaz and Norieiga to go sightseeing. I write this in Athens airport, tired. I flew home on an empty plane, the best way to fly. Had a relaxing day at home doing nothing. Found some original Jim Marshall prints - Janis Joplin sitting on her Porsche, in colour, a rare dye transfer print I got from Jim in 1989. Mick Jagger backstage at the LA Forum in '72 and Keith Richards recording Exile at Sunset Sound, signed by Keith and Jim. The Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East Cover print shot in Atlanta and Keith Moon from the San Francisco Civic '72. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Fri, 25 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Aerosmith at the 02. A two and a half hour drive across Crystal Palace, Norwood, Catford etc in the rush hour to the 02 was not my idea of fun. The weather was hot-cold-hot-cold, it couldn't make up it's mind. Got there tired. Peter Makowski came with Jimmy Page. I took a photo of Jimmy with two real rock stars, Randle and Rock'n'roll John Bionelli - and a few of the other people they work for. Good show, okay, a great show. It took me a while to figure out the lights but The Master succeeded, got good stuff towards the end Aerosmith at the 02. A two and a half hour drive across Crystal Palace, Norwood, Catford etc in the rush hour to the 02 was not my idea of fun. The weather was hot-cold-hot-cold, it couldn't make up it's mind. Got there tired. Peter Makowski came with Jimmy Page. I took a photo of Jimmy with two real rock stars, Randle and Rock'n'roll John Bionelli - and a few of the other people they work for. Good show, okay, a great show. It took me a while to figure out the lights but The Master succeeded, got good stuff towards the end http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Tue, 15 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off across the south of London to the 02 for the Metal Hammer Awards. I had no real reason to be there apart from Joe Perry wanted me to come with him. It was strange not having to do anything. I saw Tony Iommi and Airbourne and even Sir Christopher Lee. Aminta Townshend (Pete's daughter was the PR) was super nice and rounded up Sir Christopher to do a photo with Joe. I asked Sir Christopher to sign an old Dracula Prince Of Darkness poster I had and nearly got thrown out the building. 'I'm under contract not to sign,' Sir Christopher thundered. It was worse than asking Jimmy Page... Maria Iommi (Tony's fantastic wife) told me she was a photographer and insisted on using my camera. Off across the south of London to the 02 for the Metal Hammer Awards. I had no real reason to be there apart from Joe Perry wanted me to come with him. It was strange not having to do anything. I saw Tony Iommi and Airbourne and even Sir Christopher Lee. Aminta Townshend (Pete's daughter was the PR) was super nice and rounded up Sir Christopher to do a photo with Joe. I asked Sir Christopher to sign an old Dracula Prince Of Darkness poster I had and nearly got thrown out the building. 'I'm under contract not to sign,' Sir Christopher thundered. It was worse than asking Jimmy Page... Maria Iommi (Tony's fantastic wife) told me she was a photographer and insisted on using my camera. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Mon, 14 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Woke up to a sunny London, so warm it was shorts and t-shirt weather. Rock'n'roll John Bionelli called me to say he and Joe Perry were already Rocking'n'rolling to Download at 9.15! I thought I'd better give the gym a miss and as Judas Priest say headed out the highway. Got up to a sunny Donington at 1.30 in time to see Slash warming up in his dressing room. He seemed nervous. I rounded up his band and did (according to Slash) the first band shot. Myles Kennedy took my abuse well considering I kept calling him Robert Plant and a bit of 'it's the golden god' (as he did audition for Led Zeppelin). He was very okay and charming and he was a good front man. I got shots of him bouncing along the ego ramp. Woke up to a sunny London, so warm it was shorts and t-shirt weather. Rock'n'roll John Bionelli called me to say he and Joe Perry were already Rocking'n'rolling to Download at 9.15! I thought I'd better give the gym a miss and as Judas Priest say headed out the highway. Got up to a sunny Donington at 1.30 in time to see Slash warming up in his dressing room. He seemed nervous. I rounded up his band and did (according to Slash) the first band shot. Myles Kennedy took my abuse well considering I kept calling him Robert Plant and a bit of 'it's the golden god' (as he did audition for Led Zeppelin). He was very okay and charming and he was a good front man. I got shots of him bouncing along the ego ramp. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Sun, 13 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had to go to the land of Aerosmith to pick up passes for Download, it was a Rock'n'roll Evening. Dodgerlini Eyers chain-smoking away, John Bionelli, the VERY ugly Kazuyo in heaven as she was reunited with the Sex God of Jackson Hole, Randle Feagin (she looked at him with lust, he looked with horror - I think Randle's evil ways have caught up with him), Brad Whitford and wife Kimberly, and we all dined at Nobu. At the next table was the most beautiful Chinese girl I have ever seen with some Eastern European men - I couldn't take my eyes off her. I think she was a working girl and believe me I would have paid. I finished the night with Steven Tyler having a midnight stroll in Hyde Park for an hour Had to go to the land of Aerosmith to pick up passes for Download, it was a Rock'n'roll Evening. Dodgerlini Eyers chain-smoking away, John Bionelli, the VERY ugly Kazuyo in heaven as she was reunited with the Sex God of Jackson Hole, Randle Feagin (she looked at him with lust, he looked with horror - I think Randle's evil ways have caught up with him), Brad Whitford and wife Kimberly, and we all dined at Nobu. At the next table was the most beautiful Chinese girl I have ever seen with some Eastern European men - I couldn't take my eyes off her. I think she was a working girl and believe me I would have paid. I finished the night with Steven Tyler having a midnight stroll in Hyde Park for an hour http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Sat, 12 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The Mojo Awards, or maybe the Homo Awards - it was the campest I have ever been to. A large collection of male testosterone lusting after other males. The thing that I found the biggest turn off was photographing Mark Almond, all make up and camply coy, while Anthony of Anthony And The Johnsons looked on with lust, and I mean drooling with desire. Even the PRs were benders and I love camp PRs. It was a "BOYS" night out. I am not homophobic in the slightest. Amongst others I shot Andy Bell and Rufus Wainwright who surprisingly came over the most masculine of the bunch. A youngish looking Bill Nelson was with Duane Eddy, a nervous Kasabian presented Jimmy Page The Mojo Awards, or maybe the Homo Awards - it was the campest I have ever been to. A large collection of male testosterone lusting after other males. The thing that I found the biggest turn off was photographing Mark Almond, all make up and camply coy, while Anthony of Anthony And The Johnsons looked on with lust, and I mean drooling with desire. Even the PRs were benders and I love camp PRs. It was a "BOYS" night out. I am not homophobic in the slightest. Amongst others I shot Andy Bell and Rufus Wainwright who surprisingly came over the most masculine of the bunch. A youngish looking Bill Nelson was with Duane Eddy, a nervous Kasabian presented Jimmy Page http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Thu, 10 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A hot sticky Sunday. Drove into London to see my friend Steve Kidd, tour manager for Rage Against The Machine, then came home and ran to clear my mind - it didn't work, but at the end I felt better for doing it. Still having looney thoughts though, so to speak, as my mind "wanders". Made Kazuyo drive to Finsbury Park (as I was too lazy) to see Rage, via Chateau Page. The crowd were mental from the moment they walked on. Zak De La Rocha's rant on Israel was good (and quite true). Not bad to shoot, it was crazy on and off stage. A hot sticky Sunday. Drove into London to see my friend Steve Kidd, tour manager for Rage Against The Machine, then came home and ran to clear my mind - it didn't work, but at the end I felt better for doing it. Still having looney thoughts though, so to speak, as my mind "wanders". Made Kazuyo drive to Finsbury Park (as I was too lazy) to see Rage, via Chateau Page. The crowd were mental from the moment they walked on. Zak De La Rocha's rant on Israel was good (and quite true). Not bad to shoot, it was crazy on and off stage. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Sun, 6 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin June 1st and it's raining - nice. John Bionelli rang me from South America today. 'Real Rock and Roll has happened in Hamburg - look online!' I look on my laptop. John has sent me a youtube link of Kiss onstage playing The Elder? Noooooooooo - they are playing Beth with Eric Singer singing. It is truly cringe-inducingly bad. mean, the song is crap in the first place. I tell John this. 'Crap - crap? What do you mean? This is the song I'm having played at my wedding when I get re-married dressed as Gene.' He sounds disgusted. June 1st and it's raining - nice. John Bionelli rang me from South America today. 'Real Rock and Roll has happened in Hamburg - look online!' I look on my laptop. John has sent me a youtube link of Kiss onstage playing The Elder? Noooooooooo - they are playing Beth with Eric Singer singing. It is truly cringe-inducingly bad. mean, the song is crap in the first place. I tell John this. 'Crap - crap? What do you mean? This is the song I'm having played at my wedding when I get re-married dressed as Gene.' He sounds disgusted. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2010/diary-june-2010.php Tue, 1 June 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up early, made myself run which I find hard at 7am. Then had to go to the North of England to redo my will as I realised the Evil One, my first wife, was still on it. It was pleasurable but tiring. If I'd stayed on the train I'd have ended up in Newcastle. When I got back to Victoria I at least felt I'd reached civilisation... Carmine Rojas called to invite me to see Joe Bonamassa at Hammersmith tonight, which I did and enjoyed it. Ian Anderson came on and did New Day Yesterday and Locomotive Breath. Got up early, made myself run which I find hard at 7am. Then had to go to the North of England to redo my will as I realised the Evil One, my first wife, was still on it. It was pleasurable but tiring. If I'd stayed on the train I'd have ended up in Newcastle. When I got back to Victoria I at least felt I'd reached civilisation... Carmine Rojas called to invite me to see Joe Bonamassa at Hammersmith tonight, which I did and enjoyed it. Ian Anderson came on and did New Day Yesterday and Locomotive Breath. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Fri, 28 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Didn't sleep at all last night with my mind racing like a lunatic - having loony thoughts. Spent the day tired, trying to get my brain to settle down... Off to the Albert Hall for Paul Weller whose birthday it is today. We are the same age and Paul said to me he didn't enjoy his forties but he likes being in his fifties. I don't know if I agree, I admit I'm okay with my age, just need to get married - if I can keep myself from turning into a grumpy old man. Didn't sleep at all last night with my mind racing like a lunatic - having loony thoughts. Spent the day tired, trying to get my brain to settle down... Off to the Albert Hall for Paul Weller whose birthday it is today. We are the same age and Paul said to me he didn't enjoy his forties but he likes being in his fifties. I don't know if I agree, I admit I'm okay with my age, just need to get married - if I can keep myself from turning into a grumpy old man. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Tue, 25 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw Phil Alexander, editor of Mojo, for lunch. We didn't bother to mange as we went to a store called FOB in Shaftsbury Avenue. It has some bargains - we both got Ginger Baker in Africa, a tv documentary from 1971, for £2.00 (I'm sure it's crap), and I got The Sun, about Emperor Hirohito, The Night Porter just for Charlotte Rampling dressed up in a Waffen SS outfit (a bit of Nazi chic), and Battle Of Wits, Andy Lau chopping lots of people to pieces, all for £3.00. Then got Valhalla Rising with Mads Mikkelsen chopping people up as well. And, to show my age, Ten Years After, Watt, which I got on LP when I was fourteen. Saw Phil Alexander, editor of Mojo, for lunch. We didn't bother to mange as we went to a store called FOB in Shaftsbury Avenue. It has some bargains - we both got Ginger Baker in Africa, a tv documentary from 1971, for £2.00 (I'm sure it's crap), and I got The Sun, about Emperor Hirohito, The Night Porter just for Charlotte Rampling dressed up in a Waffen SS outfit (a bit of Nazi chic), and Battle Of Wits, Andy Lau chopping lots of people to pieces, all for £3.00. Then got Valhalla Rising with Mads Mikkelsen chopping people up as well. And, to show my age, Ten Years After, Watt, which I got on LP when I was fourteen. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Thu, 20 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin "The world is full of kings and queens". I think that's the right words from Heaven And Hell. Been getting requests today for Ronnie Dio. I'm going to put up and out the Mob Rules period before he became too Dungeons And Dragons which I also shot. I liked Ronnie, he was a nice man. Thinking about dying, I'm going to watch the Japanese film Departures this evening. We all depart, in our own way. People observe the colours of the day at it's beginning and end - you should look and notice more. "The world is full of kings and queens". I think that's the right words from Heaven And Hell. Been getting requests today for Ronnie Dio. I'm going to put up and out the Mob Rules period before he became too Dungeons And Dragons which I also shot. I liked Ronnie, he was a nice man. Thinking about dying, I'm going to watch the Japanese film Departures this evening. We all depart, in our own way. People observe the colours of the day at it's beginning and end - you should look and notice more. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Mon, 17 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had dinner this evening with Paul Stanley and Jimmy Page. We went to Nobu - the paparrazi outside had a field day. Janet Jackson was at the next table eating a bucket of KFC with rock shrimp tempura, which looked like chicken nuggets. She caught Paul's eye who went and said hello and introduced Jimmy to her - they are now doing solos on her new version of Beat It. They all chatted and the best part was she didn't ask how Gene Simmon's was or talk about how Gene was bigger than the Beatles. Paul treated us to dinner, and Dragan and Mee Ok looked after us. It was a chilled rock star evening, extremely pleasant. Had dinner this evening with Paul Stanley and Jimmy Page. We went to Nobu - the paparrazi outside had a field day. Janet Jackson was at the next table eating a bucket of KFC with rock shrimp tempura, which looked like chicken nuggets. She caught Paul's eye who went and said hello and introduced Jimmy to her - they are now doing solos on her new version of Beat It. They all chatted and the best part was she didn't ask how Gene Simmon's was or talk about how Gene was bigger than the Beatles. Paul treated us to dinner, and Dragan and Mee Ok looked after us. It was a chilled rock star evening, extremely pleasant. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Sat, 15 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin More of the Gods Of Thunder at Wembley. A pain to shoot - too many security guys in the pit. Got into it towards the end and the second half of the Kiss show is spectacular to shoot. In fact the last bit is a photographers dream - fantastic light show, all of Gene Simmon's doing (so he told me). I loved it, at least Kiss give you a show, you get what you pay for. The crowd were a big mix of young and old. A lot of kids who were into it down the front, instead of old men like John Bionelli... More of the Gods Of Thunder at Wembley. A pain to shoot - too many security guys in the pit. Got into it towards the end and the second half of the Kiss show is spectacular to shoot. In fact the last bit is a photographers dream - fantastic light show, all of Gene Simmon's doing (so he told me). I loved it, at least Kiss give you a show, you get what you pay for. The crowd were a big mix of young and old. A lot of kids who were into it down the front, instead of old men like John Bionelli... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Thu, 13 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Alright London, You Wanted The Best You Got The Best - KISS! I don't care that John Bionelli works for Aerosmith, I know he'd rather be working for the Gods Of Thunder, polishing their platform boots and writing the set list. I mean, I can't see John singing "JJJJJ-Jaded" every night when he can "Shout It Out Loud" or "Lick It Up" I went along to see Kiss destroy Wembley with the dynamic duo of Makowski and Page (Paul had invited us). We went in to see Paul Stanley who was so tall in platforms we three looked like midgets. Took a some photos of Jimmy and Paul then JP and Tommy Thayer who, when Eric Singer tried to join in, was pushed out of the way by Tommy (very funny). Eric promised to buy me a Rolex if I took a photo of him and JP - I'll take a photo for a Daytona... Oddly it was all the people working for Kiss who were annoying Jimmy for photos and not the crowd. Great light show, shot the show from the mixing desk - I'm in the pit tomorrow. Alright London, You Wanted The Best You Got The Best - KISS! I don't care that John Bionelli works for Aerosmith, I know he'd rather be working for the Gods Of Thunder, polishing their platform boots and writing the set list. I mean, I can't see John singing "JJJJJ-Jaded" every night when he can "Shout It Out Loud" or "Lick It Up" I went along to see Kiss destroy Wembley with the dynamic duo of Makowski and Page (Paul had invited us). We went in to see Paul Stanley who was so tall in platforms we three looked like midgets. Took a some photos of Jimmy and Paul then JP and Tommy Thayer who, when Eric Singer tried to join in, was pushed out of the way by Tommy (very funny). Eric promised to buy me a Rolex if I took a photo of him and JP - I'll take a photo for a Daytona... Oddly it was all the people working for Kiss who were annoying Jimmy for photos and not the crowd. Great light show, shot the show from the mixing desk - I'm in the pit tomorrow. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Wed, 12 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Ian Hunter today - "Work can be fun and men can enjoy it". Sometimes in life work can be fun. Both Peter Makowski and I had been looking forward to doing Ian Hunter. He was a gracious host, as was his wife Trudy. We talked about the war (as in WW2), the '60s, the '70s and after I'd finished he said to Pete, 'Now for the easy part!' And he looks incredible for being seventy one years old. Got my record deck today, I felt as if I'd just had sex with Koyuki or Lucy Liu. Well, I might be exaggerating a bit here, but it was exciting. Ian Hunter today - "Work can be fun and men can enjoy it". Sometimes in life work can be fun. Both Peter Makowski and I had been looking forward to doing Ian Hunter. He was a gracious host, as was his wife Trudy. We talked about the war (as in WW2), the '60s, the '70s and after I'd finished he said to Pete, 'Now for the easy part!' And he looks incredible for being seventy one years old. Got my record deck today, I felt as if I'd just had sex with Koyuki or Lucy Liu. Well, I might be exaggerating a bit here, but it was exciting. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Tue, 11 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saturday morning and it's raining, a shitty day - I even miss Miami. I woke up at 6am and thought I'll nap for five minutes, make love, then go for a run. The next thing I know it's 10am - awful, I feel like my day has gone. Now on my third cup of coffee then off to London to look around the record shops with Peter Makowski and Jimmy Page. Saturday morning and it's raining, a shitty day - I even miss Miami. I woke up at 6am and thought I'll nap for five minutes, make love, then go for a run. The next thing I know it's 10am - awful, I feel like my day has gone. Now on my third cup of coffee then off to London to look around the record shops with Peter Makowski and Jimmy Page. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Sat, 8 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A big shoot today - Jimmy Page for something he has coming soon, plus Ozzy Osbourne. The two Princes of Darkness. Kazuyo asked me if Tony Dennis (Ozzy's man Friday) was gay. 'Is he a bummer?' she asked. 'Ask him,' I said. I told Ozzy that Kaz is convinced Tony likes men. Ozzy thought that was hysterical. Tony was overjoyed to hear I was a single man and spent the whole day wanting my ex's phone number, pestering Kaz. 'He's pretending to like women,' she said. Both Jimmy and Ozzy looked stylish. I even shot them together just for the hell of it. A big shoot today - Jimmy Page for something he has coming soon, plus Ozzy Osbourne. The two Princes of Darkness. Kazuyo asked me if Tony Dennis (Ozzy's man Friday) was gay. 'Is he a bummer?' she asked. 'Ask him,' I said. I told Ozzy that Kaz is convinced Tony likes men. Ozzy thought that was hysterical. Tony was overjoyed to hear I was a single man and spent the whole day wanting my ex's phone number, pestering Kaz. 'He's pretending to like women,' she said. Both Jimmy and Ozzy looked stylish. I even shot them together just for the hell of it. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Fri, 7 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A sunny day at home, overrun with people I like, and one I find hugely irritating. Woke up this morning to find Peter Makowski had left eight used cups all over my house half full of cold coffee, plus to round it off a bowl of half-eaten ice cream which had now melted onto my floor - and the disgusting Pole didn't get up until 11am... Steffan Chirazi spent today with me writing copy for my Ultimate Metallica, which has a surprise at the end, a fan letter, just so you can see the love I get everyday. A sunny day at home, overrun with people I like, and one I find hugely irritating. Woke up this morning to find Peter Makowski had left eight used cups all over my house half full of cold coffee, plus to round it off a bowl of half-eaten ice cream which had now melted onto my floor - and the disgusting Pole didn't get up until 11am... Steffan Chirazi spent today with me writing copy for my Ultimate Metallica, which has a surprise at the end, a fan letter, just so you can see the love I get everyday. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Thu, 6 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin My local female Tory MP claims to be able to cure homosexuality by prayer and through Jesus in her local church. She claims she has "cured" homos already. Hallelujah, I know someone just like her in Las Vegas who moved from Crawley to cure fairies there. It must be true that Jesus saves. As Lenny Kravitz sings, Let Love Rule... Peter Makowski called at 8am to tell me he was going to have a bath My local female Tory MP claims to be able to cure homosexuality by prayer and through Jesus in her local church. She claims she has "cured" homos already. Hallelujah, I know someone just like her in Las Vegas who moved from Crawley to cure fairies there. It must be true that Jesus saves. As Lenny Kravitz sings, Let Love Rule... Peter Makowski called at 8am to tell me he was going to have a bath http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Wed, 5 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent Saturday night in Miami Beach. It was full on - people cruising, drunk people falling down in the street. I had dinner at Spiga, an Italian restaurant. I waited an hour for my food and asked if they were out catching the fish. 'Don't you know how a kitchen works?' said the arrogant waiter. 'I know exactly how a kitchen works,' I said, thinking go fuck yourself. He then stuck 20% tip on the bill and left a space for an additional tip - only in America... I photographed a crazy man yesterday. He told me it was his birthday and wanted his picture taken as he posed like Mark E. Smith Spent Saturday night in Miami Beach. It was full on - people cruising, drunk people falling down in the street. I had dinner at Spiga, an Italian restaurant. I waited an hour for my food and asked if they were out catching the fish. 'Don't you know how a kitchen works?' said the arrogant waiter. 'I know exactly how a kitchen works,' I said, thinking go fuck yourself. He then stuck 20% tip on the bill and left a space for an additional tip - only in America... I photographed a crazy man yesterday. He told me it was his birthday and wanted his picture taken as he posed like Mark E. Smith http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Sun, 2 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a good time in the Bahamas with Lenny Kravitz. He was helpful and easy, a gentleman. Iit was full on in a good way. Ended up shooting him on the beach with a metallic blue sky over clear white sand. Then in his studio and hanging out with his dog - it's nice when things work. The only thing missing was a bucket of KFC - I got bored with freshly caught tuna and couch, I need a fifteen-piece bucket. The one amusing thing was Jimmy Hubbard driving me around in the dark, buzzed. I don't think drinking and driving is banned here. I told Jimmy I'd drive as I'm sober. I am accused by my ex of being the world's worst driver but I had to be better than Jimmy who seemed to think the Island was a racing track to zoom around. In pitch darkness. Flew back to Miami, a huge difference from where I've just been. Had a good time in the Bahamas with Lenny Kravitz. He was helpful and easy, a gentleman. Iit was full on in a good way. Ended up shooting him on the beach with a metallic blue sky over clear white sand. Then in his studio and hanging out with his dog - it's nice when things work. The only thing missing was a bucket of KFC - I got bored with freshly caught tuna and couch, I need a fifteen-piece bucket. The one amusing thing was Jimmy Hubbard driving me around in the dark, buzzed. I don't think drinking and driving is banned here. I told Jimmy I'd drive as I'm sober. I am accused by my ex of being the world's worst driver but I had to be better than Jimmy who seemed to think the Island was a racing track to zoom around. In pitch darkness. Flew back to Miami, a huge difference from where I've just been. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2010/diary-may-2010.php Sat, 1 May 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Miami. Went for coffee at 5am, there were lots of the worst kind of Americans wandering around. Loud! I mean, why do you need to shout at this time of the morning? Ordering a load of shit pastries, burgers etc and all going off fishing, and even worse, to play golf - "let's eat a giant cheese burger to start the day". I hate both of those sports, if you can even call it sport. Golf, yuk... I've heard a horrible rumour that the Mighty Priest play golf - golf is for homosexuals... Miami. Went for coffee at 5am, there were lots of the worst kind of Americans wandering around. Loud! I mean, why do you need to shout at this time of the morning? Ordering a load of shit pastries, burgers etc and all going off fishing, and even worse, to play golf - "let's eat a giant cheese burger to start the day". I hate both of those sports, if you can even call it sport. Golf, yuk... I've heard a horrible rumour that the Mighty Priest play golf - golf is for homosexuals... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'm writing this at 4am as I'm up and heading to the airport - off to Miami via Washington on a dawn flight. I'll be in The Bahamas on Wednesday and I was moaning to someone about this at the weekend. 'Hey, you could be unemployed,' they retorted. I am unemployed , I thought, I have been since 1976... I'm writing this at 4am as I'm up and heading to the airport - off to Miami via Washington on a dawn flight. I'll be in The Bahamas on Wednesday and I was moaning to someone about this at the weekend. 'Hey, you could be unemployed,' they retorted. I am unemployed , I thought, I have been since 1976... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A baking hot Saturday, and what did I do? I sat in the garden? Errrr, no, I did what all sad people of my age do and went to the Olympia Record Fair with Jimmy Page... Dropped my car off at Chateau Page and we walked. He knows the short cuts, which as he's lived in the area since 1972 he would. People generally were respectful and left him alone. He got some boring Bob Dylan cds. I got a mint Next SAHB with an American cover, Steven Stills, the album in the snow, Brinsley Schwarz 1st LP with the Indian painting looking off into the sunset - I'd love a UK copy if anyone has one (terrible band), A baking hot Saturday, and what did I do? I sat in the garden? Errrr, no, I did what all sad people of my age do and went to the Olympia Record Fair with Jimmy Page... Dropped my car off at Chateau Page and we walked. He knows the short cuts, which as he's lived in the area since 1972 he would. People generally were respectful and left him alone. He got some boring Bob Dylan cds. I got a mint Next SAHB with an American cover, Steven Stills, the album in the snow, Brinsley Schwarz 1st LP with the Indian painting looking off into the sunset - I'd love a UK copy if anyone has one (terrible band), http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw Jimmy Page's book today. He and I along with Catharine (from Genesis Books) and Kazuyo checked it with his handwritten copy. It looks good - and I'm a bit bored with it by now. Having spent so much time on it you always get bored at the end of finishing a book, but I'm very pleased with it - even though I'm a bit Led Zeppelined out at the moment. As they are coming this summer I've been playing Soundgarden's Like Suicide and Outshined, Slaves And Bulldozers. I was also playing Jeff Beck's Truth which isn't as good as I remember it - listening to the bootlegs they were magnificent live. Saw Jimmy Page's book today. He and I along with Catharine (from Genesis Books) and Kazuyo checked it with his handwritten copy. It looks good - and I'm a bit bored with it by now. Having spent so much time on it you always get bored at the end of finishing a book, but I'm very pleased with it - even though I'm a bit Led Zeppelined out at the moment. As they are coming this summer I've been playing Soundgarden's Like Suicide and Outshined, Slaves And Bulldozers. I was also playing Jeff Beck's Truth which isn't as good as I remember it - listening to the bootlegs they were magnificent live. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Watched Das Boot Director's Cut, a bit dated, then I was going to watch Farewell My Concubine but it wouldn't play so I tried goodbye Dragon Inn by Tsai Ming-Liang, who made What Time Is It There which I liked. I've had this movie for a couple of years it is soooooooooooooo boring. I thought it was homoerotic - perhaps it is. I sat watching it in a disconnected way the same as you would in a queue waiting for a bus or a train or waiting for a call that never comes - it was perverse. Watched Das Boot Director's Cut, a bit dated, then I was going to watch Farewell My Concubine but it wouldn't play so I tried goodbye Dragon Inn by Tsai Ming-Liang, who made What Time Is It There which I liked. I've had this movie for a couple of years it is soooooooooooooo boring. I thought it was homoerotic - perhaps it is. I sat watching it in a disconnected way the same as you would in a queue waiting for a bus or a train or waiting for a call that never comes - it was perverse. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Still not a plane in the sky. Strange, it's like a sunny version of the book The Road - eerie... It's one of those days where I can't get enthusiastic about anything. Steffan Chirazi did make me finish writing some copy for my Metallica book and he has done an excellent job sorting out the copy, plus an interview with your truly. So a big thank you. It should be out in the autumn. Still not a plane in the sky. Strange, it's like a sunny version of the book The Road - eerie... It's one of those days where I can't get enthusiastic about anything. Steffan Chirazi did make me finish writing some copy for my Metallica book and he has done an excellent job sorting out the copy, plus an interview with your truly. So a big thank you. It should be out in the autumn. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Another beautiful warm sunny day. I did what an old man does on a day like this, went to London and wandered around looked in my favourite record shop JB'S in Hanway Street. Got Black And Blue - Rolling Stones, Gasoline Alley - Rod Stewart, a US pressing original pressing with a embossed cover (really nice). I would like to get a mint copy. These Foolish Things - Bryan Ferry (great record, it was £2.00 unplayed), Warner Bros Fruity Compilation from 1972 with Alice Cooper Under My Wheels.. Another beautiful warm sunny day. I did what an old man does on a day like this, went to London and wandered around looked in my favourite record shop JB'S in Hanway Street. Got Black And Blue - Rolling Stones, Gasoline Alley - Rod Stewart, a US pressing original pressing with a embossed cover (really nice). I would like to get a mint copy. These Foolish Things - Bryan Ferry (great record, it was £2.00 unplayed), Warner Bros Fruity Compilation from 1972 with Alice Cooper Under My Wheels. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Sat, 17 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Strange, sunny weather with not a plane in the sky. Odd how we've got used to seeing aeroplanes without thinking anything about it and now a volcano goes off and there's nothing. I was going to Los Angeles today, now going nowhere... Went on a date to a good Vietnamese restaurant called Mien Tay in Battersea instead. Staying in like the old man I am to watch the Descent Part 2. Strange, sunny weather with not a plane in the sky. Odd how we've got used to seeing aeroplanes without thinking anything about it and now a volcano goes off and there's nothing. I was going to Los Angeles today, now going nowhere... Went on a date to a good Vietnamese restaurant called Mien Tay in Battersea instead. Staying in like the old man I am to watch the Descent Part 2. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Joe Perry at the 100 Club. The last time I was here was with Metallica and that was before the Black Album. I missed soundcheck where (according to Peter Makowski) Joe and the band jammed on Highway Chile while Hagen, the German singer, looked on baffled. Oh well, the real singer will be back soon. I was surprised that I got some decent photos. Joe forgot to play Toys In The Attic - I tapped him on the jacket to remind him. Joe Perry at the 100 Club. The last time I was here was with Metallica and that was before the Black Album. I missed soundcheck where (according to Peter Makowski) Joe and the band jammed on Highway Chile while Hagen, the German singer, looked on baffled. Oh well, the real singer will be back soon. I was surprised that I got some decent photos. Joe forgot to play Toys In The Attic - I tapped him on the jacket to remind him. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had dinner this evening with Joe Perry, Jimmy Page, John Bionelli, Peter Makowski, Kazuyo and Jessica Squire. We ate at Bam-Bou, a Vietnamese restaurant. A private room to ourselves which made it a relaxed evening, the highlight being when John Bionelli declared (after several pints of wine) 'Paul Rodgers is okay, but let's face it, he's not the Love Gun. He's no Paul Stanley - Feel Like Making Love is no I Was Made For Loving You!' He proceeded to sing it to a startled Jimmy and Joe who politely asked for the bill and said, Had dinner this evening with Joe Perry, Jimmy Page, John Bionelli, Peter Makowski, Kazuyo and Jessica Squire. We ate at Bam-Bou, a Vietnamese restaurant. A private room to ourselves which made it a relaxed evening, the highlight being when John Bionelli declared (after several pints of wine) 'Paul Rodgers is okay, but let's face it, he's not the Love Gun. He's no Paul Stanley - Feel Like Making Love is no I Was Made For Loving You!' He proceeded to sing it to a startled Jimmy and Joe who politely asked for the bill and said, http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Met up with Jimmy Page and Peter Makowski. Kazuyo drove us to Wembley which turned into the drive from hell as we arrived as Wembley Stadium was emptying out from the football - thousands of bald people walking all over the streets looking angry. Got into Wembley Arena and watched Steve Rodgers open, who was good. Then Jimmy went to say hello to Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. took some photos of them and Joe Perry joined us. We watched the Joe Perry set. Joe dedicated Train Kept A Rollin' to Jimmy and finished it playing the riff to Whole Lotta Love. Met up with Jimmy Page and Peter Makowski. Kazuyo drove us to Wembley which turned into the drive from hell as we arrived as Wembley Stadium was emptying out from the football - thousands of bald people walking all over the streets looking angry. Got into Wembley Arena and watched Steve Rodgers open, who was good. Then Jimmy went to say hello to Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. took some photos of them and Joe Perry joined us. We watched the Joe Perry set. Joe dedicated Train Kept A Rollin' to Jimmy and finished it playing the riff to Whole Lotta Love. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A seriously beautiful sunny day in London. Went to Brighton in the afternoon. Kazuyo drove, I fell asleep it was so warm, a glorious day. Got down around 4pm. As they say, "Nothing is planned by the sea and the sand". Shot Joe Perry doing soundcheck at the Brighton Centre, then at 6pm got Joe to walk down to the seafront to take some photos. I was explaining Quadrophenia to him and he was looking at me as if I was crazy - 5.15, Sea And Sand, Drowned, Bell Boy... A seriously beautiful sunny day in London. Went to Brighton in the afternoon. Kazuyo drove, I fell asleep it was so warm, a glorious day. Got down around 4pm. As they say, "Nothing is planned by the sea and the sand". Shot Joe Perry doing soundcheck at the Brighton Centre, then at 6pm got Joe to walk down to the seafront to take some photos. I was explaining Quadrophenia to him and he was looking at me as if I was crazy - 5.15, Sea And Sand, Drowned, Bell Boy... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Sat, 10 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Rudolf Schenker turned up at 9am dressed and ready to work. Matthias Jabs turned up at 9.15 and off I went and did a photo shoot. It was super-productive with Rudolf insisting that I take photos of him in the pool fully dressed with his Flying V guitar. It was old school in an enjoyable way. Left a wet Rudolf who was off to Frankfurt. The afternoon was spent shooting STP, or The Stone Temple Pilots. It's been a while but it was good as well. Scott Weiland had on two different shoes, which he blamed on his assistant - it was also her last day. It took a while for Scott to warm up. Then he clicked and gave me what I wanted in his slightly strange rock singer way. A pleasure seeing Dean, Eric and Robert. Rudolf Schenker turned up at 9am dressed and ready to work. Matthias Jabs turned up at 9.15 and off I went and did a photo shoot. It was super-productive with Rudolf insisting that I take photos of him in the pool fully dressed with his Flying V guitar. It was old school in an enjoyable way. Left a wet Rudolf who was off to Frankfurt. The afternoon was spent shooting STP, or The Stone Temple Pilots. It's been a while but it was good as well. Scott Weiland had on two different shoes, which he blamed on his assistant - it was also her last day. It took a while for Scott to warm up. Then he clicked and gave me what I wanted in his slightly strange rock singer way. A pleasure seeing Dean, Eric and Robert. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Wed, 7 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Stayed up till 1am then gave in to Morpheus, which didn't work as I was up again at 3am, 4am and 5am. Gave in and got up. Went to the gym, put my ipod on and the first song was Make It Real by The Scorpions. Saw Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker at my hotel - Rudolf told me he's going to make a record with Michael Schenker. The Scorpions are, and I mean this, really really nice people. Also saw Billy Duffy and Dave Navarro, and Andrew from Wolfmother. The thing I like about LA is you run into people you know and don't normally see. Stayed up till 1am then gave in to Morpheus, which didn't work as I was up again at 3am, 4am and 5am. Gave in and got up. Went to the gym, put my ipod on and the first song was Make It Real by The Scorpions. Saw Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker at my hotel - Rudolf told me he's going to make a record with Michael Schenker. The Scorpions are, and I mean this, really really nice people. Also saw Billy Duffy and Dave Navarro, and Andrew from Wolfmother. The thing I like about LA is you run into people you know and don't normally see. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Tue, 6 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew to Los Angeles today on an empty flight. All I did was feel spaced, too much on my mind. Bumped into the very refreshed Scorpions at my hotel. LA is cold, I was surprised - it's supposed to warm up. My big worry is jet lag - waking up at 3am and pacing the room and waiting for the dawn light... Flew to Los Angeles today on an empty flight. All I did was feel spaced, too much on my mind. Bumped into the very refreshed Scorpions at my hotel. LA is cold, I was surprised - it's supposed to warm up. My big worry is jet lag - waking up at 3am and pacing the room and waiting for the dawn light... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Mon, 5 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Easter Sunday - sunny which is very nice. Yes, the sun does pick up your mood, for a whole five minutes. As it's Easter and Jesus died here are some real deaths - just found out Micky Jones, the guitarist from Man, has died. I loved Man in the day - they were the first band I ever shot live and I have a good picture of Micky from the Fairfield Halls in Croydon. And also singer Lesley Duncan has died- I had a huge crush on her as a teenager. Easter Sunday - sunny which is very nice. Yes, the sun does pick up your mood, for a whole five minutes. As it's Easter and Jesus died here are some real deaths - just found out Micky Jones, the guitarist from Man, has died. I loved Man in the day - they were the first band I ever shot live and I have a good picture of Micky from the Fairfield Halls in Croydon. And also singer Lesley Duncan has died- I had a huge crush on her as a teenager. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Sun, 4 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin There is nothing more crazy than people in America believing tornadoes etc are the work of the devil - and that Jesus saves. In the Philippines today people crucify themselves in the name of the Jesus, which is something I'd like to photograph. I'm agnostic - something had to create all this, but I don't think the Son of God is saving anyone. And it's raining in London... There is nothing more crazy than people in America believing tornadoes etc are the work of the devil - and that Jesus saves. In the Philippines today people crucify themselves in the name of the Jesus, which is something I'd like to photograph. I'm agnostic - something had to create all this, but I don't think the Son of God is saving anyone. And it's raining in London... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Fri, 2 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Summer's here and it's Arctic winter again this week - at least it's still light. What a strange day it's been - cold but sunny and it kind of cheers you up, then all out cloud, rain and hail to depress you. A weird day, very up and now down... Summer's here and it's Arctic winter again this week - at least it's still light. What a strange day it's been - cold but sunny and it kind of cheers you up, then all out cloud, rain and hail to depress you. A weird day, very up and now down... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2010/diary-april-2010.php Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Here are some excerpts from emails I've had about my Masterclass at the 02 - somebody liked it...! I just wanted to say thank you for the talk you gave the other night (Wednesday 24th) at the o2. It was really inspirational and has made me even more eager to get out there and take some photos of live bands and portraiture. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your masterclass at the BME on Wednesday night. It was so refreshing listening to someone tell it how it is, as opposed to the often-heard sugar-coated stories of rock stars Here are some excerpts from emails I've had about my Masterclass at the 02 - somebody liked it...! I just wanted to say thank you for the talk you gave the other night (Wednesday 24th) at the o2. It was really inspirational and has made me even more eager to get out there and take some photos of live bands and portraiture. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your masterclass at the BME on Wednesday night. It was so refreshing listening to someone tell it how it is, as opposed to the often-heard sugar-coated stories of rock stars http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went to the 02 for a Ross Halfin Master Class at the British Music Experience (I didn't call it that), which was me talking about photography to a hundred people. I was asked when I turned professional. I'm still not sure how you'd define "professional photographer" - I don't subscribe to you must do this or that - do what works for you. Do I still enjoy it? Yes, depending on who you shoot. There were even a few Australians in the audience which surprised me. I tried not to be to boring - I thought of some stuff I should have said afterwards. Paul Lilley from the BME was a good host. Heard the sad news that Jim Marshall has died, one of the true greats of music photography. He was found dead in a hotel room in NY. Jim shot all the classic acts - Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers amongst many others - and one of his Who photos from Woodstock hangs in my living room Went to the 02 for a Ross Halfin Master Class at the British Music Experience (I didn't call it that), which was me talking about photography to a hundred people. I was asked when I turned professional. I'm still not sure how you'd define "professional photographer" - I don't subscribe to you must do this or that - do what works for you. Do I still enjoy it? Yes, depending on who you shoot. There were even a few Australians in the audience which surprised me. I tried not to be to boring - I thought of some stuff I should have said afterwards. Paul Lilley from the BME was a good host. Heard the sad news that Jim Marshall has died, one of the true greats of music photography. He was found dead in a hotel room in NY. Jim shot all the classic acts - Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers amongst many others - and one of his Who photos from Woodstock hangs in my living room http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Shot Them Crooked Vultures at The Royal Albert Hall (it's the first night of the Teenage Cancer Trust shows). Did a studio set up deep in the bowels of the Albert Hall. Of course my lights, which had been exposing perfectly, made John Paul Jones a stop different to Dave and Josh - just as they lined up. But I got it right in the end. It went well, even shot some black and white, as in film. Said hello to Roger Daltrey then did a bit of reportage before the show in the dressing room. The show was loud, Deep Purple loud. The bass and drums moved you, literally. Good light show as well. Came home feeling deaf - I sat in bed and realised I could only hear out of one ear... Shot Them Crooked Vultures at The Royal Albert Hall (it's the first night of the Teenage Cancer Trust shows). Did a studio set up deep in the bowels of the Albert Hall. Of course my lights, which had been exposing perfectly, made John Paul Jones a stop different to Dave and Josh - just as they lined up. But I got it right in the end. It went well, even shot some black and white, as in film. Said hello to Roger Daltrey then did a bit of reportage before the show in the dressing room. The show was loud, Deep Purple loud. The bass and drums moved you, literally. Good light show as well. Came home feeling deaf - I sat in bed and realised I could only hear out of one ear... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw Harry Brown, which was good apart from the ending where it turned into Die Hard 4. The junkie in the bed of grass was disgusting and it reminded me of working just off the Charing Cross Road years ago. You'd see them all shivering waiting to score. I'd often see a grey-looking Andy McCoy from Hanoi Rocks in the midst of them. We should do what they do in China and the middle east - round them up and execute the lot of them... Playing Golden Earring To The Hilt - nice album cover, must find it on vinyl. Paul Weller's new cd sounds as if Paul's been playing early '70s Bowie. Played Kazuyo Hot Rats, she said 'It's rubbish, sounds like hotel music.' And you know, she is quite right. The album covers good, an infra red photo of a GTO in a storm drain but the music, just like the Grateful Dead, is bollocks. Saw Harry Brown, which was good apart from the ending where it turned into Die Hard 4. The junkie in the bed of grass was disgusting and it reminded me of working just off the Charing Cross Road years ago. You'd see them all shivering waiting to score. I'd often see a grey-looking Andy McCoy from Hanoi Rocks in the midst of them. We should do what they do in China and the middle east - round them up and execute the lot of them... Playing Golden Earring To The Hilt - nice album cover, must find it on vinyl. Paul Weller's new cd sounds as if Paul's been playing early '70s Bowie. Played Kazuyo Hot Rats, she said 'It's rubbish, sounds like hotel music.' And you know, she is quite right. The album covers good, an infra red photo of a GTO in a storm drain but the music, just like the Grateful Dead, is bollocks. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Today's Independent has Arts & Books with a cover story on the Runaways as "The Band That Changed Pop Forever". Give me a break, I shot them when all the hype was in full swing at the Roundhouse in 1976 and let me tell you folks they were shit. As in SHITTY. Could not play that well, not very good-looking and just not very good - the sort of band Robert Knight champions. Not even worth masturbating over and I was nineteen then so I should know. I might even dig my negs out and put a frame up. Alex Chilton has died and everybody is acting as if it's the end of an era. The end of Alex (not good to die), but apart from the band Big Star who only members of REM like, who's heard of him - what era? I watched the Box Tops on youtube and thought Joe Cocker did the white Stax soul man routine way better, and his version of The Letter is superior. And then I found out poor Alex was an art house junkie which ruined his career in music. Let's face it, heroin ruins you Today's Independent has Arts & Books with a cover story on the Runaways as "The Band That Changed Pop Forever". Give me a break, I shot them when all the hype was in full swing at the Roundhouse in 1976 and let me tell you folks they were shit. As in SHITTY. Could not play that well, not very good-looking and just not very good - the sort of band Robert Knight champions. Not even worth masturbating over and I was nineteen then so I should know. I might even dig my negs out and put a frame up. Alex Chilton has died and everybody is acting as if it's the end of an era. The end of Alex (not good to die), but apart from the band Big Star who only members of REM like, who's heard of him - what era? I watched the Box Tops on youtube and thought Joe Cocker did the white Stax soul man routine way better, and his version of The Letter is superior. And then I found out poor Alex was an art house junkie which ruined his career in music. Let's face it, heroin ruins you http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Mick Wall sent me his book, Appetite for Destruction, about his early writing days. Take everything he says about me with a pinch of salt. I read his intro on the toilet and yes, flying was fun and I used to get blind drunk on the pretext that I didn't like flying. Not true - it was just an excuse to drink at 7am. And flying was fun then in the front of the plane. The bit about me getting my knob out on the plane is not true. Dedicated to Peter and I - nice of Michael. Going to read it when next flying or having a leisurely time on the toilet... Mick Wall sent me his book, Appetite for Destruction, about his early writing days. Take everything he says about me with a pinch of salt. I read his intro on the toilet and yes, flying was fun and I used to get blind drunk on the pretext that I didn't like flying. Not true - it was just an excuse to drink at 7am. And flying was fun then in the front of the plane. The bit about me getting my knob out on the plane is not true. Dedicated to Peter and I - nice of Michael. Going to read it when next flying or having a leisurely time on the toilet... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Found a bargain today in the HMV store - Freakshow Misadventures in the Counterculture 1959-1971 by Albert Goldman, the very same man who wrote books and dished the dirt on Elvis and Lennon. These are his features for the New York Times and Life magazine. It is well written, there's a good piece on The Who's Tommy and Live At Leeds which includes a review of The Who at the Met. He interviews Hendrix at the Drake Hotel who plays him 1983 A Merman I Will Be. It cost me £3.00 - excellent... Found a bargain today in the HMV store - Freakshow Misadventures in the Counterculture 1959-1971 by Albert Goldman, the very same man who wrote books and dished the dirt on Elvis and Lennon. These are his features for the New York Times and Life magazine. It is well written, there's a good piece on The Who's Tommy and Live At Leeds which includes a review of The Who at the Met. He interviews Hendrix at the Drake Hotel who plays him 1983 A Merman I Will Be. It cost me £3.00 - excellent... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunny Sunday, and Mother's Day - who thought of that, a day of blackmail where you have to be nice to mother. I don't, mine's long gone, so I can think nice thoughts instead of guilt. Drove to South Kensington to Bibendum restaurant where I met Tom and Linda Chauncy for lunch, which turned into most of the afternoon. Drove home over Putney Bridge and across Wimbledon Common where I spent most of my youth. Played Focus Live At The Rainbow which is fairly boring until the two last songs - Hocus Pocus and Sylvia which has an amazing guitar intro from Jan Akkerman. Went to the Shepherd's Bush Empire to shoot Jeff Beck, who was playing with Joss Stone. He showed me photos of his new hot rod he - if I knew anything about cars I'd tell you what it is. Shot Jeff warming up playing some Mahavishu Orchestra and some Sly Stone. Nice lights, easy to shoot, wish every day was like this work wise. I left before the end and was home by midnight. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunday and you know, it's a beautiful day. I'd be happy if London was like this all the time. Gave in and got an iPhone and now I'm trying to live with it. I have no interest in the camera or the iTunes I just want a phone that I can text and email on with ease. Over the weekend I watched Heavy Metal Britannia on BBC4 which was a "HISTORY" of Heavy Metal. It had Ian Gillan (rather good), Tony Iommi/Geezer Butler/Bill Ward (all very funny) plus Brian Tatler of Diamond Head who was excellent - thoughtful and funny. And the Mighty Priest (Rob and Glenn Tipton) plus on the sidelines a morose Burke Shelly of Budgie who I remember having no sense of humour and being glum when I shot them in 1978. It had some early Iron Maiden footage and I'd forgotten how exciting they were. I told Jimmy Page to watch it as he rang me half way through. Sunday and you know, it's a beautiful day. I'd be happy if London was like this all the time. Gave in and got an iPhone and now I'm trying to live with it. I have no interest in the camera or the iTunes I just want a phone that I can text and email on with ease. Over the weekend I watched Heavy Metal Britannia on BBC4 which was a "HISTORY" of Heavy Metal. It had Ian Gillan (rather good), Tony Iommi/Geezer Butler/Bill Ward (all very funny) plus Brian Tatler of Diamond Head who was excellent - thoughtful and funny. And the Mighty Priest (Rob and Glenn Tipton) plus on the sidelines a morose Burke Shelly of Budgie who I remember having no sense of humour and being glum when I shot them in 1978. It had some early Iron Maiden footage and I'd forgotten how exciting they were. I told Jimmy Page to watch it as he rang me half way through. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Drove off to the wastelands of Islington where Paul Elliott was holding court in the Hilton hotel, next to the Angel tube. In truth it was more like a Travel Lodge. Paul, who is now doing PR and writing, couldn't stop talking. You asked him a question and he'd ignore it and carry on talking about Bon Jovi (Paul is going to every show when JBJ arrives In A Blaze Of Glory). I had a small conference room to set up in and do a photo shoot with The Gods Of Thunder. Peter Makowski was with me mainly to act as ear plugs so I didn't have to listen to more and more Bon Jovi rubbish from Paul... Pete just looked at him nodding, bored. Drove off to the wastelands of Islington where Paul Elliott was holding court in the Hilton hotel, next to the Angel tube. In truth it was more like a Travel Lodge. Paul, who is now doing PR and writing, couldn't stop talking. You asked him a question and he'd ignore it and carry on talking about Bon Jovi (Paul is going to every show when JBJ arrives In A Blaze Of Glory). I had a small conference room to set up in and do a photo shoot with The Gods Of Thunder. Peter Makowski was with me mainly to act as ear plugs so I didn't have to listen to more and more Bon Jovi rubbish from Paul... Pete just looked at him nodding, bored. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had dinner this evening with Paul Stanley, who has chopped all his hair off (and he looks much younger). Paul, Peter Makowski, my other half and I all ate at Hakkasan. It was a pleasurable evening before Kiss destroy London tomorrow night. Peter brought me a present, a vinyl bootleg Kiss "Stoned In Paris '76", live at the Olympia. I finished the evening and the early hours in Tesco's (yes, life is exciting) as Peter was moaning there was no food he likes in my house. Had dinner this evening with Paul Stanley, who has chopped all his hair off (and he looks much younger). Paul, Peter Makowski, my other half and I all ate at Hakkasan. It was a pleasurable evening before Kiss destroy London tomorrow night. Peter brought me a present, a vinyl bootleg Kiss "Stoned In Paris '76", live at the Olympia. I finished the evening and the early hours in Tesco's (yes, life is exciting) as Peter was moaning there was no food he likes in my house. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2010/diary-march-2010.php Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Read the Observer's New Review section which has a new design and is very good. A cold damp Sunday, I've been reading and playing cds. The new Jeff Beck album, Led Zeppelin, Empire Strikes Back - Empire Pool Wembley '71, where Robert Plant shouts 'Do you want to get warm?' as they blast into Whole Lotta Love. Jimmy Page told me the reason the show was so cold was there was ice skating in the arena and the Empire pool wouldn't put on any heating. I remember the show being freezing, sitting on wooden chairs over the ice in late November. Plus LZ's Rampaging Cajun, a soundboard cd from '75, it has a good Dazed And Confused. Read the Observer's New Review section which has a new design and is very good. A cold damp Sunday, I've been reading and playing cds. The new Jeff Beck album, Led Zeppelin, Empire Strikes Back - Empire Pool Wembley '71, where Robert Plant shouts 'Do you want to get warm?' as they blast into Whole Lotta Love. Jimmy Page told me the reason the show was so cold was there was ice skating in the arena and the Empire pool wouldn't put on any heating. I remember the show being freezing, sitting on wooden chairs over the ice in late November. Plus LZ's Rampaging Cajun, a soundboard cd from '75, it has a good Dazed And Confused. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin General Noriega left today, a sad farewell but I made him clean my house first. And he did it with enthusiasm, unlike Kazuyo who just says 'NO!' to the simplest request - like cleaning the toilet. Had the Aerosmith office on the phone wanting photos for ads etc, as Steven and Joe are going to slug it out on stage for you all to watch. Kazuyo says the tour is called "ikari makuri", or Fists Of Fury, or perhaps "aishitemasu" - We Love You. After being told this they need photos, photos, photos - NOW! General Noriega left today, a sad farewell but I made him clean my house first. And he did it with enthusiasm, unlike Kazuyo who just says 'NO!' to the simplest request - like cleaning the toilet. Had the Aerosmith office on the phone wanting photos for ads etc, as Steven and Joe are going to slug it out on stage for you all to watch. Kazuyo says the tour is called "ikari makuri", or Fists Of Fury, or perhaps "aishitemasu" - We Love You. After being told this they need photos, photos, photos - NOW! http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Valentines Day, "groan", flowers, cards, "I love you" (when you don't mean it) and all that rubbish. Vows you don't keep. I know, I've had GFs since I got divorced (from the EVIL one). And also JB and EC's VD lovefest at the 02. Got lost again on the way and had to ring Matt Kent for more help. The south circular is shite, if I could work it out the journey isn't bad. Ended up in the midst of what looked like a war near Crystal Palace. It turned out to be Villa versus CPFC - animals walking the streets, drinking and chanting. I stopped a policeman to ask the way, he turned out to be my friend Clyde. He looked at the scene, 'Lock your doors and get out of here...' Valentines Day, "groan", flowers, cards, "I love you" (when you don't mean it) and all that rubbish. Vows you don't keep. I know, I've had GFs since I got divorced (from the EVIL one). And also JB and EC's VD lovefest at the 02. Got lost again on the way and had to ring Matt Kent for more help. The south circular is shite, if I could work it out the journey isn't bad. Ended up in the midst of what looked like a war near Crystal Palace. It turned out to be Villa versus CPFC - animals walking the streets, drinking and chanting. I stopped a policeman to ask the way, he turned out to be my friend Clyde. He looked at the scene, 'Lock your doors and get out of here...' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to the 02. I had directions from Matt Kent as it's his manor (speaking in the native tongue of the south east). I still got lost. I had to ring him in the middle of a Millwall game where he sounded like he was in the midst of a war, like all good Millwall fans. He guided me there inbetween shouting at the other team - a big thank you. The strange part is I've lived in South London all my life and still get lost past Croydon and if I head east of Finsbury Park it's the same. I think I know LA better... Off to the 02. I had directions from Matt Kent as it's his manor (speaking in the native tongue of the south east). I still got lost. I had to ring him in the middle of a Millwall game where he sounded like he was in the midst of a war, like all good Millwall fans. He guided me there inbetween shouting at the other team - a big thank you. The strange part is I've lived in South London all my life and still get lost past Croydon and if I head east of Finsbury Park it's the same. I think I know LA better... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I keep getting mail about what I think about The Who at the Superbowl. It varies from fan worship to outright hatred. Does it matter what I think? I'm biased - I'm a Who fan! I only watched it on youtube. Thought it looked great but The Who's light show is always the same and has got boring, to say the least - two white follow spots from above (which is unflattering at their age - I know, I do this for a living), no coloured light, lots of video projecting, and it never changes. To me it looks like a VH1/MTV tv show. I keep getting mail about what I think about The Who at the Superbowl. It varies from fan worship to outright hatred. Does it matter what I think? I'm biased - I'm a Who fan! I only watched it on youtube. Thought it looked great but The Who's light show is always the same and has got boring, to say the least - two white follow spots from above (which is unflattering at their age - I know, I do this for a living), no coloured light, lots of video projecting, and it never changes. To me it looks like a VH1/MTV tv show. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Home on the range. Landed at 6am - still dark and it's cold and damp. Spent today sorting out post - magazines etc. I have a load of photos to go through but am feeling too "spaced" at the moment and it's now noon. Read Pete Makowski's Aerosmith/Joe Perry feature in Classic Rock which is very very good and all true, even with the best bits left out for legal reasons. Home on the range. Landed at 6am - still dark and it's cold and damp. Spent today sorting out post - magazines etc. I have a load of photos to go through but am feeling too "spaced" at the moment and it's now noon. Read Pete Makowski's Aerosmith/Joe Perry feature in Classic Rock which is very very good and all true, even with the best bits left out for legal reasons. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Pete and I looked around Khao San again with our friend Michael who had Medusa by Trapeze playing in his car (you can here early Iron Maiden here). Mel Galley and Glenn Hughes play with lots of space, we blasted it out while cruising the wide French-style Thai boulevards (a bit like the Champs Elysees. I also heard Captain Beyond which was dated, and two records I've never heard. Pete said 'If my record collection and music ended in 1976 I'd be happy, there's nothing of real merit after...' I gave a man begging with two children sleeping on the road some money. Came back and he'd disappeared. A Tut Tut driver motioned to a bar and pulled a face. Pete thought I shouldn't photograph the homeless - I disagree. What are you meant to show, just sunny days? Under a railway bridge we watched a blind band play. It was surprising, with poor equipment the guitarist had a good sound, playing Paranoid - imagine hearing it in rush hour by a station in 95f with a little girl singer who sang in perfect American English. We went down the river came back an hour later and they were still going. Pete and I looked around Khao San again with our friend Michael who had Medusa by Trapeze playing in his car (you can here early Iron Maiden here). Mel Galley and Glenn Hughes play with lots of space, we blasted it out while cruising the wide French-style Thai boulevards (a bit like the Champs Elysees. I also heard Captain Beyond which was dated, and two records I've never heard. Pete said 'If my record collection and music ended in 1976 I'd be happy, there's nothing of real merit after...' I gave a man begging with two children sleeping on the road some money. Came back and he'd disappeared. A Tut Tut driver motioned to a bar and pulled a face. Pete thought I shouldn't photograph the homeless - I disagree. What are you meant to show, just sunny days? Under a railway bridge we watched a blind band play. It was surprising, with poor equipment the guitarist had a good sound, playing Paranoid - imagine hearing it in rush hour by a station in 95f with a little girl singer who sang in perfect American English. We went down the river came back an hour later and they were still going. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2010/diary-february-2010.php Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin As I'm leaving today to fly back to the east I wake up to find it's a sunny beautiful day - Los Angeles won't need Noah's Ark after all. Fly up the west coast then over the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean across the dateline. Flying on United which for a bankrupt airline is always full on every flight I take. I like going this way, instead of the usual chicken/salmon/beef you can get a Japanese meal plus green tea. As I'm leaving today to fly back to the east I wake up to find it's a sunny beautiful day - Los Angeles won't need Noah's Ark after all. Fly up the west coast then over the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean across the dateline. Flying on United which for a bankrupt airline is always full on every flight I take. I like going this way, instead of the usual chicken/salmon/beef you can get a Japanese meal plus green tea. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Still raining, it feels like I'm in Manchester, not Los Angeles. Did a shoot with Neal Schon in the garden of the Sunset Marquis Hotel, under lead grey skies. It went well, I was pleased. Then off to South La Brea to shoot Slash and M Shadow for a cover of a magazine. Spoke to Paul Stanley who thanked me for bringing the weather with me to LA... Still raining, it feels like I'm in Manchester, not Los Angeles. Did a shoot with Neal Schon in the garden of the Sunset Marquis Hotel, under lead grey skies. It went well, I was pleased. Then off to South La Brea to shoot Slash and M Shadow for a cover of a magazine. Spoke to Paul Stanley who thanked me for bringing the weather with me to LA... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A bit of travel. Got up at 3am, checked out of my hotel and checked in for United's 6am flight to Tokyo, then on to Los Angeles. Only twenty hours travelling plus checking in time etc... Security were polite, asked the same questions as Heathrow and the USA but were nice about it. Not aggressive, threatening or unsmiling, like in the west. This is how it should be - they did a body and hand luggage search but you didn't mind that much as it was done properly and not by ill-mannered thugs trying to provoke you. A bit of travel. Got up at 3am, checked out of my hotel and checked in for United's 6am flight to Tokyo, then on to Los Angeles. Only twenty hours travelling plus checking in time etc... Security were polite, asked the same questions as Heathrow and the USA but were nice about it. Not aggressive, threatening or unsmiling, like in the west. This is how it should be - they did a body and hand luggage search but you didn't mind that much as it was done properly and not by ill-mannered thugs trying to provoke you. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Feeling better now - sorry to let you down if you were hoping I was on my last legs. I walked around an area called Nana in Bangkok. It was surreal, all the signs were in Arabic and Thai, all the shops were halal, plus bars with the ubiquitous smoking pipes you see all over the middle east. And the working girls lined the street looking like the lowest level street prostitute you could imagine. It could have been a rundown area of Dubai, you really had a feeling you were not in Bangkok. I had no idea it existed. Feeling better now - sorry to let you down if you were hoping I was on my last legs. I walked around an area called Nana in Bangkok. It was surreal, all the signs were in Arabic and Thai, all the shops were halal, plus bars with the ubiquitous smoking pipes you see all over the middle east. And the working girls lined the street looking like the lowest level street prostitute you could imagine. It could have been a rundown area of Dubai, you really had a feeling you were not in Bangkok. I had no idea it existed. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had one of my grand ideas - leaving before dawn for the Great Wall thus avoiding all Beijing traffic. Charlie Hernandez came with me to see the wall that stopped the mongol hordes. We got there early and watched the sun rise across the mountains - it was cold. Charlie and I were the first on the cable car to the top of the wall at Bad Da Ling. We got out and I swear I have never been so cold in my life. I felt disorientated, it was as if I wasn't there. I wanted to sit down and wait for the cold to go away as it got progressively worse. I stood up trying to figure out exposures and felt giddy and nauseous. I thought I was going to throw up, the wall was spinning. I took a few frames blindly and walked back to Charlie who also looked white and was gripping a hand rail. There was no one else there but us. I looked up at the wall that was nearly vertical, it looked daunting to even walk twenty feet. As I walked it felt as if the whole wall was moving. I just couldn't deal with it and gave up. Walking back into the tunnel to the cable car was worse, the wind stabbed at you. I sat in the cable car going back down doing everything I could not be sick. Had one of my grand ideas - leaving before dawn for the Great Wall thus avoiding all Beijing traffic. Charlie Hernandez came with me to see the wall that stopped the mongol hordes. We got there early and watched the sun rise across the mountains - it was cold. Charlie and I were the first on the cable car to the top of the wall at Bad Da Ling. We got out and I swear I have never been so cold in my life. I felt disorientated, it was as if I wasn't there. I wanted to sit down and wait for the cold to go away as it got progressively worse. I stood up trying to figure out exposures and felt giddy and nauseous. I thought I was going to throw up, the wall was spinning. I took a few frames blindly and walked back to Charlie who also looked white and was gripping a hand rail. There was no one else there but us. I looked up at the wall that was nearly vertical, it looked daunting to even walk twenty feet. As I walked it felt as if the whole wall was moving. I just couldn't deal with it and gave up. Walking back into the tunnel to the cable car was worse, the wind stabbed at you. I sat in the cable car going back down doing everything I could not be sick. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went to look at the Birds Nest Stadium in the snow. It was bearably cold, after a bit I managed to switch off to it. Inside they had built a winter wonderland with ski rides etc. It had a real feeling of deja vu about it as we were led down the same entrances as the Olympics two years ago - plus the signs were still up saying Beijing 2008. Took some photos in the crisp white snow - the building looked amazing with no one around. Went to look at the Birds Nest Stadium in the snow. It was bearably cold, after a bit I managed to switch off to it. Inside they had built a winter wonderland with ski rides etc. It had a real feeling of deja vu about it as we were led down the same entrances as the Olympics two years ago - plus the signs were still up saying Beijing 2008. Took some photos in the crisp white snow - the building looked amazing with no one around. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A press conference today for The Beijing Concert For Peace, which is happening on April 17th. Jimmy was given an award by the UN for his contribution to Music. Michael Johnson from the UN had flown in from New York to present it. Took some photos of them together, the first time I'd used my new flash gun. It took me a while to figure it out. I practised on Jimmy with Charlie Hernandez and entourage - think I sort of got it right. We went shopping to a huge Chinese department store, a "House Of Snide". Every single thing was fake, it put the Thais who know how to make snide to shame. Plus the Chinese girls hustle you, slapping you if you don't buy a load of old shit. It's charming in a strange way... A press conference today for The Beijing Concert For Peace, which is happening on April 17th. Jimmy was given an award by the UN for his contribution to Music. Michael Johnson from the UN had flown in from New York to present it. Took some photos of them together, the first time I'd used my new flash gun. It took me a while to figure it out. I practised on Jimmy with Charlie Hernandez and entourage - think I sort of got it right. We went shopping to a huge Chinese department store, a "House Of Snide". Every single thing was fake, it put the Thais who know how to make snide to shame. Plus the Chinese girls hustle you, slapping you if you don't buy a load of old shit. It's charming in a strange way... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Beijing with Jimmy Page. Beautiful day until you go out. It is the coldest I have ever been in my life. I thought Chicago or New York was bad. Years ago I shot the Specials for Sounds Magazine at the Statue Of Liberty - it was so cold my hands went blue,I thought then I've never been so cold, but this was colder. I just wanted to pee all day. I couldn't take photos, the cold sapped my energy. I took two pictures, one of a door, the other of what looked like clouds but turned out to be steam flowing from a giant chimney. And the traffic was endless, the whole city seemed to be locked in a giant traffic jam - progress... The cold made me feel brittle, as if your body could snap just like an icicle. In Beijing with Jimmy Page. Beautiful day until you go out. It is the coldest I have ever been in my life. I thought Chicago or New York was bad. Years ago I shot the Specials for Sounds Magazine at the Statue Of Liberty - it was so cold my hands went blue,I thought then I've never been so cold, but this was colder. I just wanted to pee all day. I couldn't take photos, the cold sapped my energy. I took two pictures, one of a door, the other of what looked like clouds but turned out to be steam flowing from a giant chimney. And the traffic was endless, the whole city seemed to be locked in a giant traffic jam - progress... The cold made me feel brittle, as if your body could snap just like an icicle. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Still in Thailand as England freezes, my son got home yesterday then they closed the airport. I felt guilty sending him on his own but he is twenty two, I still think of him as a kid. Been looking at Facebook. I only like doing it to annoy people. I have been contacted by people from my past, good and bad. I had one today for Melanie Safka, which must be someone taking the piss - I don't know her and she's about ninety - my first girlfriend and I would listen to Flowers In The Rain (I think that's the title) and think at fiftteen we were very adult. Still in Thailand as England freezes, my son got home yesterday then they closed the airport. I felt guilty sending him on his own but he is twenty two, I still think of him as a kid. Been looking at Facebook. I only like doing it to annoy people. I have been contacted by people from my past, good and bad. I had one today for Melanie Safka, which must be someone taking the piss - I don't know her and she's about ninety - my first girlfriend and I would listen to Flowers In The Rain (I think that's the title) and think at fiftteen we were very adult. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Welcome to 2010. I hope any of you who got hangovers feel ill, you fully deserved them, you did it to yourselves, plus I hope it took you days to recover. Plus remember God hates you all and he's not waiting for you sitting on a fluffy white cloud, look at the world in the last ten years... Perhaps one day I'll turn into Kevin Shirley and put myself in the hands of Jesus. Back to work today, which I'm doing from Bangkok. It is okay, email does work. I have three or four biggish shoots and they all clash - London, Miami, Los Angeles, New Zealand and maybe even South America. Saying all this I'll probably not get any of them... Welcome to 2010. I hope any of you who got hangovers feel ill, you fully deserved them, you did it to yourselves, plus I hope it took you days to recover. Plus remember God hates you all and he's not waiting for you sitting on a fluffy white cloud, look at the world in the last ten years... Perhaps one day I'll turn into Kevin Shirley and put myself in the hands of Jesus. Back to work today, which I'm doing from Bangkok. It is okay, email does work. I have three or four biggish shoots and they all clash - London, Miami, Los Angeles, New Zealand and maybe even South America. Saying all this I'll probably not get any of them... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2010/diary-january-2010.php Mon, 4 Jan 2010 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Am in the East - not Shoreditch or Canning Town - The Far East.. Well it's warmer here. Shot some of the twilight over the Ukraine. I watched the route map on the way here, it seemed to take forever to get over Russia until I figured out the map had frozen. I'm staying at the Shangri-La which (apart from the one in Dubai) all tend to be quite average. Am in the East - not Shoreditch or Canning Town - The Far East.. Well it's warmer here. Shot some of the twilight over the Ukraine. I watched the route map on the way here, it seemed to take forever to get over Russia until I figured out the map had frozen. I'm staying at the Shangri-La which (apart from the one in Dubai) all tend to be quite average. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I got the new Nikon D3s plus a new bag, 70-200mm lens, flash gun - not that I really use one. I lost two just leaving them around in venues and hotels. I'd gone to a Nikon lecture at Fixation where two helpful Nikon reps explained what the big differences were. A couple of people there were amateur photography wankers. Honestly that's the best word to describe them, like the fans that write on forums and the people that spend all day commenting. They wanted to know about the VIDEO capabilities then kept arguing and challenging the Nikon reps, trying to catch them out. They went on and on and on. At one point I told them if they don't like "The Video Capabilities" go and buy a video camera. It's a CAMERA... but they still kept on. I waited till it finished then asked a couple of questions and bought my cameras.The other two bought nothing but kept making notes, no doubt to post on a forum.People like this are a waste of their fathers semen - like fans on forums... I got the new Nikon D3s plus a new bag, 70-200mm lens, flash gun - not that I really use one. I lost two just leaving them around in venues and hotels. I'd gone to a Nikon lecture at Fixation where two helpful Nikon reps explained what the big differences were. A couple of people there were amateur photography wankers. Honestly that's the best word to describe them, like the fans that write on forums and the people that spend all day commenting. They wanted to know about the VIDEO capabilities then kept arguing and challenging the Nikon reps, trying to catch them out. They went on and on and on. At one point I told them if they don't like "The Video Capabilities" go and buy a video camera. It's a CAMERA... but they still kept on. I waited till it finished then asked a couple of questions and bought my cameras.The other two bought nothing but kept making notes, no doubt to post on a forum.People like this are a waste of their fathers semen - like fans on forums... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Snow - one thing I dislike even more than various members of bands is snow. Got caught out last night driving in it, picking up my "cidered" girlfriend who thought British Rail would run to her intoxicated timetable. The best was watching her have to get up the next day and freeze on her way to work not feeling too "flush" Been home all day freezing but at least it's sunny. Strange to think that Rina, my model friend from Bali who lives in Dubai, has never seen snow. Off to warmer pastures soonish... Snow - one thing I dislike even more than various members of bands is snow. Got caught out last night driving in it, picking up my "cidered" girlfriend who thought British Rail would run to her intoxicated timetable. The best was watching her have to get up the next day and freeze on her way to work not feeling too "flush" Been home all day freezing but at least it's sunny. Strange to think that Rina, my model friend from Bali who lives in Dubai, has never seen snow. Off to warmer pastures soonish... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Since Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and Metallica have announced some European shows I've had at least five magazines asking if I can shoot them all together - that's twenty people on a cover. Now, anyone can figure out that it is going to look crap (unless you are a bit dim). The other one is "can you get James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine together?" One magazine suggested arm wrestling. 'What a great idea!' People want them to hate each other - it's just not true.... I could always shoot Lars kissing Dave - that would make a good Valentines Day cover... Since Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer and Metallica have announced some European shows I've had at least five magazines asking if I can shoot them all together - that's twenty people on a cover. Now, anyone can figure out that it is going to look crap (unless you are a bit dim). The other one is "can you get James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine together?" One magazine suggested arm wrestling. 'What a great idea!' People want them to hate each other - it's just not true.... I could always shoot Lars kissing Dave - that would make a good Valentines Day cover... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went out to wander London as it was sunny and cold and Christmas-like. Not that I like it at all. Took Man Friday Noriega to carry all the shopping. Met Jimmy Page in DKNY and had the worst lunch ever. Bad service, the order was wrong, and for three sandwiches and a bit of cake it £118 plus 12% service. I don't mind paying for stuff but this was the sort of thing you get in New York with a shitty attitude. Then again it was DKNY and that's a NY store. Went out to wander London as it was sunny and cold and Christmas-like. Not that I like it at all. Took Man Friday Noriega to carry all the shopping. Met Jimmy Page in DKNY and had the worst lunch ever. Bad service, the order was wrong, and for three sandwiches and a bit of cake it £118 plus 12% service. I don't mind paying for stuff but this was the sort of thing you get in New York with a shitty attitude. Then again it was DKNY and that's a NY store. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the day with Jimmy Page and my posse of Kazuyo and Man Friday Noriega (who's over to sort out my file and serve The Master), plus the professional paddy, Dave Brolan. Been working on something with him for the past couple of years which will be out in February or March next year - I think. Had to have a break in our day and rush off to Marble Arch to shoot Alice Cooper in his hotel in which I'd set up a studio. And it went well. Alice turned up on time, did what was asked, signed some cds for Noriega and could not have been nicer. Spent the day with Jimmy Page and my posse of Kazuyo and Man Friday Noriega (who's over to sort out my file and serve The Master), plus the professional paddy, Dave Brolan. Been working on something with him for the past couple of years which will be out in February or March next year - I think. Had to have a break in our day and rush off to Marble Arch to shoot Alice Cooper in his hotel in which I'd set up a studio. And it went well. Alice turned up on time, did what was asked, signed some cds for Noriega and could not have been nicer. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Mon, 7 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I just did an interview about what I do (I won't say photography as some people think I'm not a photographer) while in Los Angeles. If you want to read it look at www.straycat-blues.blogspot.com It's by Michelle Berry. I went to Ryuichi Sakamoto last night. I sort of liked it, he played for two hours and about an hour of it was good. Shot a bit of soundcheck and a portrait. Kazuyo was in awe and shaking, 'He's a national treasure.' The audience complained our shutters were ruining the show. The reality was the people coming in late were ruining the show, banging doors etc. I sat in the lobby and asked the Scottish promoter rep if he knew where Peter Mackay was, the tour manager and a friend of mine. He started talking to me as if I'm a moron telling me I've ruined the show. I turned on him and gave him a "Tune up", as my old mate Rangi would say. I've been doing this since when he was about ten plus I KNOW what I'm doing and he was looking for a row plus just because of his job he thought he was justified in talking to me like I'm a child - cunt. Yes, a vile word but it it sums him up. I just did an interview about what I do (I won't say photography as some people think I'm not a photographer) while in Los Angeles. If you want to read it look at www.straycat-blues.blogspot.com It's by Michelle Berry. I went to Ryuichi Sakamoto last night. I sort of liked it, he played for two hours and about an hour of it was good. Shot a bit of soundcheck and a portrait. Kazuyo was in awe and shaking, 'He's a national treasure.' The audience complained our shutters were ruining the show. The reality was the people coming in late were ruining the show, banging doors etc. I sat in the lobby and asked the Scottish promoter rep if he knew where Peter Mackay was, the tour manager and a friend of mine. He started talking to me as if I'm a moron telling me I've ruined the show. I turned on him and gave him a "Tune up", as my old mate Rangi would say. I've been doing this since when he was about ten plus I KNOW what I'm doing and he was looking for a row plus just because of his job he thought he was justified in talking to me like I'm a child - cunt. Yes, a vile word but it it sums him up. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2009/diary-december-2009.php Tue, 1 Dec 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Thanksgiving in the USA, the biggest holiday, more so than Christmas. I nearly stayed here as it's 80 degrees and nice and warm plus the Black Crowes are here this weekend. Got up and had a walk along Sunset Strip, it was deserted. Had a look in Book Soup and got Ethan Russell's book, Let It Bleed. I like Ethan's photos from the day. I've never met him but everyone I know who has says how aloof and pompous he is. He was arrogant on the phone in the 90s when I bought three of his prints so I hope I never meet him. Then again plenty of people don't like me so who knows? Just like the Hendrix song... Thanksgiving in the USA, the biggest holiday, more so than Christmas. I nearly stayed here as it's 80 degrees and nice and warm plus the Black Crowes are here this weekend. Got up and had a walk along Sunset Strip, it was deserted. Had a look in Book Soup and got Ethan Russell's book, Let It Bleed. I like Ethan's photos from the day. I've never met him but everyone I know who has says how aloof and pompous he is. He was arrogant on the phone in the 90s when I bought three of his prints so I hope I never meet him. Then again plenty of people don't like me so who knows? Just like the Hendrix song... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Get back to the hotel at 2am, see John - he asks me for my Kiss set list to frame. I give him it. He looks disappointed, 'You could have got them to sign it!' I bid him farewell - he calls after me 'They need to play God Of Thunder!' I sleep for three hours then get up, turn on the tv and watch the news with the queues and chaos at LAX airport. For those of you not American, this is the worst day to travel this year - everyone does. I think I can't face it, I'm flying to Chicago then on to London plus tomorrow the flights will be empty - decide to stay in LA. Get back to the hotel at 2am, see John - he asks me for my Kiss set list to frame. I give him it. He looks disappointed, 'You could have got them to sign it!' I bid him farewell - he calls after me 'They need to play God Of Thunder!' I sleep for three hours then get up, turn on the tv and watch the news with the queues and chaos at LAX airport. For those of you not American, this is the worst day to travel this year - everyone does. I think I can't face it, I'm flying to Chicago then on to London plus tomorrow the flights will be empty - decide to stay in LA. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I picked up Led Zeppelin LIVE ON BLUEBERRY HILL on Blimp Records, sealed in MINT condition. It has made my year and I don't care if anyone thinks I'm a sad old man - I'm now a happy old man. Saw the lovely Boh Runga for lunch, and then Slash who played Peter and I a few songs from his new album - By The Sword with Andrew Stockdale sounded good. I picked up Led Zeppelin LIVE ON BLUEBERRY HILL on Blimp Records, sealed in MINT condition. It has made my year and I don't care if anyone thinks I'm a sad old man - I'm now a happy old man. Saw the lovely Boh Runga for lunch, and then Slash who played Peter and I a few songs from his new album - By The Sword with Andrew Stockdale sounded good. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In the early hours as I get back to my hotel I see Joe Perry with John Bionelli, who looked preoccupied and bored. I am just falling asleep at 3.30am when my phone rings with a voice singing 'SAY YEAH! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.' it is John. 'They've all gone to bed, WHAT WAS THE SHOW LIKE?' John then tells me what the show's like. 'You haven't seen it!' 'I have, I watch them every night on YOUTUBE! Let's meet for breakfast and you can show me Kiss photos...' In the early hours as I get back to my hotel I see Joe Perry with John Bionelli, who looked preoccupied and bored. I am just falling asleep at 3.30am when my phone rings with a voice singing 'SAY YEAH! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.' it is John. 'They've all gone to bed, WHAT WAS THE SHOW LIKE?' John then tells me what the show's like. 'You haven't seen it!' 'I have, I watch them every night on YOUTUBE! Let's meet for breakfast and you can show me Kiss photos...' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Met up with Chris Cornell who did a photo shoot with me. When you see someone you like it makes doing what I do worthwhile. Chris looked healthy, he was heading off to Paris to do a show. Even shot Slash for a bit as well - he was eager to go off to rehearse. Chris is on Slash's new record out early next year. We discussed my website and who's "banned" me from time to time. The point being it's MY website and I can write what I want - and it's only my opinion. The people it upsets the most seem to be Americans. Ah well, c'est la vie... Met up with Chris Cornell who did a photo shoot with me. When you see someone you like it makes doing what I do worthwhile. Chris looked healthy, he was heading off to Paris to do a show. Even shot Slash for a bit as well - he was eager to go off to rehearse. Chris is on Slash's new record out early next year. We discussed my website and who's "banned" me from time to time. The point being it's MY website and I can write what I want - and it's only my opinion. The people it upsets the most seem to be Americans. Ah well, c'est la vie... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I had about three hours sleep last night, stupidly thinking I'd be tired enough to just pass out. All it does is make you feel sick and unfocused and irritable. I was with Peter Makowski - ate a load of shit, bacon rolls, toast, sausage rolls, nuts, then on the plane a curry at 10.30 in the morning. Felt like it was Christmas Day - you know, a day of eating a load of old rubbish and thinking 'It's okay, it's Christmas.' The other part was watching all the people start guzzling booze at 10.30 am - wine, beer, port, champagne, it was disgusting, and I was part of it. In truth Peter just had coffee but then started lamenting his of true love dilemma, 'I love two women, Rina Kanada and Cyndy Poon,' or Joe Perry and Vivian Campbell as she loves the guitarists more than Pete. At 53 he's a lucky man, he even has Phueng in Bangkok although calling her a "girlfriend" is pushing things a bit too far. Rina is number one he pined, but she has a huge arse. 'Cyndy's a bit psycho, if only I had a six pack and skinny legs she'd love me.' I wish I had his problems, I'm a nearly married man (so I'm told) but I'm still free if Maggie Chueng, Lucy Lui, Gong Li or the very lovely Koyuki Kato are free... I had about three hours sleep last night, stupidly thinking I'd be tired enough to just pass out. All it does is make you feel sick and unfocused and irritable. I was with Peter Makowski - ate a load of shit, bacon rolls, toast, sausage rolls, nuts, then on the plane a curry at 10.30 in the morning. Felt like it was Christmas Day - you know, a day of eating a load of old rubbish and thinking 'It's okay, it's Christmas.' The other part was watching all the people start guzzling booze at 10.30 am - wine, beer, port, champagne, it was disgusting, and I was part of it. In truth Peter just had coffee but then started lamenting his of true love dilemma, 'I love two women, Rina Kanada and Cyndy Poon,' or Joe Perry and Vivian Campbell as she loves the guitarists more than Pete. At 53 he's a lucky man, he even has Phueng in Bangkok although calling her a "girlfriend" is pushing things a bit too far. Rina is number one he pined, but she has a huge arse. 'Cyndy's a bit psycho, if only I had a six pack and skinny legs she'd love me.' I wish I had his problems, I'm a nearly married man (so I'm told) but I'm still free if Maggie Chueng, Lucy Lui, Gong Li or the very lovely Koyuki Kato are free... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent today at the Olympia Record Fair with Jimmy Page. We stayed from when it opened until the bitter end looking for that missing collectable... I got a Japanese first pressing with Obi of Led Zeppelin III and the original soundtrack on LP of Planet Of The Apes with a commentary by Charlton Heston. I'd love to tell you what it's like but to do that I'd need a record player. This evening I signed 450 lithographs of three different Def Leppard prints which Rich from Alias Designs brought up from Wales. Some are signed by the band as well and will be out on the Def Leppard website at Christmas. Spent today at the Olympia Record Fair with Jimmy Page. We stayed from when it opened until the bitter end looking for that missing collectable... I got a Japanese first pressing with Obi of Led Zeppelin III and the original soundtrack on LP of Planet Of The Apes with a commentary by Charlton Heston. I'd love to tell you what it's like but to do that I'd need a record player. This evening I signed 450 lithographs of three different Def Leppard prints which Rich from Alias Designs brought up from Wales. Some are signed by the band as well and will be out on the Def Leppard website at Christmas. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Armistice Sunday. I always look at the monument at Hyde Park Corner to The Royal Engineers. There is a statue of a soldier in a poncho looking down on the traffic. It represents the Glorious Dead Of The Great War. I mean, what's "Glorious" about being dead and a "Great War"? It is quite a moving statue and as it was Armistice Sunday I went to photograph it in the last cold light of the day. There is also a long wall with a water fall as a memorial to the Australian dead. You can't see it from the road. I stayed and took photos until the last light had gone. Armistice Sunday. I always look at the monument at Hyde Park Corner to The Royal Engineers. There is a statue of a soldier in a poncho looking down on the traffic. It represents the Glorious Dead Of The Great War. I mean, what's "Glorious" about being dead and a "Great War"? It is quite a moving statue and as it was Armistice Sunday I went to photograph it in the last cold light of the day. There is also a long wall with a water fall as a memorial to the Australian dead. You can't see it from the road. I stayed and took photos until the last light had gone. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I was going to see Fleetwood Mac at Wembley with Jimmy Page except it was pouring down. The drive to Jimmy's is normally thirty minutes - I spent two hour and fifteen minutes then gave up. He was annoyed - and went without me... Winter brings long black nights and cold damp shitty weather. I'm going to move to Sydney. Well, actually I'm not - living down there would do my head in as well, you are trapped. I was going to see Fleetwood Mac at Wembley with Jimmy Page except it was pouring down. The drive to Jimmy's is normally thirty minutes - I spent two hour and fifteen minutes then gave up. He was annoyed - and went without me... Winter brings long black nights and cold damp shitty weather. I'm going to move to Sydney. Well, actually I'm not - living down there would do my head in as well, you are trapped. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Sat, 7 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a couple of nights of fine dining with John Bionelli at Hakkasan who on the way home while listening to Kiss in my car showed Pete Makowski and I how Kiss headbang on stage to Deuce - several times. Pete told him he had given Jimmy Page a copy of Sonic Boom from Paul Stanley. 'At least Jimmy can listen to real music now,' said John, while playing Deuce for the sixth time. Also had a more sober night with Brad Tolinski at Nobu. We ogled the ladies while Kazuyo got drunk on plum wine - we had to help her to my car after she passed out in the restaurant... I've had a week of bad jet lag, sometimes I don't care but this week it's crippled me. Had a couple of nights of fine dining with John Bionelli at Hakkasan who on the way home while listening to Kiss in my car showed Pete Makowski and I how Kiss headbang on stage to Deuce - several times. Pete told him he had given Jimmy Page a copy of Sonic Boom from Paul Stanley. 'At least Jimmy can listen to real music now,' said John, while playing Deuce for the sixth time. Also had a more sober night with Brad Tolinski at Nobu. We ogled the ladies while Kazuyo got drunk on plum wine - we had to help her to my car after she passed out in the restaurant... I've had a week of bad jet lag, sometimes I don't care but this week it's crippled me. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The Classic Rock Awards. - I was stressed because I was late and in a different time zone... It was a guitarist extravaganza - Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Billy Gibbons, Pete Townshend, Joe Perry, Tony Iommi, Brian May, Slash, Mick Ralphsand Joe Bonamassa, who got up and played LA Blues to the room. Ginger Baker, who was just like Steptoe, a GRUMPY old man, MAD at the world. I did get Cara (my assistant) to go up to him and get his autobiography signed, she's now my hero. Paul Rodgers, who was nice and I've dealt with him when he hasn't been. Chrissie Hynde and Iggy Pop, both easy. Steve Harley was a bit "Luvvy" and slightly pompous. I enjoyed meeting and speaking to Carl Palmer (look, I like ELP). I even got photos of Ginger Baker who looked Crazy - Kazuyo said 'He's loonie, I know a Loonie!' The Classic Rock Awards. - I was stressed because I was late and in a different time zone... It was a guitarist extravaganza - Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Billy Gibbons, Pete Townshend, Joe Perry, Tony Iommi, Brian May, Slash, Mick Ralphsand Joe Bonamassa, who got up and played LA Blues to the room. Ginger Baker, who was just like Steptoe, a GRUMPY old man, MAD at the world. I did get Cara (my assistant) to go up to him and get his autobiography signed, she's now my hero. Paul Rodgers, who was nice and I've dealt with him when he hasn't been. Chrissie Hynde and Iggy Pop, both easy. Steve Harley was a bit "Luvvy" and slightly pompous. I enjoyed meeting and speaking to Carl Palmer (look, I like ELP). I even got photos of Ginger Baker who looked Crazy - Kazuyo said 'He's loonie, I know a Loonie!' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Staying in Abu Dhabi at Yas Island, a Grand Prix Prison. No shops, the hotels all opened a couple of days ago and nothing works. You can't even buy water unless you want to buy it from your mini bar. Went to Soundcheck then the show with the Kings Of Leon on the 31st, it was the final show of the tour and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. Nathan Followill has the best snare drum sound I have ever heard. Saw a bit of the Grand Prix with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford - lots of cars going zoom zoom zoom, blink and they are gone. A giant adults Scalextric - I was bored out of my mind. As John Bionelli said, 'I'd take two hours of Dokken over this and I hate Dokken!' Staying in Abu Dhabi at Yas Island, a Grand Prix Prison. No shops, the hotels all opened a couple of days ago and nothing works. You can't even buy water unless you want to buy it from your mini bar. Went to Soundcheck then the show with the Kings Of Leon on the 31st, it was the final show of the tour and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them. Nathan Followill has the best snare drum sound I have ever heard. Saw a bit of the Grand Prix with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford - lots of cars going zoom zoom zoom, blink and they are gone. A giant adults Scalextric - I was bored out of my mind. As John Bionelli said, 'I'd take two hours of Dokken over this and I hate Dokken!' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2009/diary-november-2009.php Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Dubai with Peter Makowski and the very ugly Kazuyo. Sort of did some photography yesterday - some form of sunset plus the usual view I like. When I pointed out the view I wanted our driver just stopped in the middle of the highway and pulled over. We took pictures with rush hour traffic shooting by - it was a little disconcerting. 'Here comes a 4x4, WHACK!' That's the end of us... And that idiot Peter was taking pictures on his phone whining 'It's not coming out.' NOW I HATE CAMERA phones - it's a phone! Peter tried and failed to find love with the girl of his dreams, Rina. 'I'm working on her,' he claimed. I took Peter to see the sites of Dubai, the Emirates Towers plus The Address. He hated it, 'far too upmarket.' He wanted to go to the one star York Hotel where the local workers relax and find love. 'A home away from home, full of my people,' he said. In Dubai with Peter Makowski and the very ugly Kazuyo. Sort of did some photography yesterday - some form of sunset plus the usual view I like. When I pointed out the view I wanted our driver just stopped in the middle of the highway and pulled over. We took pictures with rush hour traffic shooting by - it was a little disconcerting. 'Here comes a 4x4, WHACK!' That's the end of us... And that idiot Peter was taking pictures on his phone whining 'It's not coming out.' NOW I HATE CAMERA phones - it's a phone! Peter tried and failed to find love with the girl of his dreams, Rina. 'I'm working on her,' he claimed. I took Peter to see the sites of Dubai, the Emirates Towers plus The Address. He hated it, 'far too upmarket.' He wanted to go to the one star York Hotel where the local workers relax and find love. 'A home away from home, full of my people,' he said. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Dubai now. Spent the last couple of days in Airlie Beach up on the Great Barrier Reef. This time the weather was perfect.For various reasons I only took photos of a frog with vivid colours at night (and I regret not getting a real camera to shoot it), and a dog. I also shot some clouds over the ocean and landing into Sydney. Found Australia expensive with the dollar so strong. I'm going to try to shoot travel in Dubai, by that I mean buildings and the electric night - Dubai comes alive at twilight. Flew fifteen hours and arrived at 5am. Emirates had a shower on the plane. It was strange, you get five minutes with full power and a long room at the front of the A380 with a heated floor and the sound of birds twittering... In Dubai now. Spent the last couple of days in Airlie Beach up on the Great Barrier Reef. This time the weather was perfect.For various reasons I only took photos of a frog with vivid colours at night (and I regret not getting a real camera to shoot it), and a dog. I also shot some clouds over the ocean and landing into Sydney. Found Australia expensive with the dollar so strong. I'm going to try to shoot travel in Dubai, by that I mean buildings and the electric night - Dubai comes alive at twilight. Flew fifteen hours and arrived at 5am. Emirates had a shower on the plane. It was strange, you get five minutes with full power and a long room at the front of the A380 with a heated floor and the sound of birds twittering... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up and waited for the dawn over Uluru. It was silent, nothing, then the light came quickly. I now understand the obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey, you are drawn to it. I mean it, you look at Uluru in awe. Drove out to the Olgas which were frankly disapointing, and full of Germans all feeling the need at 6am to express themselves loudly. Shot a bit more of Uluru then had a quiet couple of hours doing nothing by the pool - it was 30c at 8am. My quiet morning was ruined when I was awoken by Klaus, Helga and Adolf. A whole group of them who turned up barking at each other and putting towels on all the pool beds as only a German can. Then swimming and shouting orders in the pool. I was wishing someone would round them up and shoot them "Ordnung muss sein!" Got up and waited for the dawn over Uluru. It was silent, nothing, then the light came quickly. I now understand the obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey, you are drawn to it. I mean it, you look at Uluru in awe. Drove out to the Olgas which were frankly disapointing, and full of Germans all feeling the need at 6am to express themselves loudly. Shot a bit more of Uluru then had a quiet couple of hours doing nothing by the pool - it was 30c at 8am. My quiet morning was ruined when I was awoken by Klaus, Helga and Adolf. A whole group of them who turned up barking at each other and putting towels on all the pool beds as only a German can. Then swimming and shouting orders in the pool. I was wishing someone would round them up and shoot them "Ordnung muss sein!" http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went out in Sydney yesterday, ended up photographing burnt trees in Ku-Ringai National Park, where lots of local idiots were racing cars and motor bikes. I even shot pools of water in the twilight. Dined at Golden Century just to look at the giant fish - I ordered duck. Flew to Uluru this morning. It was a fantastic flight, easy check in, empty where I was sitting, although the back of the plane was full of Japanese and Germans with names like Klaus and Helga. Plus they spoke loudly in German. Got a spectacular view of Lake Eyre (the lake was named after Edward John Eyre who was the first European to see it in 1840. The lake is located in the deserts of central Australia, in northern South Australia - I looked this bit up online). The air hostess was super nice and made a change from last time I flew Qantas to Adelaide to shoot The Who when they were rude with 'you can't bring cameras on the plane...' This time she could not do enough. Real service, just as it should be. Went out in Sydney yesterday, ended up photographing burnt trees in Ku-Ringai National Park, where lots of local idiots were racing cars and motor bikes. I even shot pools of water in the twilight. Dined at Golden Century just to look at the giant fish - I ordered duck. Flew to Uluru this morning. It was a fantastic flight, easy check in, empty where I was sitting, although the back of the plane was full of Japanese and Germans with names like Klaus and Helga. Plus they spoke loudly in German. Got a spectacular view of Lake Eyre (the lake was named after Edward John Eyre who was the first European to see it in 1840. The lake is located in the deserts of central Australia, in northern South Australia - I looked this bit up online). The air hostess was super nice and made a change from last time I flew Qantas to Adelaide to shoot The Who when they were rude with 'you can't bring cameras on the plane...' This time she could not do enough. Real service, just as it should be. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been flying - flew Thursday night to Dubai. Ray Winstone was on my flight sitting opposite, I was tempted to talk to him. Then thought what do I say? "I liked you in Sexy Beast?" So I didn't . It was weird, I genuinely felt I knew him. Dubai looked nice and warm. Watched my plane take off from the camera on the tail fin. It was odd, it was like watching a toy. Flying on to Sydney and then on Monday to Ayers Rock or Uluru (I prefer Ayers Rock). Had a loud vocal argument with a Russian who wanted my window closed, I told him to put on his eye shades. This was just at sunset when I wanted to take pictures of the huge black clouds. Flew over Thiruvanthapuram (I read this bit on the route map) then Colombo, on over ocean. At the Equator there were huge black clouds and the sky turned black as the map showed a plateau in the sea called Investigator Ridge (must look that up). Been flying - flew Thursday night to Dubai. Ray Winstone was on my flight sitting opposite, I was tempted to talk to him. Then thought what do I say? "I liked you in Sexy Beast?" So I didn't . It was weird, I genuinely felt I knew him. Dubai looked nice and warm. Watched my plane take off from the camera on the tail fin. It was odd, it was like watching a toy. Flying on to Sydney and then on Monday to Ayers Rock or Uluru (I prefer Ayers Rock). Had a loud vocal argument with a Russian who wanted my window closed, I told him to put on his eye shades. This was just at sunset when I wanted to take pictures of the huge black clouds. Flew over Thiruvanthapuram (I read this bit on the route map) then Colombo, on over ocean. At the Equator there were huge black clouds and the sky turned black as the map showed a plateau in the sea called Investigator Ridge (must look that up). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent last night in the jet-lagged company of Baron Wolman (the legendary photographer) and his servant Dave Brolan. Baron had flown in from New Mexico via Dallas. He gave me two prints of the Jeff Beck Group. I gave him, erm, "Nothing". Paul Stanley emailed me to tell me to stop writing about John Bionelli and play Sonic Zoom. I have and it's very good. Also been playing Black Oak Arkansas The Complete Raunch 'N' Roll Live just to annoy my girlfriend. The version of Dixie is fantastically awful. Spent last night in the jet-lagged company of Baron Wolman (the legendary photographer) and his servant Dave Brolan. Baron had flown in from New Mexico via Dallas. He gave me two prints of the Jeff Beck Group. I gave him, erm, "Nothing". Paul Stanley emailed me to tell me to stop writing about John Bionelli and play Sonic Zoom. I have and it's very good. Also been playing Black Oak Arkansas The Complete Raunch 'N' Roll Live just to annoy my girlfriend. The version of Dixie is fantastically awful. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Sat, 13 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Going home later today. Saw a furious Rock'n'roll John Bionelli at breakfast 'Pump?' he spluttered. 'PUMP? My favourite Aerosmith cd is Just Push Play, and that isn't as good as The Elder!!!!' (Kiss's answer to Tommy). He stormed off in a huff. John's got the Rock'n'roll's again, as Joe Perry might say... Had a fairly relaxing day until we got to LAX. Air New Zealand's computer system was down so all the boarding cards were being written by hand. The Maori at check in looked baffled (I'd handed him both Peter's and my passport). 'Why do you have two passports with different names?' 'I'm with him,' pointing to Peter's big nose. 'Oh, didn't see the fella, only a nose - you two look alike.' Alike? Me of Russian decent and a Pole - I hardly think so. Going home later today. Saw a furious Rock'n'roll John Bionelli at breakfast 'Pump?' he spluttered. 'PUMP? My favourite Aerosmith cd is Just Push Play, and that isn't as good as The Elder!!!!' (Kiss's answer to Tommy). He stormed off in a huff. John's got the Rock'n'roll's again, as Joe Perry might say... Had a fairly relaxing day until we got to LAX. Air New Zealand's computer system was down so all the boarding cards were being written by hand. The Maori at check in looked baffled (I'd handed him both Peter's and my passport). 'Why do you have two passports with different names?' 'I'm with him,' pointing to Peter's big nose. 'Oh, didn't see the fella, only a nose - you two look alike.' Alike? Me of Russian decent and a Pole - I hardly think so. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Started today with designer Tom Jerman. He gave John Bionelli and I copies of Sonic Boom. John tried to keep mine as it was sealed, 'Come on, let me have it, I've only got nine other copies ' Photographed Joe Bonamassa before he ran to LAX where he's flying to Florence to get married. He was looking svelte. Shot him with his Gibson cherry red BB King 355. He played me a new song he's just written called LA, it has him stretching out with his arm all over the fretboard. Started today with designer Tom Jerman. He gave John Bionelli and I copies of Sonic Boom. John tried to keep mine as it was sealed, 'Come on, let me have it, I've only got nine other copies ' Photographed Joe Bonamassa before he ran to LAX where he's flying to Florence to get married. He was looking svelte. Shot him with his Gibson cherry red BB King 355. He played me a new song he's just written called LA, it has him stretching out with his arm all over the fretboard. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Fri, 9 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the day working in the studio. Started with the "Legendary" Robb Flynn from Machine Head. He flew down from Oakland, turned up on time and worked hard, or rocked, as they say in America. I finished shooting him covered in blood, dripping from head to toe. I suggested he check into Burbank airport like it just to see what would happen. He was professional and it was a pleasure working with a legend. Next was SYNYSTER GATES, or Brian as he's also known, from Avenged Sevenfold. Then Joe Perry, who turned up looking like, Joe Perry. Got loads done - Joe looks better than he has in ages. He even smiled and Joe normally doesn't do smiling. Spent the day working in the studio. Started with the "Legendary" Robb Flynn from Machine Head. He flew down from Oakland, turned up on time and worked hard, or rocked, as they say in America. I finished shooting him covered in blood, dripping from head to toe. I suggested he check into Burbank airport like it just to see what would happen. He was professional and it was a pleasure working with a legend. Next was SYNYSTER GATES, or Brian as he's also known, from Avenged Sevenfold. Then Joe Perry, who turned up looking like, Joe Perry. Got loads done - Joe looks better than he has in ages. He even smiled and Joe normally doesn't do smiling. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Wed, 7 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Joe Perry at the Viper Room. Saw Roger Daltrey who invited me to his show - I couldn't go as it was a Joe day. Shot soundcheck at a venue with no lights, but I did get a good moody portrait of Joe in a corner booth. He looked evil, not to be messed with. Came back to the club and shot the show. It was challenging to say the least, with no light. Joe did a good jammed out Rockin Train plus East Coast West Coast and a reggae Dream On. Got photos of Joe, Slash and Tom Morello afterwards on Joe's bus. I was so tired by the end of the night I couldn't think - or even be rude to people... Joe Perry at the Viper Room. Saw Roger Daltrey who invited me to his show - I couldn't go as it was a Joe day. Shot soundcheck at a venue with no lights, but I did get a good moody portrait of Joe in a corner booth. He looked evil, not to be messed with. Came back to the club and shot the show. It was challenging to say the least, with no light. Joe did a good jammed out Rockin Train plus East Coast West Coast and a reggae Dream On. Got photos of Joe, Slash and Tom Morello afterwards on Joe's bus. I was so tired by the end of the night I couldn't think - or even be rude to people... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Tue, 6 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Los Angeles today for Joe Perry. I love working with Joe. When he's on he's a photographer's dream. Steven Tyler can be a dream, the problem is working out what planet he's on. I was having second thoughts about going and missing Mott The Hoople. One of the best things I have ever seen - and I mean it. Where you feel in awe of supergroups Mott were joyous, as in come and join in. Plus Ian Hunter is soooooooo London (even though he's from the west country and a traitor for moving to NY), his raps between songs were glorious. Ian has never lost his rapport with the common man - he should give lessons. He is true real life. The last of the great front men and he's genuine... Off to Los Angeles today for Joe Perry. I love working with Joe. When he's on he's a photographer's dream. Steven Tyler can be a dream, the problem is working out what planet he's on. I was having second thoughts about going and missing Mott The Hoople. One of the best things I have ever seen - and I mean it. Where you feel in awe of supergroups Mott were joyous, as in come and join in. Plus Ian Hunter is soooooooo London (even though he's from the west country and a traitor for moving to NY), his raps between songs were glorious. Ian has never lost his rapport with the common man - he should give lessons. He is true real life. The last of the great front men and he's genuine... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went and took some photos before they went on stage. Overend Watts had shoes with OV on them and some smaller writing (look at my photos to see). Ian Hunter thanked me for shooting the shows (which was nice of him to), 'because we couldn't afford you!' We talked about how awful Atomic Rooster were at the Oval, Ian said Guy Stevens looked at them playing and said 'Why?'. I told them that none of the Americans in the crowd knew before after the Mott album. 'Yes, you're right and we're going to teach it to them,' said Ian. Even better show than last night. Ian played Jerry Lee Lewis off the cuff . They told me to come onstage and wander around, just as I did Joe grabbed me 'Get back down the front, I'm singing Dudes...' Went and took some photos before they went on stage. Overend Watts had shoes with OV on them and some smaller writing (look at my photos to see). Ian Hunter thanked me for shooting the shows (which was nice of him to), 'because we couldn't afford you!' We talked about how awful Atomic Rooster were at the Oval, Ian said Guy Stevens looked at them playing and said 'Why?'. I told them that none of the Americans in the crowd knew anything before the Mott album. 'Yes, you're right and we're going to teach it to them,' said Ian. Even better show than last night. Ian played Jerry Lee Lewis off the cuff . They told me to come onstage and wander around, just as I did Joe grabbed me 'Get back down the front, I'm singing Dudes...' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Sat, 3 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Mott The Hoople at the Hammersmith Odeon (not the HMV Apollo - if you grew up in the 70s it will always be the Odeon). Went with Jimmy Page, Peter Makowski and my filthy smelly assistant Kazuyo 'cos she's a woman and can carry my cameras. We got there in time to shoot Gemma Ray who, after saying I don't like any new music, I found captivating, she did I'd Rather Go Blind and finished playing her guitar with a large knife instead of a pick. It was like regressing into my youth. No photo pit so you had to shoot from the front of the stage with the crowd pushing against you. Now it was okay, the people around me were fairly sympathetic to me getting good photos apart from one LARGE American woman who kept rubbing up against me trying to get to Overend Watts. When I'd shot here in the 70s - J.Geil's, Blondie, The Who, ACDC - it was nigh on impossible with people jumping on you and fighting you, especially with The Who. The crowd had a good contingent of Americans who knew the Mott album era onwards but none of the Island era songs. Mott The Hoople at the Hammersmith Odeon (not the HMV Apollo - if you grew up in the 70s it will always be the Odeon). Went with Jimmy Page, Peter Makowski and my filthy smelly assistant Kazuyo 'cos she's a woman and can carry my cameras. We got there in time to shoot Gemma Ray who, after saying I don't like any new music, I found captivating, she did I'd Rather Go Blind and finished playing her guitar with a large knife instead of a pick. It was like regressing into my youth. No photo pit so you had to shoot from the front of the stage with the crowd pushing against you. Now it was okay, the people around me were fairly sympathetic to me getting good photos apart from one LARGE American woman who kept rubbing up against me trying to get to Overend Watts. When I'd shot here in the 70s - J.Geil's, Blondie, The Who, ACDC - it was nigh on impossible with people jumping on you and fighting you, especially with The Who. The crowd had a good contingent of Americans who knew the Mott album era onwards but none of the Island era songs. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2009/diary-october-2009.php Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I saw Benedict Taschen in Los Angeles, told him about his book company in New York writing to me and being arrogant about paying me a fair price of $50 a photo and the attitude of how lucky I am to be included in a Taschen book. He was embarrased and wanted to make amends, he agreed the tone of the email was wrong. While in LA picked up in The Mansion On The Hill by Fred Goodman for $1.00 in Ameoba. Also got A Preferred Blur by Henry Rollins where he writes nice things about running into me on a plane.... Plus best of all High On Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips where she tells of having sex with her father for years and years and "Poor Mackenzie" having such a privileged life being addicted to cocaine and heroin - great stuff. I saw Benedict Taschen in Los Angeles, told him about his book company in New York writing to me and being arrogant about paying me a fair price of $50 a photo and the attitude of how lucky I am to be included in a Taschen book. He was embarrased and wanted to make amends, he agreed the tone of the email was wrong. While in LA picked up in The Mansion On The Hill by Fred Goodman for $1.00 in Ameoba. Also got A Preferred Blur by Henry Rollins where he writes nice things about running into me on a plane.... Plus best of all High On Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips where she tells of having sex with her father for years and years and "Poor Mackenzie" having such a privileged life being addicted to cocaine and heroin - great stuff. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Mon, 28 sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Shoot the dawn from my room - really, palm trees and and downtown in the background. Love the view... I was invited to a BBQ today by Paul McKenna at his house. Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant weregoing and I had to pass as I was off to San Francisco to shoot James Hetfield with cars and guitars for Guitar Aficionado. Going through security at LAX was a pain. I got random searched. They had three TSA people scanning my passport. After Singapore snd Bali travelling can be painful. Shoot the dawn from my room - really, palm trees and and downtown in the background. Love the view... I was invited to a BBQ today by Paul McKenna at his house. Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant weregoing and I had to pass as I was off to San Francisco to shoot James Hetfield with cars and guitars for Guitar Aficionado. Going through security at LAX was a pain. I got random searched. They had three TSA people scanning my passport. After Singapore snd Bali travelling can be painful. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Sat, 26 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a wonderful night's sleep, until 4am. Then awake, as in wide awake. Had a pleasant breakfast with Roger Daltrey and Paul Brannigan, who was on best behaviour for a change. Shooting Diamond Dave today. Just as we are about to begin I'm told he's late but we still need to finish on time. This is, apparently, how can I put it, not negotiable. Diamond shows up, not in a very good mood. Today he's excelling at putting the "G" back in "GRUMPY". His mood is best described as uninterested and bored. I enquire as to what the problem may be. 'You try looking after two children, not getting any sleep and then having to come to do this.' Strange, I thought rock stars have things called nannies. Anyway, nothing that a good cold bath, no dinner and a night locked in the cellar won't cure. Perhaps I'll offer to babysit next time Mr Grumpy perks up after downing two pots of coffee. In fairness, he gets on with it, even if it's obvious he's not into it. Had a wonderful night's sleep, until 4am. Then awake, as in wide awake. Had a pleasant breakfast with Roger Daltrey and Paul Brannigan, who was on best behaviour for a change. Shooting Diamond Dave today. Just as we are about to begin I'm told he's late but we still need to finish on time. This is, apparently, how can I put it, not negotiable. Diamond shows up, not in a very good mood. Today he's excelling at putting the "G" back in "GRUMPY". His mood is best described as uninterested and bored. I enquire as to what the problem may be. 'You try looking after two children, not getting any sleep and then having to come to do this.' Strange, I thought rock stars have things called nannies. Anyway, nothing that a good cold bath, no dinner and a night locked in the cellar won't cure. Perhaps I'll offer to babysit next time Mr Grumpy perks up after downing two pots of coffee. In fairness, he gets on with it, even if it's obvious he's not into it. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Fri, 25 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Hot today, as in 102F - fine with me... Went to bed at 1am, thought I'd sleep. I was awake at 2.30, then got up at 4am - to deal with the world. Breakfast with Paul Brannigan. I asked 'What time did you go to bed?' 'I haven't been yet, I woke up on the bathroom floor. I was sick.' He says this while looking at his shirt which has a large crusted stain of vomit. The waitress asks what we'd like. 'A large vodka and tonic,' says Paul. She looks disgusted 'It's 7am sir, the bar doesn't open until midday.' He then orders bacon, more bacon and a bit more bacon. 'Good for digestive system,' he smiles, with bits of sick stuck to his teeth. Hot today, as in 102F - fine with me... Went to bed at 1am, thought I'd sleep. I was awake at 2.30, then got up at 4am - to deal with the world. Breakfast with Paul Brannigan. I asked 'What time did you go to bed?' 'I haven't been yet, I woke up on the bathroom floor. I was sick.' He says this while looking at his shirt which has a large crusted stain of vomit. The waitress asks what we'd like. 'A large vodka and tonic,' says Paul. She looks disgusted 'It's 7am sir, the bar doesn't open until midday.' He then orders bacon, more bacon and a bit more bacon. 'Good for digestive system,' he smiles, with bits of sick stuck to his teeth. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Thu, 24 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Los Angeles today - seems like ages since I was last there so looking forward to it. I'm shooting Diamond Dave, as in Dave Grohl. My plan was to shoot him in a diner to get a look of America. This morning an email had arrived from his office with things like 'NO!' Dave will be mobbed. What about insurance?' I hate to break it to them but he's not exactly Trent Reznor or a member of Pearl Jam (Real Rock Stars with Rock Star PRs and management with rules - that generally consist of NO, no, no and no). I thought Diamond Dave was a human being - I am obviously wrong... Off to Los Angeles today - seems like ages since I was last there so looking forward to it. I'm shooting Diamond Dave, as in Dave Grohl. My plan was to shoot him in a diner to get a look of America. This morning an email had arrived from his office with things like 'NO!' Dave will be mobbed. What about insurance?' I hate to break it to them but he's not exactly Trent Reznor or a member of Pearl Jam (Real Rock Stars with Rock Star PRs and management with rules - that generally consist of NO, no, no and no). I thought Diamond Dave was a human being - I am obviously wrong... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Wed, 23 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Still nice weather. Jimmy Page came over and Pete Makowski too, we watched the new Rammstein video which is banned from TV in Germany and as a parent I can see why - would I let my child watch it? Nein. Showed Jimmy a cd I had found, Led Zeppelin Memphis Underground, as I liked the art work. He was after mine - so if anybody has a copy they want to get rid of let me know (it's on the MAGNIFICENT label). Still nice weather. Jimmy Page came over and Pete Makowski too, we watched the new Rammstein video which is banned from TV in Germany and as a parent I can see why - would I let my child watch it? Nein. Showed Jimmy a cd I had found, Led Zeppelin Memphis Underground, as I liked the art work. He was after mine - so if anybody has a copy they want to get rid of let me know (it's on the MAGNIFICENT label). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Mon, 21 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Just got the Rainbow Anthology cd with my photos, used uncredited and lifted off the cover of a Rainbow tour book and Final Vinyl by the same art director who I had to threaten over the recent UFO re-issues. I am not unreasonable but when your photos are just used with a "we don't care" attitude I will do something about it. I played the Rainbow cd both sides this morning while doing the washing, as you do. The Dio era stands up, sounds exciting, the Joe Lynn Turner era, hmmm, it's bad pop music. Blackmore was always about the sustained attack - it's limp... Just got the Rainbow Anthology cd with my photos, used uncredited and lifted off the cover of a Rainbow tour book and Final Vinyl by the same art director who I had to threaten over the recent UFO re-issues. I am not unreasonable but when your photos are just used with a "we don't care" attitude I will do something about it. I played the Rainbow cd both sides this morning while doing the washing, as you do. The Dio era stands up, sounds exciting, the Joe Lynn Turner era, hmmm, it's bad pop music. Blackmore was always about the sustained attack - it's limp... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Sun, 20 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been skimming through Neil Daniel's book, All Pens Blazing, about HEAVY METAL writers. It's not as dull as it sounds. Dave Reynolds, aka Big Nose, is fairly honest. Neil Jeffries is good plus he says nice things about me. Neil's big error is thinking Steve "Krusher" Joule made Kerrang. As one of the two people that started Kerrang (Geoff Barton being the other) I can say with authority that Krusher was a drunk and a zero as a human being. He's still sad and bitter and full of bile - I had the misfortune of seeing him at Download this year. It has good honest stuff from Steffan Chirazi, Pete Makowski and Dante Bonutto, whose interview reminded me of being young and working on Kerrang. He tells the story of me telling Jake E Lee that Dante had a glass eye (which is true - Ozzy told me to do it) and Jake would not make eye contact with Dante. Garry Bushell's is throwaway and just not true. He made up the story about how he saw Twisted Sister - I took him. The only real omission from here is Mick Wall. I recommend it. Been skimming through Neil Daniel's book, All Pens Blazing, about HEAVY METAL writers. It's not as dull as it sounds. Dave Reynolds, aka Big Nose, is fairly honest. Neil Jeffries is good plus he says nice things about me. Neil's big error is thinking Steve "Krusher" Joule made Kerrang. As one of the two people that started Kerrang (Geoff Barton being the other) I can say with authority that Krusher was a drunk and a zero as a human being. He's still sad and bitter and full of bile - I had the misfortune of seeing him at Download this year. It has good honest stuff from Steffan Chirazi, Pete Makowski and Dante Bonutto, whose interview reminded me of being young and working on Kerrang. He tells the story of me telling Jake E Lee that Dante had a glass eye (which is true - Ozzy told me to do it) and Jake would not make eye contact with Dante. Garry Bushell's is throwaway and just not true. He made up the story about how he saw Twisted Sister - I took him. The only real omission from here is Mick Wall. I recommend it. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Thu, 17 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Nice day in London, still summer. I played Rod Stewart's A Night On The Town Deluxe two cd set. It is appalling - limp, the drums sound like cardboard, the songs are cringe-inducingly bad. I have no idea why Tom Dowd was so hip in the 70s as a producer, he is truly terrible. And this record was the decline of Rod Stewart. It is just bad... I met up with Jimmy Page for lunch and we wandered around Soho looking in the shops. We ended up record shopping. I got Tiny Tim's God Bless Tiny Tim, Bad Company Straight Shooter, ACDC Powerage and Who/Jimi Hendrix Backtrack Vol 5 (I'm missing Six if anyone has it). I have a rule with buying records, only get them if the cover is mint - no creases, no writing etc. Nice day in London, still summer. I played Rod Stewart's A Night On The Town Deluxe two cd set. It is appalling - limp, the drums sound like cardboard, the songs are cringe-inducingly bad. I have no idea why Tom Dowd was so hip in the 70s as a producer, he is truly terrible. And this record was the decline of Rod Stewart. It is just bad... I met up with Jimmy Page for lunch and we wandered around Soho looking in the shops. We ended up record shopping. I got Tiny Tim's God Bless Tiny Tim, Bad Company Straight Shooter, ACDC Powerage and Who/Jimi Hendrix Backtrack Vol 5 (I'm missing Six if anyone has it). I have a rule with buying records, only get them if the cover is mint - no creases, no writing etc. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Sat, 12 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had to go to the dentist last night. I was given a toffee and tried to get rid of it after half chewing it. One of my crowns came out with it. The dentist was interesting, lots of charts and photos of rotten teeth in graphic detail all over the walls, plus plastic models of tooth decay. They did a good job, cleaned it and stuck it back - and it cost $10. Got up at 4am as usual and flew to Jogjakarta in Java to see the Borobudur Temple, built in 778 A.D. As I flew out of a rainy Bali I was too tired to get out a camera which was stupid of me as it was a photographer's dream, or what I like, and I didn't get a bit of it. Had to go to the dentist last night. I was given a toffee and tried to get rid of it after half chewing it. One of my crowns came out with it. The dentist was interesting, lots of charts and photos of rotten teeth in graphic detail all over the walls, plus plastic models of tooth decay. They did a good job, cleaned it and stuck it back - and it cost $10. Got up at 4am as usual and flew to Jogjakarta in Java to see the Borobudur Temple, built in 778 A.D. As I flew out of a rainy Bali I was too tired to get out a camera which was stupid of me as it was a photographer's dream, or what I like, and I didn't get a bit of it. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Tue, 8 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the weekend in the island of Flores which is East of Komodo, then Timor, then Down Under. I went to see the three active volcanoes at Kelimutu. I went the quick way, flew via Sumba which was quite enjoyable, no taking off shoes, no getting out the computer. You can bring on your water and walk up to the plane. It was incredibly stress free. The only stressful part was driving from Maumere to Moni, six hours across a mountain road in the pitch dark. Up, down, around bends, bumping along - it was worse than flying across the world. I found the journey profoundly depressing. My mind went into overdrive about everything. Even worse was the Flores Sare Hotel - no running water, the toilet didn't flush, the beds were so damp they were actually wet and the room had bare light bulbs. It was like a cell and it cost $250 per person sharing. It was under construction with the only thing complete was a shrine to the virgin Mary. At least they look after Jesus and his mum...= I spent the night feeling like I was staying in a squat. It was primitive and I don't do primitive well. Spent the weekend in the island of Flores which is East of Komodo, then Timor, then Down Under. I went to see the three active volcanoes at Kelimutu. I went the quick way, flew via Sumba which was quite enjoyable, no taking off shoes, no getting out the computer. You can bring on your water and walk up to the plane. It was incredibly stress free. The only stressful part was driving from Maumere to Moni, six hours across a mountain road in the pitch dark. Up, down, around bends, bumping along - it was worse than flying across the world. I found the journey profoundly depressing. My mind went into overdrive about everything. Even worse was the Flores Sare Hotel - no running water, the toilet didn't flush, the beds were so damp they were actually wet and the room had bare light bulbs. It was like a cell and it cost $250 per person sharing. It was under construction with the only thing complete was a shrine to the virgin Mary. At least they look after Jesus and his mum... I spent the night feeling like I was staying in a squat. It was primitive and I don't do primitive well. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Mon, 7 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The sun has arrived and it glorious. Saw an orca-like Australian woman at the pool who announced out loud that she was 'Getting a bit of brown' while filling up the pool - never heard that before. I've been photographing the Bulgari Hotel, including various bottles of wine - one that cost $16,000 a bottle. A Romanee-Conti which I've never heard of, the sort of stuff Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley has for breakfast before riding his bike for several hundred miles while listening to Iron Maiden. The sun has arrived and it glorious. Saw an orca-like Australian woman at the pool who announced out loud that she was 'Getting a bit of brown' while filling up the pool - never heard that before. I've been photographing the Bulgari Hotel, including various bottles of wine - one that cost $16,000 a bottle. A Romanee-Conti which I've never heard of, the sort of stuff Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley has for breakfast before riding his bike for several hundred miles while listening to Iron Maiden. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Fri, 4 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Slept for two hours, got up and looked at the sky, saw stars so drove three hours to Kintamani to watch the dawn over Mt. Batur. It started to rain and I mean RAIN, the rain of the Gods or Asia, the West does not have rain like this. If Noah and his Ark had actually existed he would have been at sea in this. I waited until 7am and saw nothing but drizzle and fog. Drank local coffee which half way through the cup left a residue of mud like sludge. Stopped at Pura Besakih (Mother Temple) which looked spectacular. In the morning drizzle it looked flat and wet and women were trying to sell me crap as I looked, with no one there but me. It ruined the spiritual part - the spirit of money ruled. Slept for two hours, got up and looked at the sky, saw stars so drove three hours to Kintamani to watch the dawn over Mt. Batur. It started to rain and I mean RAIN, the rain of the Gods or Asia, the West does not have rain like this. If Noah and his Ark had actually existed he would have been at sea in this. I waited until 7am and saw nothing but drizzle and fog. Drank local coffee which half way through the cup left a residue of mud like sludge. Stopped at Pura Besakih (Mother Temple) which looked spectacular. In the morning drizzle it looked flat and wet and women were trying to sell me crap as I looked, with no one there but me. It ruined the spiritual part - the spirit of money ruled. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Thu, 3 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew to Singapore on Sunday, spent the whole way watching the route map. It was joy, travelling East is for me exotic. For a moment I even considered watching a film as Singapore airlines has some quite good Japanese and Korean ones. I ended up reading the Sunday papers and looking at the map - I LOVE a route map. Flew on the A380 double decker, felt quite airsick. I tend to feel like this on this plane, might be the air or maybe I'm regressing into being a child, "I don't like it, I feel ill". I even dreamed I have become a dad and had two little children going "It's boring" and I'm telling them "Look at the map it's exciting". Peter Makowski is with me in the back with his people - what a snob I am. I used to never mind flying in the third world (economy), but once you've been in the front or the middle of the plane, well, bollocks to the back, it's awful. Ryan Air and Easy Jet are the world of nightmares where you are treated like shit. But really most air lines treat you like shit in the back of the plane. Flew to Singapore on Sunday, spent the whole way watching the route map. It was joy, travelling East is for me exotic. For a moment I even considered watching a film as Singapore airlines has some quite good Japanese and Korean ones. I ended up reading the Sunday papers and looking at the map - I LOVE a route map. Flew on the A380 double decker, felt quite airsick. I tend to feel like this on this plane, might be the air or maybe I'm regressing into being a child, "I don't like it, I feel ill". I even dreamed I have become a dad and had two little children going "It's boring" and I'm telling them "Look at the map it's exciting". Peter Makowski is with me in the back with his people - what a snob I am. I used to never mind flying in the third world (economy), but once you've been in the front or the middle of the plane, well, bollocks to the back, it's awful. Ryan Air and Easy Jet are the world of nightmares where you are treated like shit. But really most air lines treat you like shit in the back of the plane. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/september-2009/diary-september-2009.php Tue, 1 Sept 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Some more covers of Sounds from the late 70s and early 80s, when being a photographer was fun, as in not a job. It was still a job but you didn't have the same responsibilities. You went to shoot and have a good time... I like the Def Leppard cover out of the lot - they look strong. The Michael Schenker cover was funny. I got a WWII German machine gun and Peter Mensch (who managed MSG at the time) told me Rudolf Schenker had phoned Michael when he saw the cover and said something like 'You shoot people with a guitar not a gun!' Some more covers of Sounds from the late 70s and early 80s, when being a photographer was fun, as in not a job. It was still a job but you didn't have the same responsibilities. You went to shoot and have a good time... I like the Def Leppard cover out of the lot - they look strong. The Michael Schenker cover was funny. I got a WWII German machine gun and Peter Mensch (who managed MSG at the time) told me Rudolf Schenker had phoned Michael when he saw the cover and said something like 'You shoot people with a guitar not a gun!' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Called Jimmy this morning to see how it was at the North London Vatican. He was telling me what a good bloke Bono was... 'Bollocks, he's an Irish knob.' 'Yes, I would have said that, but not after you meet him,he's really down to earth.' I wasn't convinced. 'Really, you would have liked him.' Jimmy even said something along the lines of Bono explaining the poverty in Africa - and something about the world cup. I became a bit concerned, thinking maybe Bobo, sorry, Bono, had put something in his drink and poisoned him or given him a hallucenogenic - a "Please like me I'm Bono" drug. I told Jimmy when Bono stops going on about giving all our money to the third world and gives some of his own, instead of the stupid red Amex card he insists we use... he doesn't even pay any tax. Him and Bob Geldof, ugh... JP did say the show, sound, band were spot on and just as I expected he ran into Lars. Called Jimmy this morning to see how it was at the North London Vatican. He was telling me what a good bloke Bono was... 'Bollocks, he's an Irish knob.' 'Yes, I would have said that, but not after you meet him,he's really down to earth.' I wasn't convinced. 'Really, you would have liked him.' Jimmy even said something along the lines of Bono explaining the poverty in Africa - and something about the world cup. I became a bit concerned, thinking maybe Bobo, sorry, Bono, had put something in his drink and poisoned him or given him a hallucenogenic - a "Please like me I'm Bono" drug. I told Jimmy when Bono stops going on about giving all our money to the third world and gives some of his own, instead of the stupid red Amex card he insists we use... he doesn't even pay any tax. Him and Bob Geldof, ugh... JP did say the show, sound, band were spot on and just as I expected he ran into Lars. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Was supposed to go home today but as the weather is so nice, and it's cooled down to about 110 degrees, and it's Sunday in Dubai (really, it is), I thought I'd stay another night. James Patrick Page called me (he thought I'd be back today) and invited me to go and see his Royal Pontiff Bono as U2 are playing Wembley. So he's taking the Pole, Peter Makowski, as my stand-in. I'd have liked to see the stupid stage they've got - very eco-friendly, just like the U2 plane, and you never know, Lars may have flown in - just in case they need him to jam on a bit of One, the Metallica love song they copied. Was supposed to go home today but as the weather is so nice, and it's cooled down to about 110 degrees, and it's Sunday in Dubai (really, it is), I thought I'd stay another night. James Patrick Page called me (he thought I'd be back today) and invited me to go and see his Royal Pontiff Bono as U2 are playing Wembley. So he's taking the Pole, Peter Makowski, as my stand-in. I'd have liked to see the stupid stage they've got - very eco-friendly, just like the U2 plane, and you never know, Lars may have flown in - just in case they need him to jam on a bit of One, the Metallica love song they copied. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been in Dubai most of the week eating five star fine dining - Nobu, highly average and over priced, Hoi An, Vietnamese not bad except £90 for a bottle of wine that should be £15, leaves a bad taste in the wallet and the meal cost more than a night in a hotel. So off to the Emirates Mall today where you pass Harvey Nichols, YSL, Armani, Gucci and tucked far away in the corner is Dubai's finest takeaway tucker, KFC. Yep, it was delicious, a gastronomic fifteen piece bucket of chicken. It was just like the old days of living in Wimbledon when after the pub you finished the evening staggering home with a bucket, dropping bits in the road, then picking them up and eating them. Then waking up in the morning smelling the Colonel's fried chicken all over the bed, thinking 'did I really eat that?' except this time my girlfriend gobbled most of it down. Been in Dubai most of the week eating five star fine dining - Nobu, highly average and over priced, Hoi An, Vietnamese not bad except £90 for a bottle of wine that should be £15, leaves a bad taste in the wallet and the meal cost more than a night in a hotel. So off to the Emirates Mall today where you pass Harvey Nichols, YSL, Armani, Gucci and tucked far away in the corner is Dubai's finest takeaway tucker, KFC. Yep, it was delicious, a gastronomic fifteen piece bucket of chicken. It was just like the old days of living in Wimbledon when after the pub you finished the evening staggering home with a bucket, dropping bits in the road, then picking them up and eating them. Then waking up in the morning smelling the Colonel's fried chicken all over the bed, thinking 'did I really eat that?' except this time my girlfriend gobbled most of it down. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'm in Dubai and have stayed in "Hell". My kind of Hell, the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Island. It has 6,000 rooms, is fully booked full of families, tour groups, you name it. People walking around wearing different coloured wrist bands to show if they are full or half board. It was a version of Disneyland Hell and everything I hate in a hotel. I stayed one night then moved to the sanity of the Shangri-La Hotel. The only thing in the Atlantis that was any good was a giant aquarium, full of some big scary fish. I thought I'd take a couple of photos for five minutes then stayed an hour - it was quite beguiling. Apart from the tourists pushing me out of the way. I had dinner at Nobu in the Atlantis it looked good, great vibe in the room, but the food was average...' I'm in Dubai and have stayed in "Hell". My kind of Hell, the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Island. It has 6,000 rooms, is fully booked full of families, tour groups, you name it. People walking around wearing different coloured wrist bands to show if they are full or half board. It was a version of Disneyland Hell and everything I hate in a hotel. I stayed one night then moved to the sanity of the Shangri-La Hotel. The only thing in the Atlantis that was any good was a giant aquarium, full of some big scary fish. I thought I'd take a couple of photos for five minutes then stayed an hour - it was quite beguiling. Apart from the tourists pushing me out of the way. I had dinner at Nobu in the Atlantis it looked good, great vibe in the room, but the food was average... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Scarlet and Tom's wedding at the Gherkin in London. I think it's called the Gerkin, I have no idea what it's really called. A beautiful day and a beautiful venue. I always forget that they say 'Does anyone have have any reason why they shouldn't be joined in matrimony?' It was so much nicer than the austerity of a church. The venue looked down with a 360 degree view of London. I only took a body and a lens, but with that view I wish I'd taken a bag full, it was like your own personal helicopter. As Kazuyo looked around she said 'I'm not used to this, I always go to funerals.' Scarlet and Tom's wedding at the Gherkin in London. I think it's called the Gerkin, I have no idea what it's really called. A beautiful day and a beautiful venue. I always forget that they say 'Does anyone have have any reason why they shouldn't be joined in matrimony?' It was so much nicer than the austerity of a church. The venue looked down with a 360 degree view of London. I only took a body and a lens, but with that view I wish I'd taken a bag full, it was like your own personal helicopter. As Kazuyo looked around she said 'I'm not used to this, I always go to funerals.' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/august-2009/diary-august-2009.php Sun, 9 Aug 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw Mike Tramp for breakfast then did a photo shoot with him in an old German church. Mike wore an Indian headdress, the kind of thing Sitting Bull would wear while having the 7th Cavalry butchered. He also had a SS Officer's cap a la Lemmy. There was a statue of the grim reaper carrying off a baby. You'd never see that in England... It was fun shooting with Mike who gave me an inscribed copy of his Danish biography. Saw Mike Tramp for breakfast then did a photo shoot with him in an old German church. Mike wore an Indian headdress, the kind of thing Sitting Bull would wear while having the 7th Cavalry butchered. He also had a SS Officer's cap a la Lemmy. There was a statue of the grim reaper carrying off a baby. You'd never see that in England... It was fun shooting with Mike who gave me an inscribed copy of his Danish biography. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Wed, 29 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent today looking for stuff. Dug into my loft, found hundreds of magazines plus lots of copies of Sounds from the 70s and early 80s with features I'd done with Geoff Barton and Pete Makowski. The issue of Sounds with Samon on the cover has a NWOBHM feature and the first use of the word Kerrang. Even some photos of Mick Wall and I from the pool of the Sunset Marquis, holding up drinks - we made it into a Christmas card and sent the cards to people we knew didn't like us and a lot of people never forgave us for it. Just shows you how juvenile the business really is. Found a hand-written letter from Pete Way apologizing for not contacting me as he'd been in rehab, and wanted to re-connect. He should do that now... Spent today looking for stuff. Dug into my loft, found hundreds of magazines plus lots of copies of Sounds from the 70s and early 80s with features I'd done with Geoff Barton and Pete Makowski. The issue of Sounds with Samon on the cover has a NWOBHM feature and the first use of the word Kerrang. Even some photos of Mick Wall and I from the pool of the Sunset Marquis, holding up drinks - we made it into a Christmas card and sent the cards to people we knew didn't like us and a lot of people never forgave us for it. Just shows you how juvenile the business really is. Found a hand-written letter from Pete Way apologizing for not contacting me as he'd been in rehab, and wanted to re-connect. He should do that now... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Sun, 26 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew home yesterday, one of those days that NEVER end. Some knob was late for the gate so we waited an hour while they looked for his bags. I watched this out of the plane window - why they didn't just let him on so we could have gone is beyond me. So we fly to London then are told we must circle and we do flying round and round for an hour - now two hours late. It started to make me nauseous, at one point I thought 'here I go, I'm going to throw up in a paper bag.' I nearly did... Looked down at a black London through black clouds, saw what looked like a giant empty tea saucer and realised it was the new olympic stadium in shitty depressing east London. It looked miles away from docklands. How they expect people to go out to that shithole where the games are going to be is an insult to intelligence. The world has a surprise waiting out there - muggings, crime, a dump in the middle of nowhere. Flew home yesterday, one of those days that NEVER end. Some knob was late for the gate so we waited an hour while they looked for his bags. I watched this out of the plane window - why they didn't just let him on so we could have gone is beyond me. So we fly to London then are told we must circle and we do flying round and round for an hour - now two hours late. It started to make me nauseous, at one point I thought 'here I go, I'm going to throw up in a paper bag.' I nearly did... Looked down at a black London through black clouds, saw what looked like a giant empty tea saucer and realised it was the new olympic stadium in shitty depressing east London. It looked miles away from docklands. How they expect people to go out to that shithole where the games are going to be is an insult to intelligence. The world has a surprise waiting out there - muggings, crime, a dump in the middle of nowhere. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Sat, 25 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Denmark and I have a chest infection so I'm feeling extra sorry for myself, as every time I cough I feel like I'm being beaten. So I leave sunny London to overcast rainy Cophenhagen. Flying here was no fun, like being on a roller coaster. The wonderful venue, The Forum, has no backstage, just some partitioned plywood walls with no ceiling so you are in the crowd, getting boom boom boom echoing all night. It is like a giant heavy metal party except you can't escape. My idea of hell! The upstairs balcony is awash in Tuborg beer, if you slipped over you'd drown or end up drunk. The locals don't seem to mind at all, screaming...! Well, I can't tell you what they were screaming, it was in Danish. The venue had no air conditioning so on the main floor it had to be forty degrees. Off to Denmark and I have a chest infection so I'm feeling extra sorry for myself, as every time I cough I feel like I'm being beaten. So I leave sunny London to overcast rainy Cophenhagen. Flying here was no fun, like being on a roller coaster. The wonderful venue, The Forum, has no backstage, just some partitioned plywood walls with no ceiling so you are in the crowd, getting boom boom boom echoing all night. It is like a giant heavy metal party except you can't escape. My idea of hell! The upstairs balcony is awash in Tuborg beer, if you slipped over you'd drown or end up drunk. The locals don't seem to mind at all, screaming...! Well, I can't tell you what they were screaming, it was in Danish. The venue had no air conditioning so on the main floor it had to be forty degrees. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Wed, 22 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Peter Makowski was incensed by Mick Wall's review of the Deep Purple cd Highlights in Classic Rock. 'What does Mick know about them - NOTHING!' screamed Peter with Polish venom. Now Peter, that is not fair, Michael Wall is quite correct in saying that Geoff Barton's sleeve notes are lightweight, considering Geoff was paid £5,000 for writing nonsense. Come on, the kids, or in this case the old folks who buy this need more info - where it was recorded, year, date, all that train-spotter stuff that people who still live with their parents need to know. I loved it and so did Lars but Mick is right, it could have been soooooooo much better. 'I'm having him deported back to Ireland to pick potatoes,' said Pete and I know he means it. Just like his family had my lot deported during the war... Phil Mogg rang me today. I haven't spoken to him in at least ten years. The funny thing is as soon as Phil rang I recognized his voice. We both commented on the sad decline of Pete Way. It would be good if they could all get it together and do UFO properly with the classic line up, but I doubt it. Peter Makowski was incensed by Mick Wall's review of the Deep Purple cd Highlights in Classic Rock. 'What does Mick know about them - NOTHING!' screamed Peter with Polish venom. Now Peter, that is not fair, Michael Wall is quite correct in saying that Geoff Barton's sleeve notes are lightweight, considering Geoff was paid £5,000 for writing nonsense. Come on, the kids, or in this case the old folks who buy this need more info - where it was recorded, year, date, all that train-spotter stuff that people who still live with their parents need to know. I loved it and so did Lars but Mick is right, it could have been soooooooo much better. 'I'm having him deported back to Ireland to pick potatoes,' said Pete and I know he means it. Just like his family had my lot deported during the war... Phil Mogg rang me today. I haven't spoken to him in at least ten years. The funny thing is as soon as Phil rang I recognized his voice. We both commented on the sad decline of Pete Way. It would be good if they could all get it together and do UFO properly with the classic line up, but I doubt it. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Mon, 20 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Run down at the moment with a chest infection - and the boring jokes of 'have you got swine flu?' Too much flying, I always get it. Watched two films yesterday, Martyrs, a French film which was so vile (not because it was made by the French but hey, that's a good reason anyway!) and graphically violent I fast-forwarded to the end. The only good bit is the actress Mylene Jampanoi, very nice. The second film was The Scarlet Letter with the even lovelier Lee Eun Joo who I googled and found out she'd killed herself after making this. I was in love, my Pictures Of Lily moment (If you like The Who you'll understand). Run down at the moment with a chest infection - and the boring jokes of 'have you got swine flu?' Too much flying, I always get it. Watched two films yesterday, Martyrs, a French film which was so vile (not because it was made by the French but hey, that's a good reason anyway!) and graphically violent I fast-forwarded to the end. The only good bit is the actress Mylene Jampanoi, very nice. The second film was The Scarlet Letter with the even lovelier Lee Eun Joo who I googled and found out she'd killed herself after making this. I was in love, my Pictures Of Lily moment (If you like The Who you'll understand). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Sun, 19 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had the day in Barcelona then flew home early evening. As we took off I changed seats and missed the Pyrenees in the mist of the end of the day - I could have kicked myself. Back home circled above the south downs for forty minutes and felt sick, I thought I was going to throw up. Like being on a dodgem at a funfair. Got some clouds and a bit of London. We then had to take a bus to customs and wait an hour for the luggage. It was one of those journeys where you think how truly bad Heathrow Airport is. I watched immigration being vile to Chinese people coming in from Bejing - welcome to England! I finally got home and expect to be jetlagged. Had the day in Barcelona then flew home early evening. As we took off I changed seats and missed the Pyrenees in the mist of the end of the day - I could have kicked myself. Back home circled above the south downs for forty minutes and felt sick, I thought I was going to throw up. Like being on a dodgem at a funfair. Got some clouds and a bit of London. We then had to take a bus to customs and wait an hour for the luggage. It was one of those journeys where you think how truly bad Heathrow Airport is. I watched immigration being vile to Chinese people coming in from Bejing - welcome to England! I finally got home and expect to be jetlagged. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Wed, 15 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin It's I woke up today at 12.40! I never sleep that late, I'm always up at before 8am. Felt weird, like I'd lost the day, it bugged me all day... In Barcelona had an hour in the sun then off to Madrid with half of Metallica. Got in late afternoon then went record shopping with my friend Gustavo from Venezuela. I got a copy of Moontan with a different cover and he gave me Le Majors De Who which has Golden Earring on the cover. I woke up today at 12.40! I never sleep that late, I'm always up at before 8am. Felt weird, like I'd lost the day, it bugged me all day... In Barcelona had an hour in the sun then off to Madrid with half of Metallica. Got in late afternoon then went record shopping with my friend Gustavo from Venezuela. I got a copy of Moontan with a different cover and he gave me Le Majors De Who which has Golden Earring on the cover. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Tue, 14 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin It's Peter Makowski's birthday and he's old as in really old. Not as old as Dave Ling but not far off. I meet up with Peter in Amsterdam airport where we are being picked up to be driven to the Bosspop Festival. I think it's just down the road, it turns out to be 180km which turns into a long two hour drive after a two hour flight. Tired, must be the old age. I meet up first with Brian Wheat. We drink coffee and soup to wake up and warm up. One minute it's cold and raining, then baking summer hot, and everybody here is smoking more than in Spain which is something... It's Peter Makowski's birthday and he's old as in really old. Not as old as Dave Ling but not far off. I meet up with Peter in Amsterdam airport where we are being picked up to be driven to the Bosspop Festival. I think it's just down the road, it turns out to be 180km which turns into a long two hour drive after a two hour flight. Tired, must be the old age. I meet up first with Brian Wheat. We drink coffee and soup to wake up and warm up. One minute it's cold and raining, then baking summer hot, and everybody here is smoking more than in Spain which is something... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Sun, 12 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Lisbon and it's sunny and pleasant - I could even live here. The show is the Festival Optimus by the water featuring Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Machine Head with the legendary Robb Flynn, Slipknot and Metallica. I go over a bit early and see a tattooed down and out walking in circles talking to himself and playing imaginary drums. It's the guitarist of Mastodon, he even keeps pulling up his t-shirt to rub his tattooed belly. I think he must be having a good time in a world only he knows exist. I watch people looking at him and then hurrying the other way. It becomes quite entertaining in a perverse way. The best bit was when he was staggering around the catering tent on one leg swaying like the leaning tower of Pisa trying to focus on the menu... In Lisbon and it's sunny and pleasant - I could even live here. The show is the Festival Optimus by the water featuring Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Machine Head with the legendary Robb Flynn, Slipknot and Metallica. I go over a bit early and see a tattooed down and out walking in circles talking to himself and playing imaginary drums. It's the guitarist of Mastodon, he even keeps pulling up his t-shirt to rub his tattooed belly. I think he must be having a good time in a world only he knows exist. I watch people looking at him and then hurrying the other way. It becomes quite entertaining in a perverse way. The best bit was when he was staggering around the catering tent on one leg swaying like the leaning tower of Pisa trying to focus on the menu... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Thu, 9 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Walked around Nimes and had cafe au lait and macaroons, as you do in the south of France. Then got ready for Metallica, which was hard to shoot as it was being filmed. Easier than Mexico though - the stage was lower but different as there were less lights and it was much harsher light, more contrasty. Sort of enjoyed it. Climbed to the top of the coliseum. It was now full of French which was a pain in the arse. Still, The Master got his photos. Kazuyo even photographed Lars and the man of his dreams, and Peter Makowski interviewed the Four Horsemen. Walked around Nimes and had cafe au lait and macaroons, as you do in the south of France. Then got ready for Metallica, which was hard to shoot as it was being filmed. Easier than Mexico though - the stage was lower but different as there were less lights and it was much harsher light, more contrasty. Sort of enjoyed it. Climbed to the top of the coliseum. It was now full of French which was a pain in the arse. Still, The Master got his photos. Kazuyo even photographed Lars and the man of his dreams, and Peter Makowski interviewed the Four Horsemen. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Tue, 7 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Nimes in the south of France for Metallica. Now Nimes is not exactly the easiest place to get to. First go to Paris on the train - two hours to St Pancras plus three hours to Paris - then change stations and three and a half hours to Nimes on the super fast TGV. So, only nine and a half hours to France. Fuck it, ermm - no! So the other option was Easy Jet. I even considered driving (alright, I didn't). Easy Jet - ugh, and I mean UGH, in big letters. Peter Makowski (who was going to write a big Heavy Metal feature) was over the moon. 'You on Easy Jet!!!!' It was full of bald people with tattoos (and the men were even worse), plus Gatwick had a betting shop and lots of places giving out free alcohol at 10am. I hated every moment of it. Kazuyo took great pleasure in taking a photo of Peter and I at 37,000 feet... Off to Nimes in the south of France for Metallica. Now Nimes is not exactly the easiest place to get to. First go to Paris on the train - two hours to St Pancras plus three hours to Paris - then change stations and three and a half hours to Nimes on the super fast TGV. So, only nine and a half hours to France. Fuck it, ermm - no! So the other option was Easy Jet. I even considered driving (alright, I didn't). Easy Jet - ugh, and I mean UGH, in big letters. Peter Makowski (who was going to write a big Heavy Metal feature) was over the moon. 'You on Easy Jet!!!!' It was full of bald people with tattoos (and the men were even worse), plus Gatwick had a betting shop and lots of places giving out free alcohol at 10am. I hated every moment of it. Kazuyo took great pleasure in taking a photo of Peter and I at 37,000 feet... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Mon, 6 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The Royal Albert Hall tonight for Jeff Beck. I got there mid-afternoon in time for soundcheck. Jeff was onstage with David Gilmore playing Jerusalem (maybe as an ode to their schoolboy past - being caned etc...), then they did Hi Ho Silver Lining with David singing and playing guitar. Diamond Dave tried to get Jeff to sing - he got around it by bringing on Imelda May. Got some photos of them playing the whole of Echoes plus Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts One and Two, then headed off into the hot sunny afternoon for a look around Harvey Nichol's with Peter Makowski and General Noriaga in tow. The staff in the perfume department were looking down there noses at us which I kind of don't blame them for as they looked at Peter who had just finished his Big Mac meal and was wiping his hands on his t-shirt while looking for a counter he could leave the wrapper on - then asking can he try some free aftershave to get rid of the aroma of Mac and fries... Got back to the Albert Hall and shot the beginning of the show and was instantly threatened by a fifty-something man with 'I paid a lot for this seat.' I said we'll only be here for five minutes, then he gets nastier with a full on thug 'I'll have you etc...' I ignored him so he started on Nori, 'Look why don't you grow up and fuck off and act your age.' He then tells me 'You're a dead man,' with venom. There is nothing worse than a half drunk older person who still thinks he can fight - all they do is give off malice... The Royal Albert Hall tonight for Jeff Beck. I got there mid-afternoon in time for soundcheck. Jeff was onstage with David Gilmore playing Jerusalem (maybe as an ode to their schoolboy past - being caned etc...), then they did Hi Ho Silver Lining with David singing and playing guitar. Diamond Dave tried to get Jeff to sing - he got around it by bringing on Imelda May. Got some photos of them playing the whole of Echoes plus Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts One and Two, then headed off into the hot sunny afternoon for a look around Harvey Nichol's with Peter Makowski and General Noriaga in tow. The staff in the perfume department were looking down there noses at us which I kind of don't blame them for as they looked at Peter who had just finished his Big Mac meal and was wiping his hands on his t-shirt while looking for a counter he could leave the wrapper on - then asking can he try some free aftershave to get rid of the aroma of Mac and fries... Got back to the Albert Hall and shot the beginning of the show and was instantly threatened by a fifty-something man with 'I paid a lot for this seat.' I said we'll only be here for five minutes, then he gets nastier with a full on thug 'I'll have you etc...' I ignored him so he started on Nori, 'Look why don't you grow up and fuck off and act your age.' He then tells me 'You're a dead man,' with venom. There is nothing worse than a half drunk older person who still thinks he can fight - all they do is give off malice... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/july-2009/diary-july-2009.php Sat, 4 July 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunday in Milan and I started by having breakfast with Brian Wheat. We had fruit and a bit of cheese, Peter Makowski had eggs and a bit of bacon - the bill was 185. And people think England is expensive. Spent most of the day sitting looking at the Cathedral in the main square ((three coffees and a coke - 35€). I had a look at the Brera (National Portrait Gallery) which was full of paintings of Jesus. The usual thing, being crucified, with his chums the disciples breaking bread before they sold him down the river and they headed down the pub. There was one Caravaggio and that was of Jesus with his mates having something to eat - it was boring and don't tell me I'm wrong, I went to art college... Sunday in Milan and I started by having breakfast with Brian Wheat. We had fruit and a bit of cheese, Peter Makowski had eggs and a bit of bacon - the bill was 185. And people think England is expensive. Spent most of the day sitting looking at the Cathedral in the main square ((three coffees and a coke - 35€). I had a look at the Brera (National Portrait Gallery) which was full of paintings of Jesus. The usual thing, being crucified, with his chums the disciples breaking bread before they sold him down the river and they headed down the pub. There was one Caravaggio and that was of Jesus with his mates having something to eat - it was boring and don't tell me I'm wrong, I went to art college... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Sun, 28 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Another perfect day, you appreciate London when it's like this. Peter and I and General Noriega set off to see Chickenfoot at the Metropolitan Hotel. Went up to the 3rd floor where Paul Elliott was boring everyone to death talking about Arsenal. 'Who's that?' said Peter. 'I've just met him and he won't shut up.' Paul even talked to Nori about The Gooners - Nori looked at him blankly. Paul was removed after talking to himself while the band were trying to film an interview for TV... I did a quick group shot then some photos of Joe Satriani, mainly portraits. Chatted to Chickenfoot's manager, Mick Brigden, about Humble Pie (Mick was the tour manager from the Smoking tour onwards). Another perfect day, you appreciate London when it's like this. Peter and I and General Noriega set off to see Chickenfoot at the Metropolitan Hotel. Went up to the 3rd floor where Paul Elliott was boring everyone to death talking about Arsenal. 'Who's that?' said Peter. 'I've just met him and he won't shut up.' Paul even talked to Nori about The Gooners - Nori looked at him blankly. Paul was removed after talking to himself while the band were trying to film an interview for TV... I did a quick group shot then some photos of Joe Satriani, mainly portraits. Chatted to Chickenfoot's manager, Mick Brigden, about Humble Pie (Mick was the tour manager from the Smoking tour onwards). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Thu, 25 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A perfect English summers day. Peter Makowski arrived and then did his best to turn my home into a rubbish dump like only he can, then Jimmy Page, then Kazuyo plus General Noriaga. We all headed off to Brighton to see Jeff Beck who was playing at the Brighton Dome, and today is Jeff's sixty-fifth birthday. Arrived in time for dinner and went for fish and chips - what other culinary feast would you eat by the sea? As we were looking in a restaurant window out came Keith Emerson. A perfect English summers day. Peter Makowski arrived and then did his best to turn my home into a rubbish dump like only he can, then Jimmy Page, then Kazuyo plus General Noriaga. We all headed off to Brighton to see Jeff Beck who was playing at the Brighton Dome, and today is Jeff's sixty-fifth birthday. Arrived in time for dinner and went for fish and chips - what other culinary feast would you eat by the sea? As we were looking in a restaurant window out came Keith Emerson. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Wed, 24 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a late night last night (and this morning). Started with dinner at XIV, the new trendy eating spot. Outside is a huge hedge cut in the shape of Roman numeral letters. We were looked after, it was fun to go just to watch the room. Afterwards we stopped at Teddy's in Hollywood where Josh, Richmon and Wendell looked after us all night. There was a lot to look at, or ogle. Finished at the Bar at the Sunset Marquis. Fathers Day today - spent it at the pool. The Love Gun Paul Stanley was at the hotel for lunch with his family. Jimmy and I chatted with him and his son Evan. Paul showed me the new Kiss album cover on his iphone and I'm still not saying what it's called, but it's old school Kiss... Had a late night last night (and this morning). Started with dinner at XIV, the new trendy eating spot. Outside is a huge hedge cut in the shape of Roman numeral letters. We were looked after, it was fun to go just to watch the room. Afterwards we stopped at Teddy's in Hollywood where Josh, Richmon and Wendell looked after us all night. There was a lot to look at, or ogle. Finished at the Bar at the Sunset Marquis. Fathers Day today - spent it at the pool. The Love Gun Paul Stanley was at the hotel for lunch with his family. Jimmy and I chatted with him and his son Evan. Paul showed me the new Kiss album cover on his iphone and I'm still not saying what it's called, but it's old school Kiss... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Sun, 21 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Back to nice weather in LA. Los Angeles has something when the sun is shining. I remembered while looking at my camera I'd photographed Baffin Island - I may be wrong, it may not be an Island. There was a lot of ice on the way here. Went to see Jack White's new band, The Dead Weather, at the Roxy. They were extremely well crafted, Alison Mosshart was interesting in a dramatic, posed kind of way. She seemed to be acting out a weird kind of historical drama onstage... Back to nice weather in LA. Los Angeles has something when the sun is shining. I remembered while looking at my camera I'd photographed Baffin Island - I may be wrong, it may not be an Island. There was a lot of ice on the way here. Went to see Jack White's new band, The Dead Weather, at the Roxy. They were extremely well crafted, Alison Mosshart was interesting in a dramatic, posed kind of way. She seemed to be acting out a weird kind of historical drama onstage... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Wed, 17 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin On my flight yesterday (I was flying in the front of the plane with my chum who plays guitar in Led Zeppelin) was that famous soap dodger, Keanu Reeves, looking like he need a few good baths. He must have taken something 'cos he got on, didn't put on the free pyjamas and slept out cold the whole way in his jacket and sunglasses! The Captain, Neil Morgan, came to say hello to Jimmy and talked guitars. He was a true Les Paul purist which was okay until he started on about Garry Snore - Still Got The Blues - YAWN. Look Gazza was good in Thin Lizzy but that was several hundred years ago. Then Neil made the faux pas of telling us that Joe Bonamassa's Tea For One was so amazing it made him cry. It made us cry for the wrong reasons - why play two notes when you can show off and really overplay? I'll say no more because I genuinely like Joe, even if he's NLWW (no luck with women). On my flight yesterday (I was flying in the front of the plane with my chum who plays guitar in Led Zeppelin) was that famous soap dodger, Keanu Reeves, looking like he need a few good baths. He must have taken something 'cos he got on, didn't put on the free pyjamas and slept out cold the whole way in his jacket and sunglasses! The Captain, Neil Morgan, came to say hello to Jimmy and talked guitars. He was a true Les Paul purist which was okay until he started on about Garry Snore - Still Got The Blues - YAWN. Look Gazza was good in Thin Lizzy but that was several hundred years ago. Then Neil made the faux pas of telling us that Joe Bonamassa's Tea For One was so amazing it made him cry. It made us cry for the wrong reasons - why play two notes when you can show off and really overplay? I'll say no more because I genuinely like Joe, even if he's NLWW (no luck with women). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Tue, 16 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Download part two. I was staying at the highly overpriced Thistle Hotel, £140 plus parking plus internet plus breakfast plus soap. I was surprised there was a towel in the room. Fuck me, it was like a youth hostel. It was more like Ryanair than a hotel. Got up early to see Tesla. They were going to play Love Song. I told the retards to play Coming Atcha Live, which they did and they were excellent, a perfect start to the day. Equally excellent was seeing the sex goddess PR Phoebe Sinclair, looking radiant in the morning light with her two Jewish girlfriends from the textile mills of Manchester. I have been trying to have a night of unbridled passion with Phoebe for years, but as Tesla say, Love Is All Around You - or me. Download part two. I was staying at the highly overpriced Thistle Hotel, £140 plus parking plus internet plus breakfast plus soap. I was surprised there was a towel in the room. Fuck me, it was like a youth hostel. It was more like Ryanair than a hotel. Got up early to see Tesla. They were going to play Love Song. I told the retards to play Coming Atcha Live, which they did and they were excellent, a perfect start to the day. Equally excellent was seeing the sex goddess PR Phoebe Sinclair, looking radiant in the morning light with her two Jewish girlfriends from the textile mills of Manchester. I have been trying to have a night of unbridled passion with Phoebe for years, but as Tesla say, Love Is All Around You - or me. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Sun, 14 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I sat with Peter Makowski and General Noriga and watched Santana at the Fillmore playing the sublime In A Silent Way. I could hear a bit of the Black Crowes and The Mars Volta in it - I have no idea what album it's on. Brian Wheat called again in the early hours of this morning from Dublin. He had just played with Def Leppard and while backstage was stopped by a flash roadie (Brian thought he was a Whitesnake roadie) to talk about me. It turns out it's Def Leppard's grovelling tour photographer who claims to Brian that I feature him on my diary. Strange, I don't recall writing about him at all - I like to try to feature subjects that are interesting. I told Brian not to bother with toilet paper, he'd wipe it for him with his hand - people will do anything nowadays to shoot bands... Not like the good old days when you relied on your talent. I sat with Peter Makowski and General Noriga and watched Santana at the Fillmore playing the sublime In A Silent Way. I could hear a bit of the Black Crowes and The Mars Volta in it - I have no idea what album it's on. Brian Wheat called again in the early hours of this morning from Dublin. He had just played with Def Leppard and while backstage was stopped by a flash roadie (Brian thought he was a Whitesnake roadie) to talk about me. It turns out it's Def Leppard's grovelling tour photographer who claims to Brian that I feature him on my diary. Strange, I don't recall writing about him at all - I like to try to feature subjects that are interesting. I told Brian not to bother with toilet paper, he'd wipe it for him with his hand - people will do anything nowadays to shoot bands... Not like the good old days when you relied on your talent. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Sat, 13 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Home to sunny England. Spent yesterday in that haze of trying to not to fall asleep all day, like walking around in a fog. Watched Fillmore, The Last Days, which I was looking forward to - it was dire. Lamb, Elvin Bishop, It's A Beautiful Day, Cold Blood (appalling) and worst of all The Grateful Dead playing limp rubbish - but there was a nice girl dancing. The rest was terrible. The only saving grace to this waste of celluloid was Santana's In A Silent Way. I also watched The Hit with Terence Stamp, which I'd last seen in 1984. it was still good if a tiny bit dated. Home to sunny England. Spent yesterday in that haze of trying to not to fall asleep all day, like walking around in a fog. Watched Fillmore, The Last Days, which I was looking forward to - it was dire. Lamb, Elvin Bishop, It's A Beautiful Day, Cold Blood (appalling) and worst of all The Grateful Dead playing limp rubbish - but there was a nice girl dancing. The rest was terrible. The only saving grace to this waste of celluloid was Santana's In A Silent Way. I also watched The Hit with Terence Stamp, which I'd last seen in 1984. it was still good if a tiny bit dated. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Thu, 11 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spoke to Boh Runga who came over to my hotel. As she has a new cd out I did some photos late afternoon. I had to bully her to focuson what she was doing. Later I had a meeting with Sasha Gervasi where poor Sasha pleaded poverty while in the same breath telling me about the house full of hot girls he's renting for the whole of August in Bali, to be near Australia and his sheila, Rebecca - when he's bored with the HOT girls... I had dinner with Joe Bonamassa at Ago, who confessed that women universally don't like him, so, if you're looking for love Joe's your man. Also therewith us was Boh Runga and husband Campbell, and my toy boy Chris Vranian. Saw Kirk Hammet there, 'Been a long time,' we both shared. Spoke to Boh Runga who came over to my hotel. As she has a new cd out I did some photos late afternoon. I had to bully her to focuson what she was doing. Later I had a meeting with Sasha Gervasi where poor Sasha pleaded poverty while in the same breath telling me about the house full of hot girls he's renting for the whole of August in Bali, to be near Australia and his sheila, Rebecca - when he's bored with the HOT girls... I had dinner with Joe Bonamassa at Ago, who confessed that women universally don't like him, so, if you're looking for love Joe's your man. Also therewith us was Boh Runga and husband Campbell, and my toy boy Chris Vranian. Saw Kirk Hammet there, 'Been a long time,' we both shared. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Mon, 8 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin There was a world festival in the main street outside our hotel today featuring a giant French puppet about sixty feet tall and people dressed up from various countries. I looked at Columbia thinking you'd see a cartel member selling cocaine - or giving out free samples. Went to a market selling curios. I could have stayed all day. Bought a first edition of The Fantastic Art Of Frank Frazetta for $5.00 then paid way to much for a devil mask. There was a world festival in the main street outside our hotel today featuring a giant French puppet about sixty feet tall and people dressed up from various countries. I looked at Columbia thinking you'd see a cartel member selling cocaine - or giving out free samples. Went to a market selling curios. I could have stayed all day. Bought a first edition of The Fantastic Art Of Frank Frazetta for $5.00 then paid way to much for a devil mask. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Sat, 6 June 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I couldn't sleep and had to get up at 7am to do a radio interview all about... me. I REALLY did not want to do this and tried to cancel but as it was a live show I had to go. So I started half asleep and talked about me and why I wouldn't advise anyone to do what I do. I think I was coherent, in a rambling way... Came back to the hotel where Rob and James plus Steffan Chirazi (band security) and Kazuyo (Halfin security) drove out to Teyotwacan, the Sun and Moon pyramids. We get there and are followed by paparazzi, about ten of them. Vermin - look, it's not photography, they want a bad photo to use. It got wearing quickly and they were not going away. While looking at the Jaguar Pyramid a group of fans all wearing Metallica T-shirts come up. I ask them to PLEASE give them a break. I couldn't sleep and had to get up at 7am to do a radio interview all about... me. I REALLY did not want to do this and tried to cancel but as it was a live show I had to go. So I started half asleep and talked about me and why I wouldn't advise anyone to do what I do. I think I was coherent, in a rambling way... Came back to the hotel where Rob and James plus Steffan Chirazi (band security) and Kazuyo (Halfin security) drove out to Teyotwacan, the Sun and Moon pyramids. We get there and are followed by paparazzi, about ten of them. Vermin - look, it's not photography, they want a bad photo to use. It got wearing quickly and they were not going away. While looking at the Jaguar Pyramid a group of fans all wearing Metallica T-shirts come up. I ask them to PLEASE give them a break. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Fri, 5 June2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Left a rainy Los Angeles, flew over cloud most of the way. It cleared up two hours into the flight. Landed into a sunny but busy Mexico city. You fly over hundreds and hundreds of houses as you land. I waited one and a half hours for my bag at the baggage hall. What do they do have, one person on a donkey delivering them from the plane? Honestly, the bags came on the conveyer belt one at a time in five-minute intervals. Arrived the same time as your heroes in Metallica. They had a load of press including standing on a mini stage and having their photo taken by a hundred photographers, so I wandered in the front and took a few - just to be all friendly. Left a rainy Los Angeles, flew over cloud most of the way. It cleared up two hours into the flight. Landed into a sunny but busy Mexico city. You fly over hundreds and hundreds of houses as you land. I waited one and a half hours for my bag at the baggage hall. What do they do have, one person on a donkey delivering them from the plane? Honestly, the bags came on the conveyer belt one at a time in five-minute intervals. Arrived the same time as your heroes in Metallica. They had a load of press including standing on a mini stage and having their photo taken by a hundred photographers, so I wandered in the front and took a few - just to be all friendly. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Thu, 4 June2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Raining in Los Angeles - or June gloom. Been a few years since I've seen cloud like this in LA. Shot Green Day at lunch time and you know they are easy, and friendly. Spent the rest of the day with Dave Mustaine. I thought I could moan, Dave beats me hands down, but you know what, I always have a good time with him. He even asked after "Big Nose", photographer Peter Cronin (another great winger of the 20th century). I left Dave as he drove back to San Diego in the early evening rain. Raining in Los Angeles - or June gloom. Been a few years since I've seen cloud like this in LA. Shot Green Day at lunch time and you know they are easy, and friendly. Spent the rest of the day with Dave Mustaine. I thought I could moan, Dave beats me hands down, but you know what, I always have a good time with him. He even asked after "Big Nose", photographer Peter Cronin (another great winger of the 20th century). I left Dave as he drove back to San Diego in the early evening rain. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Wed, 3 June2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw the Kings Of Leon in my hotel, and Green Day plus Eminem and Lil'Wayne with their posses of several hundred. I even saw George Clooney at the next table to me in Ago. He was having a boys night out - I was having a girl's one with three females (if you can call Kazuyo a female). Saw the Kings Of Leon in my hotel, and Green Day plus Eminem and Lil'Wayne with their posses of several hundred. I even saw George Clooney at the next table to me in Ago. He was having a boys night out - I was having a girl's one with three females (if you can call Kazuyo a female). http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/june-2009/diary-june-2009.php Mon, 1 June2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at dawn to fly back to the sanity of Los Angeles - "The Sanity Of Los Angeles"... Mexico is the real world. I suppose LA is the sanitised verison. The airport is chaos but I have to say the airline staff were helpful and super friendly. Even the security are nice - no taking off shoes or getting out laptops, it was almost a pleasure to travel. Until we sit on the tarmac for nearly two hours, then I see people getting up. I ask the cabin crew what's going on 'Airplane quebrado.' On come the ground staff who walk us onto another plane with no fuss. It was civilised, I didn't mind at all. If this had been Heathrow or LA I'd be going 'Shit'... Got into Los Angeles to be stopped at immigration by an officer speaking in heavy Russian-sounding English. He looks at my visa, 'You have the wrong visa.' Me, while he's turning the pages of my passport over and over, 'No, it's the right one.' 'Are you saying I don't know my job?' He looks at me menacingly, 'Well, I've been coming here for the last five years and it's the right visa.' He looks agitated, 'You've been luck!' He then sends me to secondary immigration. They ask why I'm here, look at the visa and stamp me in. If it wasn't for the thought of being deported I'd love to have gone back to him and had a go - you know, a bit of 'Welcome to America' instead of 'You've got the wrong visa'. Got up at dawn to fly back to the sanity of Los Angeles - "The Sanity Of Los Angeles"... Mexico is the real world. I suppose LA is the sanitised verison. The airport is chaos but I have to say the airline staff were helpful and super friendly. Even the security are nice - no taking off shoes or getting out laptops, it was almost a pleasure to travel. Until we sit on the tarmac for nearly two hours, then I see people getting up. I ask the cabin crew what's going on 'Airplane quebrado.' On come the ground staff who walk us onto another plane with no fuss. It was civilised, I didn't mind at all. If this had been Heathrow or LA I'd be going 'Shit'... Got into Los Angeles to be stopped at immigration by an officer speaking in heavy Russian-sounding English. He looks at my visa, 'You have the wrong visa.' Me, while he's turning the pages of my passport over and over, 'No, it's the right one.' 'Are you saying I don't know my job?' He looks at me menacingly, 'Well, I've been coming here for the last five years and it's the right visa.' He looks agitated, 'You've been luck!' He then sends me to secondary immigration. They ask why I'm here, look at the visa and stamp me in. If it wasn't for the thought of being deported I'd love to have gone back to him and had a go - you know, a bit of 'Welcome to America' instead of 'You've got the wrong visa'. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Fri, 29 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the day shooting The Mars Volta. Started with Omar and Cedric at lunch time. I had them out in the local streets - quite hard as every car slowed down to see what we were doing. It was so hot and bright we stopped and reconvened at 5pm. Went out to a giant vegetable market and shot around the empty streets. As we were shooting on a street corner an army truck slowed down to check us. It was quite weird, they were fully armed, locked and loaded as they say in America, with a huge mounted machine gun. All the soldiers had scarfs over their faces. It was heavy and eerie, they just looked at us and never said a word. Cedric and Omar were funny and amimated although I doubt those photos will be used, but you never know. We finished at 7pm and I finished by shooting the band rehearsing for an hour. Spent the day shooting The Mars Volta. Started with Omar and Cedric at lunch time. I had them out in the local streets - quite hard as every car slowed down to see what we were doing. It was so hot and bright we stopped and reconvened at 5pm. Went out to a giant vegetable market and shot around the empty streets. As we were shooting on a street corner an army truck slowed down to check us. It was quite weird, they were fully armed, locked and loaded as they say in America, with a huge mounted machine gun. All the soldiers had scarfs over their faces. It was heavy and eerie, they just looked at us and never said a word. Cedric and Omar were funny and amimated although I doubt those photos will be used, but you never know. We finished at 7pm and I finished by shooting the band rehearsing for an hour. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Thu, 28 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Managed to be awake at 3am, after going to bed at 12.30. I can never get past jet lag here, it wipes me out and I don't like taking anything to knock me completely out - feel too slow all day. So I got up at 5am and sort of did nothing, until the day started with humans around. I met Maya Gass and Charlie Hernandez (one of life's true human beings) with his son Charles for breakfast. Saw Gene Simmons at lunch time who was quite pleasant. Herr Simmons told me Paul Stanley was producing the new Kiss record, how good it was, and even the title - which I'm not telling you! Gene did say that Paul had come up with it, and it is good. Managed to be awake at 3am, after going to bed at 12.30. I can never get past jet lag here, it wipes me out and I don't like taking anything to knock me completely out - feel too slow all day. So I got up at 5am and sort of did nothing, until the day started with humans around. I met Maya Gass and Charlie Hernandez (one of life's true human beings) with his son Charles for breakfast. Saw Gene Simmons at lunch time who was quite pleasant. Herr Simmons told me Paul Stanley was producing the new Kiss record, how good it was, and even the title - which I'm not telling you! Gene did say that Paul had come up with it, and it is good. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Tue, 26 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A boring bank holiday, but when aren't they? The weather's always bad though strangely this time it was nice and hot - but still generally boring. I saw Jimmy Page Saturday night, he came over to my house to have a black mass and worship the devil.... Okay he really came over to go through photos for a project we are working on. I showed him my record collection in my new record room - the spare bedroom upstairs. We looked at various LP sleeves with joy. Yes, we are that sad, but if you grew up in the 60's or 70's you would understand. We ended up in the Kings Road having a pizza. Jimmy told me he thought Steve Gorman had good swing to his drumming (we'd been talking about the Black Crowes).Nathan Followill of the Kings Of Leon has a unique style as well. A boring bank holiday, but when aren't they? The weather's always bad though strangely this time it was nice and hot - but still generally boring. I saw Jimmy Page Saturday night, he came over to my house to have a black mass and worship the devil.... Okay he really came over to go through photos for a project we are working on. I showed him my record collection in my new record room - the spare bedroom upstairs. We looked at various LP sleeves with joy. Yes, we are that sad, but if you grew up in the 60's or 70's you would understand. We ended up in the Kings Road having a pizza. Jimmy told me he thought Steve Gorman had good swing to his drumming (we'd been talking about the Black Crowes).Nathan Followill of the Kings Of Leon has a unique style as well. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Mon, 25 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been digging out my records and putting them in alphabetical order. Addict behaviour I know, but I was getting frustrated because I couldn't decide if compilation LPs should go under sampler, or under title. It bothered me all day like it was a life important issue. The gratification I had was that all my LPs are mint as in looking new - something my old mate Pete from Vicious Sloth down under taught me, "Mint is brand new not Ex +", and I looked at the records with true love. The insane part is I don't have a turntable anymore. Dug out some Sounds from 1974-76 where Peter Makowski as a young teenager is in his heyday. Peter has an exclusive interview with David Coverdale about a new LP called Stormbringer, plus he interviews some whitey who thinks he's a negro, called Johnny Winter. In the same issue is an ad for a Hustler and Queen tour which I saw at the Rainbow Theatre 19th November '74. I remember thinking Queen were awful and will never make it. In an earlier issue is Paul Thompson of Roxy Music telling Peter that 'The drum world is due for a change.' He reviews Jeff Beck's Blow By Blow and goes to Belgrade with the new Deep Purple (March 29 '75 Issue ), a big deal then - it was behind the iron curtain. Pete seemed to go everywhere, now he just moans if he's not going to the Kingdom to find a Thai bride. Been digging out my records and putting them in alphabetical order. Addict behaviour I know, but I was getting frustrated because I couldn't decide if compilation LPs should go under sampler, or under title. It bothered me all day like it was a life important issue. The gratification I had was that all my LPs are mint as in looking new - something my old mate Pete from Vicious Sloth down under taught me, "Mint is brand new not Ex +", and I looked at the records with true love. The insane part is I don't have a turntable anymore. Dug out some Sounds from 1974-76 where Peter Makowski as a young teenager is in his heyday. Peter has an exclusive interview with David Coverdale about a new LP called Stormbringer, plus he interviews some whitey who thinks he's a negro, called Johnny Winter. In the same issue is an ad for a Hustler and Queen tour which I saw at the Rainbow Theatre 19th November '74. I remember thinking Queen were awful and will never make it. In an earlier issue is Paul Thompson of Roxy Music telling Peter that 'The drum world is due for a change.' He reviews Jeff Beck's Blow By Blow and goes to Belgrade with the new Deep Purple (March 29 '75 Issue ), a big deal then - it was behind the iron curtain. Pete seemed to go everywhere, now he just moans if he's not going to the Kingdom to find a Thai bride. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Wed, 20 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A tale from the world of film. When I was last in New York I visited film director and diplomat's son, Sasha Gervasi, in his opulent suite in Soho. I asked where was Lips and the rest of Anvil, 'They don't need a hotel, they're sleeping in a van in New Jersey.' 'But aren't they one of the tribe?' 'Yeeeeees, buuuuuuut why spoil them?' replied Sasha, rubbing his hands while doing his best look of Fagin-like sincerity. Sasha's suite took up the whole top floor of the hotel. Sasha invited me to Cannes to the film festival. 'You'll be well looked after, never mind Motley Crue, it'll be girls, girls, girls - you'll be taken care of every night.' He then asked about our "Mates" deal as he likes to call it, as in I don't charge him much for the Anvil cd/dvd/t-shirt rights, while he continues to fill up his pot of gold, of course... A tale from the world of film. When I was last in New York I visited film director and diplomat's son, Sasha Gervasi, in his opulent suite in Soho. I asked where was Lips and the rest of Anvil, 'They don't need a hotel, they're sleeping in a van in New Jersey.' 'But aren't they one of the tribe?' 'Yeeeeees, buuuuuuut why spoil them?' replied Sasha, rubbing his hands while doing his best look of Fagin-like sincerity. Sasha's suite took up the whole top floor of the hotel. Sasha invited me to Cannes to the film festival. 'You'll be well looked after, never mind Motley Crue, it'll be girls, girls, girls - you'll be taken care of every night.' He then asked about our "Mates" deal as he likes to call it, as in I don't charge him much for the Anvil cd/dvd/t-shirt rights, while he continues to fill up his pot of gold, of course... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Fri, 15 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up to a rainy miserable day. Off to Amsterdam for the Black Crowes. Got to Gatwick (not my usual airport) and it was as if it was the last day on earth and everyone was leaving at 7am. Hundreds of people - old, young, children, foreigners, you name it. The worst part being the BAA who do the security. A t Gatwick they now have clear plastic bags half the size of the ones at Heathrow and the security seem to think they are empowered with the force of the Waffen SS and are as pleasant as the Gestapo. A bunch of total cunts. Sorry, I mean CUNTS. Sending people back through security and being as unpleasant as possible. Travel used to be fun and exciting. This lot act like a bunch of fascist bus conductors. Fuck me, they don't even care whether you might be a terrorist or not, they are enforcing the Rules of the Clear Plastic Bag. Got up to a rainy miserable day. Off to Amsterdam for the Black Crowes. Got to Gatwick (not my usual airport) and it was as if it was the last day on earth and everyone was leaving at 7am. Hundreds of people - old, young, children, foreigners, you name it. The worst part being the BAA who do the security. A t Gatwick they now have clear plastic bags half the size of the ones at Heathrow and the security seem to think they are empowered with the force of the Waffen SS and are as pleasant as the Gestapo. A bunch of total cunts. Sorry, I mean CUNTS. Sending people back through security and being as unpleasant as possible. Travel used to be fun and exciting. This lot act like a bunch of fascist bus conductors. Fuck me, they don't even care whether you might be a terrorist or not, they are enforcing the Rules of the Clear Plastic Bag. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Wed, 13 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Watched The Legend Of 1900 (which I've had forever), it was rubbish. Then the Swedish film Let The Right One In - that was great. Then One Wonderful Sunday (Akira Kurosawa). On Sky I'd taped Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at Madison Square Garden. It was dreadful - limp, overplayed blues with lots of backslapping, honestly I wanted to like it but it was dull. I went and played the Jeff Beck Group at the Boston Tea Party 1969 and that showed how to do it properly. Played Sa Dingding, she looks good but is just average. Just like the blues you have to like it but the problem is it's boring, a real "I know more then you, I'm a purist keeping (and stealing) black music" when the reality is you can't write any songs and the best stuff you play is by someone else. Watched The Legend Of 1900 (which I've had forever), it was rubbish. Then the Swedish film Let The Right One In - that was great. Then One Wonderful Sunday (Akira Kurosawa). On Sky I'd taped Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at Madison Square Garden. It was dreadful - limp, overplayed blues with lots of backslapping, honestly I wanted to like it but it was dull. I went and played the Jeff Beck Group at the Boston Tea Party 1969 and that showed how to do it properly. Played Sa Dingding, she looks good but is just average. Just like the blues you have to like it but the problem is it's boring, a real "I know more then you, I'm a purist keeping (and stealing) black music" when the reality is you can't write any songs and the best stuff you play is by someone else. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Thu, 7 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Peter Makowski has come to visit. We watched a film called the North Face about those young Nazis trying to climb the Eiger (or the Ogre, as it was known) in the 30s with prehistoric equipment - it was realistic and gave me nightmares. Peter gave me Tokyo Gore Police starring my future wife, Eihi Shiina. I can watch it over and over just to fantasize about nights of passion. Last week's Guardian had a Digested Read with a funny review of Under Their Thumb by Bill German. "It wasn't easy dealing with the band's egos. Mick would either ignore me or ignore me". "Mick said.'Here's the deal. You pay all your own costs and continue not to rock the boat of Rolling Stones PLC and we'll treat you like shit'" And young Bill let them. Peter Makowski has come to visit. We watched a film called the North Face about those young Nazis trying to climb the Eiger (or the Ogre, as it was known) in the 30s with prehistoric equipment - it was realistic and gave me nightmares. Peter gave me Tokyo Gore Police starring my future wife, Eihi Shiina. I can watch it over and over just to fantasize about nights of passion. Last week's Guardian had a Digested Read with a funny review of Under Their Thumb by Bill German. "It wasn't easy dealing with the band's egos. Mick would either ignore me or ignore me". "Mick said.'Here's the deal. You pay all your own costs and continue not to rock the boat of Rolling Stones PLC and we'll treat you like shit'" And young Bill let them. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Sat, 2 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Summer's here and it's a warm sunny day. I was thinking of going wandering around London with a camera and they've closed the underground for train works. London sometimes lives in the dark ages. Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley is moaning on about dreary old London. Cavie I'll take it over the 'Bu any day, or Indiana, your other love.,Trains or no trains. I saw Curved Air last week at the Boom Boom club in Sutton. Now before you snigger I quite liked them, never saw them in the day. My other half said she'd come along. The best way I can describe it is to say it was like watching your older art teachers playing at a school fete. Darryl Way was good and Florian Pilkington-Miksa on drums was excellent, Sonja Kristina reminded me of a hippy auntie dancing in a trance while you cringe in embarrassment. During Young Mother Sonja said 'This is a song we freak out to...' Summer's here and it's a warm sunny day. I was thinking of going wandering around London with a camera and they've closed the underground for train works. London sometimes lives in the dark ages. Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley is moaning on about dreary old London. Cavie I'll take it over the 'Bu any day, or Indiana, your other love.,Trains or no trains. I saw Curved Air last week at the Boom Boom club in Sutton. Now before you snigger I quite liked them, never saw them in the day. My other half said she'd come along. The best way I can describe it is to say it was like watching your older art teachers playing at a school fete. Darryl Way was good and Florian Pilkington-Miksa on drums was excellent, Sonja Kristina reminded me of a hippy auntie dancing in a trance while you cringe in embarrassment. During Young Mother Sonja said 'This is a song we freak out to...' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/may-2009/diary-may-2009.php Fri, 1 May2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Home - flew over a sunny London at dawn but by the time I came out of the airport it was raining, of course. Lots of bits to do today, and without sounding too much like Mick Wall, a load of bills, gas, electric, credit cards - lots of woe... Also Mojo's free cd this month is something I actually like. I mean, I always throw the free cds in the bin - normally a right load of old shit that the magazines licence for free. This has all the Island folk period and is really nice. Then again none of the cds with magazines are really free, it's just a way of selling you more dear reader, you con yourself into thinking you're getting something extra. Home - flew over a sunny London at dawn but by the time I came out of the airport it was raining, of course. Lots of bits to do today, and without sounding too much like Mick Wall, a load of bills, gas, electric, credit cards - lots of woe... Also Mojo's free cd this month is something I actually like. I mean, I always throw the free cds in the bin - normally a right load of old shit that the magazines licence for free. This has all the Island folk period and is really nice. Then again none of the cds with magazines are really free, it's just a way of selling you more dear reader, you con yourself into thinking you're getting something extra. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Mon, 27 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew up to San Francisco, then on to Oakland to Greenday's headquarters. Billy Joe had enough rare Gibson guitars to fill a museum - Black Beautys, 58 Standard, Les Paul Juniors, Black ES 175s - you name it he had it. Bill, his tech, told me he and Billy Joe always go shopping around the world for guitars. I did a shoot on a white background, tried to make it look colourless while still using colour. Shot Billy Joe with some guitars you wouldn't have seen him with. Always easy to work with and nice - a pleasure. What wasn't so pleasurable was that I rushed back to SFO airport to find United had cancelled the next three flights back to Los Angeles. I suppose it could have been worse, I could have been driving... Flew up to San Francisco, then on to Oakland to Greenday's headquarters. Billy Joe had enough rare Gibson guitars to fill a museum - Black Beautys, 58 Standard, Les Paul Juniors, Black ES 175s - you name it he had it. Bill, his tech, told me he and Billy Joe always go shopping around the world for guitars. I did a shoot on a white background, tried to make it look colourless while still using colour. Shot Billy Joe with some guitars you wouldn't have seen him with. Always easy to work with and nice - a pleasure. What wasn't so pleasurable was that I rushed back to SFO airport to find United had cancelled the next three flights back to Los Angeles. I suppose it could have been worse, I could have been driving... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Fri, 24 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Still feel rotten and it's still nice and warm. I found I now have many friends all asking me to get them into see Jeff Beck - on the day of the show at a small theatre. 'Oh yes, no problem, how many tickets would you like you ? Plus four? Not a problem.' I see Jeff who invites me to go to the Peterson Car Museum. I don't go but see him later for lunch where he tells me a good Jeff Beck Group story of how his Les Paul was stolen and he knows who has it, and the person is in the hotel. Rod Gruendyke, the hotel GM, invites us to go and see (in a villa in the hotel) David Lim, who is launching his bespoke jean company, Kasil. We go to a huge room as various celebs queue up to get fitted for designer jeans etc. I spot Cat Deely, Billy Zane and a few others I know. Still feel rotten and it's still nice and warm. I found I now have many friends all asking me to get them into see Jeff Beck - on the day of the show at a small theatre. 'Oh yes, no problem, how many tickets would you like you ? Plus four? Not a problem.' I see Jeff who invites me to go to the Peterson Car Museum. I don't go but see him later for lunch where he tells me a good Jeff Beck Group story of how his Les Paul was stolen and he knows who has it, and the person is in the hotel. Rod Gruendyke, the hotel GM, invites us to go and see (in a villa in the hotel) David Lim, who is launching his bespoke jean company, Kasil. We go to a huge room as various celebs queue up to get fitted for designer jeans etc. I spot Cat Deely, Billy Zane and a few others I know. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Wed, 22 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Felt strange today, went to see a doctor last night and got some prescribed medicine which had codeine in it. I was meant to take half a tea spoonful but didn't read the bottle and drank two half cups. I haven't felt like this since the 80s. I was walking around in a fog, one minute high the next I wanted to pass out or melt. It was horrible and I used to do way worse than this when I was young and stupid. I shot Jeff Beck in the grounds of my hotel and I still wasn't quite there mid-afternoon. I sort of did it on auto pilot. Peter Mackay (Jeff's tour manager) made it all happen. It went well - and I still felt like jelly. Drove with Peter to the El Ray theatre, shot soundcheck of Jeff and Rod Stewart playing I Ain't Superstitious and People Get Ready. It was, ermmm, amazing, it really was. Rod had a bit of a trantrum when he saw me, 'Who's the fucking photographer?' He also said 'Since I last sang this I've had six kids.' Also shot Joss Stone and Jeff doing I Want To Take You Higher. I spoke to Joss for a bit, she seemed unfazed by it all and was courteous, friendly and down to earth. Felt strange today, went to see a doctor last night and got some prescribed medicine which had codeine in it. I was meant to take half a tea spoonful but didn't read the bottle and drank two half cups. I haven't felt like this since the 80s. I was walking around in a fog, one minute high the next I wanted to pass out or melt. It was horrible and I used to do way worse than this when I was young and stupid. I shot Jeff Beck in the grounds of my hotel and I still wasn't quite there mid-afternoon. I sort of did it on auto pilot. Peter Mackay (Jeff's tour manager) made it all happen. It went well - and I still felt like jelly. Drove with Peter to the El Ray theatre, shot soundcheck of Jeff and Rod Stewart playing I Ain't Superstitious and People Get Ready. It was, ermmm, amazing, it really was. Rod had a bit of a trantrum when he saw me, 'Who's the fucking photographer?' He also said 'Since I last sang this I've had six kids.' Also shot Joss Stone and Jeff doing I Want To Take You Higher. I spoke to Joss for a bit, she seemed unfazed by it all and was courteous, friendly and down to earth. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Tue, 21 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had enough of the cold so got up at 4am and took the first flight to Los Angeles. I was feeling too run down to take photos on the way and I figured by the time I flew over the south west the light would have been too high. Of course today we flew right over the Grand Canyon and it looked spectacular, even at 9.30am, and I didn't take a single photo. Los Angeles is baking, in the high 80s, which is fine by me. I see Jeff Beck at the pool, he tells me he came from Chicago and it was freezing and he's enjoying being warm. Even saw my friend Gordon, recovering from a three-day bender at Coachella,'I need to go home to recover,' he tells me. Nice being warm, I just wish I felt better. Had enough of the cold so got up at 4am and took the first flight to Los Angeles. I was feeling too run down to take photos on the way and I figured by the time I flew over the south west the light would have been too high. Of course today we flew right over the Grand Canyon and it looked spectacular, even at 9.30am, and I didn't take a single photo../l,km Los Angeles is baking, in the high 80s, which is fine by me. I see Jeff Beck at the pool, he tells me he came from Chicago and it was freezing and he's enjoying being warm. Even saw my friend Gordon, recovering from a three-day bender at Coachella,'I need to go home to recover,' he tells me. Nice being warm, I just wish I felt better. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Mon, 20 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin For some reason I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed at 5am - then felt tired. Left to catch the first flight to Washington then connect to Boston. Heathrow airport was empty at dawn, only one desk open, so I went to First Class and asked politely if I could check in there. I get 'I'm not allowed but I'll do it this once.' I think 'ungrateful cow, not a "Thank you for flying United and being a loyal customer" then.' The gate is number 56, a two mile walk - well, it seems like it. The security is Polish and I can hardly understand what she says. 'Diiiiiid yoooooooooou buuuuuuuy anythiiiiiiiiing from annnnnnnyonnnne apart froooooom theeeeeee shoooops in zeeee airpoooooort?' Me 'What?' She gives me secondary screening which means I'm searched then every camera, book, in fact everything, is gone through. I was tempted to tell her to go back to the eastern brothel she came from but I came to my senses. Whore, all she needed were a few more black and gold teeth... For some reason I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed at 5am - then felt tired. Left to catch the first flight to Washington then connect to Boston. Heathrow airport was empty at dawn, only one desk open, so I went to First Class and asked politely if I could check in there. I get 'I'm not allowed but I'll do it this once.' I think 'ungrateful cow, not a "Thank you for flying United and being a loyal customer" then.' The gate is number 56, a two mile walk - well, it seems like it. The security is Polish and I can hardly understand what she says. 'Diiiiiid yoooooooooou buuuuuuuy anythiiiiiiiiing from annnnnnnyonnnne apart froooooom theeeeeee shoooops in zeeee airpoooooort?' Me 'What?' She gives me secondary screening which means I'm searched then every camera, book, in fact everything, is gone through. I was tempted to tell her to go back to the eastern brothel she came from but I came to my senses. Whore, all she needed were a few more black and gold teeth... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Sat, 18 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A dire day, dull with rain - depressing. Spent it in my attic moving photos, books, magazines (which I mostly threw out). I seem to have excess Creems, Kerrangs and all that stuff that I thought was REALLY important once. I did find a Metallica Award from Japan for the Black Album which is unusual with a embossed snake. Found some Iron Maiden t-shirts from the Killers Tour - binned them as well (let's face it, I'd look stupid wearing them). Found some good posters and photos. A dire day, dull with rain - depressing. Spent it in my attic moving photos, books, magazines (which I mostly threw out). I seem to have excess Creems, Kerrangs and all that stuff that I thought was REALLY important once. I did find a Metallica Award from Japan for the Black Album which is unusual with a embossed snake. Found some Iron Maiden t-shirts from the Killers Tour - binned them as well (let's face it, I'd look stupid wearing them). Found some good posters and photos. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Fri, 17 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flying home today. A beautiful day in Los Angeles and it's going to pour down tomorrow so time to head home for a boring Easter. I should have gone east and I don't mean New York. Had dinner at the new trendy in-spot, Cecconis, the site of the old Morton's Oscar restaurant. Very happening, full of things to look at. I ran into Adrian And Natalie Smith in my hotel bar.I haven't seen Adrian since my dreadful trip to Japan with Iron Maiden a couple of years ago. It was nice to catch up having a good "chuckle" about 666 the Iron Maiden film, and Nicko's guest list of several thousand in Florida. We discussed our sons, and Mrs Smith is always great fun. Flying home today. A beautiful day in Los Angeles and it's going to pour down tomorrow so time to head home for a boring Easter. I should have gone east and I don't mean New York. Had dinner at the new trendy in-spot, Cecconis, the site of the old Morton's Oscar restaurant. Very happening, full of things to look at. I ran into Adrian And Natalie Smith in my hotel bar.I haven't seen Adrian since my dreadful trip to Japan with Iron Maiden a couple of years ago. It was nice to catch up having a good "chuckle" about 666 the Iron Maiden film, and Nicko's guest list of several thousand in Florida. We discussed our sons, and Mrs Smith is always great fun. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Thu, 9 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Left New York and I'm now in Los Angeles which is nice and sunny and warm. It's energising waking up to a blue sky instead of say New York rain and skyscrapers or Cleveland cloud and cold. The Anvil film premier was tonight, so I went as I've never been to one. It was at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. You walk in and can either walk the red carpet or walk around the back of it. Lots of actors, Dustin Hoffman, people like that. Keanu Reeves introduced the film and Sasha Gervasi with a funny speech. Left New York and I'm now in Los Angeles which is nice and sunny and warm. It's energising waking up to a blue sky instead of say New York rain and skyscrapers or Cleveland cloud and cold. The Anvil film premier was tonight, so I went as I've never been to one. It was at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. You walk in and can either walk the red carpet or walk around the back of it. Lots of actors, Dustin Hoffman, people like that. Keanu Reeves introduced the film and Sasha Gervasi with a funny speech. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Tue, 7 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin We leave at 1am. I do an Anton and get a lift on a private jet with JP back to New York. As we get to the small private airfield there are three kids waiting in the cold holding large blank cards to be signed. They cannot be more than ten years old trying to guilt you into it. They can't have any idea who Jimmy is. Ebay is a sick thing, who sends children out at 1am to get autographs? Get into NY at 2.30am. At the hotel is Andy Mendelson (manager of the Kings Of Leon) who has just got married and is celebrating in the bar. We cogtatulate him and his new wife, Julie. Standing at the bar is my old mate Eddy Vedder, fresh from down Seattle way, or Hawaii where he lives in Grunge Heaven. We say hello and talk about The Who, as you do. Got to bed at 4am, very tired. I found yesterday mentally draining. We leave at 1am. I do an Anton and get a lift on a private jet with JP back to New York. As we get to the small private airfield there are three kids waiting in the cold holding large blank cards to be signed. They cannot be more than ten years old trying to guilt you into it. They can't have any idea who Jimmy is. Ebay is a sick thing, who sends children out at 1am to get autographs? Get into NY at 2.30am. At the hotel is Andy Mendelson (manager of the Kings Of Leon) who has just got married and is celebrating in the bar. We cogtatulate him and his new wife, Julie. Standing at the bar is my old mate Eddy Vedder, fresh from down Seattle way, or Hawaii where he lives in Grunge Heaven. We say hello and talk about The Who, as you do. Got to bed at 4am, very tired. I found yesterday mentally draining. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Sun, 5 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at dawn to have breakfast with Jimmy. We ann into a fresh-faced Ronnie Wood just arrived from LA. Then a my sexy assistant Kazuyo arrives just in from London, 'Alright my son, what's going on?' she asks with masterful use of Japanese English. I remember I came here with Iron Maiden when they opened for Rainbow in the early 80s. The photo on magazines on April 1st of Clive Burr and Bruce Dickinson was taken here. I also remember Ritchie Blackmore getting handed an upper set of falsh dentures by a man in the front row and playing slide with them. The photos on my gallery of Blackmore with Iron Maiden and backstage tuning up in his socks are also shot in Cleveland. Got up at dawn to have breakfast with Jimmy. We ann into a fresh-faced Ronnie Wood just arrived from LA. Then a my sexy assistant Kazuyo arrives just in from London, 'Alright my son, what's going on?' she asks with masterful use of Japanese English. I remember I came here with Iron Maiden when they opened for Rainbow in the early 80s. The photo on magazines on April 1st of Clive Burr and Bruce Dickinson was taken here. I also remember Ritchie Blackmore getting handed an upper set of falsh dentures by a man in the front row and playing slide with them. The photos on my gallery of Blackmore with Iron Maiden and backstage tuning up in his socks are also shot in Cleveland. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Fri, 3 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I managed to sleep for about three hours, got fed and went for a walk while it was still dark. The funny thing with New York is that there were loads of people around. Went out with Jimmy to see the John Varvatos store in the Bowery in the old CBGBs club. It was tastefully done and John had a lot of vinyl for sale. He gave me a record by a group called Catfish, who I'd never heard of. We had lunch with John then rushed off to the airport to fly to Cleveland. As we arrived there were ebay people waiting at the gate begging to get stuff signed. It was quite embarrassing waiting for your bags and being hounded and followed like the pied piper... I managed to sleep for about three hours, got fed and went for a walk while it was still dark. The funny thing with New York is that there were loads of people around. Went out with Jimmy to see the John Varvatos store in the Bowery in the old CBGBs club. It was tastefully done and John had a lot of vinyl for sale. He gave me a record by a group called Catfish, who I'd never heard of. We had lunch with John then rushed off to the airport to fly to Cleveland. As we arrived there were ebay people waiting at the gate begging to get stuff signed. It was quite embarrassing waiting for your bags and being hounded and followed like the pied piper... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Thu, 2 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew to New York with Jimmy Page, we left a sunny London for a cold rainy New York. The last hour of the flight was turbulent and frightening, being thrown all over the place, and we were in the front of the plane. Landed just behind a flight from Spain, so immigration was full of Spanish who couldn't speak any English. Customs seemed to take as long as the flight over. The "Rock Toff" James Blunt was on the same flight carrying his guitar, he looked awfully posh - I expected him to break out his acoustic for a singalong to You're Beautiful. He got through customs before us, must have been his royal connections. Flew to New York with Jimmy Page, we left a sunny London for a cold rainy New York. The last hour of the flight was turbulent and frightening, being thrown all over the place, and we were in the front of the plane. Landed just behind a flight from Spain, so immigration was full of Spanish who couldn't speak any English. Customs seemed to take as long as the flight over. The "Rock Toff" James Blunt was on the same flight carrying his guitar, he looked awfully posh - I expected him to break out his acoustic for a singalong to You're Beautiful. He got through customs before us, must have been his royal connections. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/april-2009/diary-april-2009.php Wed, 1 April2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been a nice weekend (even yesterday when I didn't quite think I was here). I did a shoot with a new singer on Sunday and halfway through felt so vague I thought I was going to be sick. Kept nodding out - I thought I could control jet lag, you kind of can, but yesterday caught up with me... I forgot, on Saturday saw the Legendary Rob Flynn who tried to make me drink with him halfway through the show, in between shouting Motherfucker, and he told me Machine Head is spelt with two words. Very kind. Been a nice weekend (even yesterday when I didn't quite think I was here). I did a shoot with a new singer on Sunday and halfway through felt so vague I thought I was going to be sick. Kept nodding out - I thought I could control jet lag, you kind of can, but yesterday caught up with me... I forgot, on Saturday saw the Legendary Rob Flynn who tried to make me drink with him halfway through the show, in between shouting Motherfucker, and he told me Machine Head is spelt with two words. Very kind. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Mon, 30 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I spent the early hours of this morning with Xavier Russell talking about Starz, the New York kind of Kiss wannabes from 1977. Even James Hetfield knew all the songs. I left Biff with Metallica talking about Heavy Metal Thunder then spent another two hours getting home at 1am. Got home at 3.30 as England has now gone into summer time. Woke up at 9am to a bright summers day - it'll be nice if it lasts. I'm going to play some Sunday morning Saxon. I spent the early hours of this morning with Xavier Russell talking about Starz, the New York kind of Kiss wannabes from 1977. Even James Hetfield knew all the songs. I left Biff with Metallica talking about Heavy Metal Thunder then spent another two hours getting home at 1am. Got home at 3.30 as England has now gone into summer time. Woke up at 9am to a bright summers day - it'll be nice if it lasts. I'm going to play some Sunday morning Saxon. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Sun, 29 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I was thinking of staying for The Who in Sydney tomorrow, then realised it's near Newcastle and that's a ninety minute drive in no traffic and I wouldn't be able to get a flight home until the end of next week. So flew at 6am back to Sydney thinking I'll have a day by the pool then sleep on the plane. It was overcast then raining. As I got on my first flight the women next to me asked what book I was reading. 'The Devil's Paintbrush by the homosexual writer Jake Arnott.' 'Fair dinkum, what's it about?' 'The Great Beast, Aleister Crowley.' 'Never heard of him.' Got to give it to Australians, they get right to the point. Another word I heard here (that I'd never heard before) was Shit House used to describe any form of displeasure like a bad meal, hotel, road, shop, nearly anything wrong or bad is shit house. And the word for any form of pleasure is Beauty or Beautie. A fan called The Who 'Fucking beauty' which succinctly summed up his night out. I liked Australia on this trip even with the bad food (or the bad tucker). An Australian female (and I'm not making this up) said the reason why so many Australians like Clapham Common in London is because there are so many pubs and when you're drunk you can fall over on the grass. I was thinking of staying for The Who in Sydney tomorrow, then realised it's near Newcastle and that's a ninety minute drive in no traffic and I wouldn't be able to get a flight home until the end of next week. So flew at 6am back to Sydney thinking I'll have a day by the pool then sleep on the plane. It was overcast then raining. As I got on my first flight the women next to me asked what book I was reading. 'The Devil's Paintbrush by the homosexual writer Jake Arnott.' 'Fair dinkum, what's it about?' 'The Great Beast, Aleister Crowley.' 'Never heard of him.' Got to give it to Australians, they get right to the point. Another word I heard here (that I'd never heard before) was Shit House used to describe any form of displeasure like a bad meal, hotel, road, shop, nearly anything wrong or bad is shit house. And the word for any form of pleasure is Beauty or Beautie. A fan called The Who 'Fucking beauty' which succinctly summed up his night out. I liked Australia on this trip even with the bad food (or the bad tucker). An Australian female (and I'm not making this up) said the reason why so many Australians like Clapham Common in London is because there are so many pubs and when you're drunk you can fall over on the grass. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Fri, 27 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went out to the Blue Mountains which were far more spectacular than I was expecting them to be. The sky was topped by huge clouds. It was exceptional, all the photos I've seen do not do it justice. It wasn't crowded at all, a few Germans plus some homosexual lovers - it was relatively tourist free. I'd gone to Neil Perry's (Australia's famous chef) restaurant, Spice Temple. Asian fusion as it's called, it was bad and expensive. I've never had a good meal, the waiters tell you a long exciting story of how the food's cooked and it's always just okay, with a huge bill coming to round off the meal. Plus the wine is excessively marked up. Spice Temple's menus have photos of alluring Asian women, with lips parted, promising great wonders of the east. I wouldn't mind if they gave you one to take back to your hotel as a thank you for spending so much, 'Thank you for spending so much on over-priced Sydney fusion here's a little something to take back to your room and enjoy mate.' Spice Temple was a truly awful experience. I'm not eating this Australian new age rubbish again. I'll stick to meat pies, at least the British brought some good tucker down under... Went out to the Blue Mountains which were far more spectacular than I was expecting them to be. The sky was topped by huge clouds. It was exceptional, all the photos I've seen do not do it justice. It wasn't crowded at all, a few Germans plus some homosexual lovers - it was relatively tourist free. I'd gone to Neil Perry's (Australia's famous chef) restaurant, Spice Temple. Asian fusion as it's called, it was bad and expensive. I've never had a good meal, the waiters tell you a long exciting story of how the food's cooked and it's always just okay, with a huge bill coming to round off the meal. Plus the wine is excessively marked up. Spice Temple's menus have photos of alluring Asian women, with lips parted, promising great wonders of the east. I wouldn't mind if they gave you one to take back to your hotel as a thank you for spending so much, 'Thank you for spending so much on over-priced Sydney fusion here's a little something to take back to your room and enjoy mate.' Spice Temple was a truly awful experience. I'm not eating this Australian new age rubbish again. I'll stick to meat pies, at least the British brought some good tucker down under... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Tue, 24 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went to the Sunday market on the Rocks. You could buy reproduction Ned Kelly armour (just what you need to take back to England) and paintings of Australia. They have the travel photos which are so perfect they don't look real, the type that look fantastic on a shop wall then you take it home and think why did I buy that? I might buy Ned Kelly's armour though... Tried to do some photos of the Kings Of Leon under the harbour bridge but was getting harassed by fans who would not go away. So I gave up and we then drove to Newcastle, two hours from Sydney. I drove with Ivan Kushlick (KOL tour manager) who I've known since the Def Leppard Hysteria tour (he was the new enthusiastic production manager and the crew, because he was keen, made his life a misery). Ivan offered me the job as Bros's tour photographer starting in Sydney many years ago. I had to go for an interview with Tom Watkins, the Bros brothers obese gay manager, who asked why I wanted to shoot Bros. I told him I was in love with Luke Goss - I never got the job. Went to the Sunday market on the Rocks. You could buy reproduction Ned Kelly armour (just what you need to take back to England) and paintings of Australia. They have the travel photos which are so perfect they don't look real, the type that look fantastic on a shop wall then you take it home and think why did I buy that? I might buy Ned Kelly's armour though... Tried to do some photos of the Kings Of Leon under the harbour bridge but was getting harassed by fans who would not go away. So I gave up and we then drove to Newcastle, two hours from Sydney. I drove with Ivan Kushlick (KOL tour manager) who I've known since the Def Leppard Hysteria tour (he was the new enthusiastic production manager and the crew, because he was keen, made his life a misery). Ivan offered me the job as Bros's tour photographer starting in Sydney many years ago. I had to go for an interview with Tom Watkins, the Bros brothers obese gay manager, who asked why I wanted to shoot Bros. I told him I was in love with Luke Goss - I never got the job. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Sun, 22 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Took a water taxi to the Acer Arena with the Kings Of Leon. Shot soundcheck then did a long studio shoot with them backstage. It went well, they took direction and paid attention. Shot the show and the encores from the stage then straight out of the venue and back to the city. Finished the evening in the bar, surprisingly. The Kings took over the hotel restaurant - they do have a good time. Even Kylie showed up with her young Spanish toy boy, looking like she'd had some work done (I never get why women play with their faces). Now, I expected her to be a bit full of herself. I couldn't have been more wrong, she was extremely down to earth and she didn't say "Good on yer" or "No worries". As my girlfriend says, 'She's a national treasure.' They sat together and spoke Australian while tucking into the local tucker. Disappointingly Kylie, even with a couple of pints of wine down her, didn't break into I Should Be So Lucky or The Locomotion, she didn't even go to her room to change dresses a few times. Took a water taxi to the Acer Arena with the Kings Of Leon. Shot soundcheck then did a long studio shoot with them backstage. It went well, they took direction and paid attention. Shot the show and the encores from the stage then straight out of the venue and back to the city. Finished the evening in the bar, surprisingly. The Kings took over the hotel restaurant - they do have a good time. Even Kylie showed up with her young Spanish toy boy, looking like she'd had some work done (I never get why women play with their faces). Now, I expected her to be a bit full of herself. I couldn't have been more wrong, she was extremely down to earth and she didn't say "Good on yer" or "No worries". As my girlfriend says, 'She's a national treasure.' They sat together and spoke Australian while tucking into the local tucker. Disappointingly Kylie, even with a couple of pints of wine down her, didn't break into I Should Be So Lucky or The Locomotion, she didn't even go to her room to change dresses a few times. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Sat, 21 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the early hours of this morning with various Kings Of Leon and crew as they took over the hotel bar. I figured if I stay up have a few drinks I'll sleep. Got to bed in the very early hours, woke up a couple of hours later now feeling like someone's been jumping on my head all night. Drinking does not cure jetlag... Spent the day doing nothing, kind of recovering. Walked under the harbour bridge at 6pm as huge rain clouds came in and ruined the sunset for a wedding party on the wharf. The clouds matched the dark water quite spectacularly, the sort of thing you only get this side of the world. Spent the early hours of this morning with various Kings Of Leon and crew as they took over the hotel bar. I figured if I stay up have a few drinks I'll sleep. Got to bed in the very early hours, woke up a couple of hours later now feeling like someone's been jumping on my head all night. Drinking does not cure jetlag... Spent the day doing nothing, kind of recovering. Walked under the harbour bridge at 6pm as huge rain clouds came in and ruined the sunset for a wedding party on the wharf. The clouds matched the dark water quite spectacularly, the sort of thing you only get this side of the world. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Fri, 20 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went to bed at 2am, thought 'That's it, I'll "Sleep", the god of dreams awaits me - I was wide awake at 5am. Got up then went for a walk around the harbour and shot the dawn light. I mainly took pictures of the water as it looked dark, malevolent and uninviting. Plus you know it's full of sharks and they have every intention of eating you. Pete Townshend gave me a dvd of In The Attic which has my photos in the packaging. I was pleasantly surprised, I have the two main photos and they are credited. Went to bed at 2am, thought 'That's it, I'll "Sleep", the god of dreams awaits me - I was wide awake at 5am. Got up then went for a walk around the harbour and shot the dawn light. I mainly took pictures of the water as it looked dark, malevolent and uninviting. Plus you know it's full of sharks and they have every intention of eating you. Pete Townshend gave me a dvd of In The Attic which has my photos in the packaging. I was pleasantly surprised, I have the two main photos and they are credited. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Thu, 19 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got to Singapore yesterday, which I still find exotic and exciting. I like the vibe of the place. Funny that Phil Alexander, whose dad is from there, finds it deathly boring. It's kind of like the Bond Street of the far east. Flew on to Sydney, watched the dawn come up over Queensland, which I also like doing at 39,000 feet... Arrived into Sydney to be asked by customs if I have any golfing shoes to declare! Really, I'm serious. 'I hate golf and anyone playing it should be put to death slowly.' 'Couldn't agree more mate,' said the customs officer. 'Off you go - welcome to Australia.' And it's a nice warm sunny day. Got to Singapore yesterday, which I still find exotic and exciting. I like the vibe of the place. Funny that Phil Alexander, whose dad is from there, finds it deathly boring. It's kind of like the Bond Street of the far east. Flew on to Sydney, watched the dawn come up over Queensland, which I also like doing at 39,000 feet... Arrived into Sydney to be asked by customs if I have any golfing shoes to declare! Really, I'm serious. 'I hate golf and anyone playing it should be put to death slowly.' 'Couldn't agree more mate,' said the customs officer. 'Off you go - welcome to Australia.' And it's a nice warm sunny day. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php wed, 18 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin At 1am my flight to Australia has been declared "Gone Technical" which means they can't fix it. Singapore Airlines wants to send everyone together in a bus to the Edwardian Hotel and call us at 6am to tell us when we can leave. Four of the passangers (me included) tell them we are going home. This causes great consternation as we're not doing what they want. One American standing next to me starts shouting that he has a meeting in Sydney etc. I say to him 'What do you think is going to happen, here's a 747 just for you?' If it was Lars Ulrich he'd probably get one. He carries on as if it's the fault of the staff at the check in desk - a complete knob. I finally go home without my bags, which are checked in. So I get home then get up again at 5am. Driving to the airport Singapore rings me to tell me they can't fix the plane but they can put me on another flight in economy (only twenty six hours in the air, no including all the stopover and extra travel time). I'm flying business, 'Upgrade me to first,' I suggest. 'We don't do upgrades,' says the rep. 'I fly all the time and you do upgrade people.' 'This is a suite service and it's a double upgrade so I can't do that.' It isn't, Singapore on the A380 jumbo has a bigger First Class so they call it Suite Service which is a load of bollocks to charge more money. They finally can get me out tonight with a long layover in Singapore - I suppose I can go to Orchard Road for a bit of Vietnamese. Off home for the day - at least it's sunny... At 1am my flight to Australia has been declared "Gone Technical" which means they can't fix it. Singapore Airlines wants to send everyone together in a bus to the Edwardian Hotel and call us at 6am to tell us when we can leave. Four of the passangers (me included) tell them we are going home. This causes great consternation as we're not doing what they want. One American standing next to me starts shouting that he has a meeting in Sydney etc. I say to him 'What do you think is going to happen, here's a 747 just for you?' If it was Lars Ulrich he'd probably get one. He carries on as if it's the fault of the staff at the check in desk - a complete knob. I finally go home without my bags, which are checked in. So I get home then get up again at 5am. Driving to the airport Singapore rings me to tell me they can't fix the plane but they can put me on another flight in economy (only twenty six hours in the air, no including all the stopover and extra travel time). I'm flying business, 'Upgrade me to first,' I suggest. 'We don't do upgrades,' says the rep. 'I fly all the time and you do upgrade people.' 'This is a suite service and it's a double upgrade so I can't do that.' It isn't, Singapore on the A380 jumbo has a bigger First Class so they call it Suite Service which is a load of bollocks to charge more money. They finally can get me out tonight with a long layover in Singapore - I suppose I can go to Orchard Road for a bit of Vietnamese. Off home for the day - at least it's sunny... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Mon, 16 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I was going to shoot Golden Earring who I've always liked. Pete Makowski had told me to call the tour manager, 'His names Grant Povey, he has some rules you need to talk about.' The phone call went something like this, 'Hello, is that Grant? This is Ross Halfin, I'm calling you about shooting the show.' Sounding annoyed, 'It's Glenn, NOT Grant!' he then told me it's three songs only, no flash. I said I'd like to shoot more as I never shoot three songs, A. I don't work for a agency and don't need a quick news photo, B. I'ts always crap doing it and so I never do. Glenn then lectures me as if I'm a child telling me how I'd get in people's way who've paid good money for a ticket etc. I say 'Yes, but I'm being doing this for thirty years and I'm fully aware of getting in people's way.' We get cut off so I call back and think he says I can do six songs, so I think why not, I like Goldon Earring - he then says in a raised voice 'THREE SONGS NO FLASH!' as if he giving some grand statement, and then hangs up. RulesWho does Glenn think he works for, Pearl Jam? I was going to shoot Golden Earring who I've always liked. Pete Makowski had told me to call the tour manager, 'His names Grant Povey, he has some rules you need to talk about.' The phone call went something like this, 'Hello, is that Grant? This is Ross Halfin, I'm calling you about shooting the show.' Sounding annoyed, 'It's Glenn, NOT Grant!' he then told me it's three songs only, no flash. I said I'd like to shoot more as I never shoot three songs, A. I don't work for a agency and don't need a quick news photo, B. I'ts always crap doing it and so I never do. Glenn then lectures me as if I'm a child telling me how I'd get in people's way who've paid good money for a ticket etc. I say 'Yes, but I'm being doing this for thirty years and I'm fully aware of getting in people's way.' We get cut off so I call back and think he says I can do six songs, so I think why not, I like Goldon Earring - he then says in a raised voice 'THREE SONGS NO FLASH!' as if he giving some grand statement, and then hangs up. Rules? Who does Glenn think he works for, Pearl Jam? http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Sat, 14 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I watched the Reader (which I wanted to try to like as I can't stand Kate Porklet). It was neither here nor there, she's a camp guard who helps murder jews then finds redemption through reading or being read to. She doesn't save herself from twenty years in jail because she's embarrassed by the fact she can't read or write - and she won an Oscar for this? I'll stick to Asian arthouse, Hollywood is terrible. Saw the new Anvil book, The Story Of Anvil, in all the shops. Pete Makowski read a bit in a bookshop and told me he and I aren't in it which is funny considering I told David Krebs how good they were and to sign them and put them on shows with Aerosmith, plus the feature Pete and I did for Sounds in '82 (could have been '81) got everyone interested in them. Oh the fickle world of music, how quickly they forget. Still, the book cover looks good, shot by yours truly. I watched the Reader (which I wanted to try to like as I can't stand Kate Porklet). It was neither here nor there, she's a camp guard who helps murder jews then finds redemption through reading or being read to. She doesn't save herself from twenty years in jail because she's embarrassed by the fact she can't read or write - and she won an Oscar for this? I'll stick to Asian arthouse, Hollywood is terrible. Saw the new Anvil book, The Story Of Anvil, in all the shops. Pete Makowski read a bit in a bookshop and told me he and I aren't in it which is funny considering I told David Krebs how good they were and to sign them and put them on shows with Aerosmith, plus the feature Pete and I did for Sounds in '82 (could have been '81) got everyone interested in them. Oh the fickle world of music, how quickly they forget. Still, the book cover looks good, shot by yours truly. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Thu, 12 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at 5am to a cold overcast Berlin to shoot Hanan around Potsdammer Platz. We started at what's left of the Berlin Wall. It still had a vibe - the building at the end of it was full of bullet holes. It was so cold his nose went red, accentuating his white face. He was starting to look like he'd been punched on the nose. As rush hour started I gave up and we headed to Dunkin Doughnuts for coffee. It's across the street from the Holocaust Memorial, next door to a fish and chip shop. You can come and feel awful then get over it in time for a fast food lunch. Spent the rest of the morning shooting Hanan - finished as the sun finally came. Got up at 5am to a cold overcast Berlin to shoot Hanan around Potsdammer Platz. We started at what's left of the Berlin Wall. It still had a vibe - the building at the end of it was full of bullet holes. It was so cold his nose went red, accentuating his white face. He was starting to look like he'd been punched on the nose. As rush hour started I gave up and we headed to Dunkin Doughnuts for coffee. It's across the street from the Holocaust Memorial, next door to a fish and chip shop. You can come and feel awful then get over it in time for a fast food lunch. Spent the rest of the morning shooting Hanan - finished as the sun finally came. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Tue, 10 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew to Berlin, at dawn as usual - why are all my flights at dawn? The fast track at terminal five was the slowest I've ever been through, it took an hour then I had to run for the flight at the furthest fucking gate. Swearing is bad, but why does the gate ALWAYS have to be the last one...? Arrived to a cold but sunny Berlin to shoot Harnan, a new solo artist. Went out to shoot around Berlin, it was so cold my hands went blue. Shot at the Lustgarten, which has a giant old church and a museum, called the Old Museum. Also took some photos around the Holocaust Memorial which is a maze of concrete grey blocks, quite impressive in a strange way. I must say Harnan is multi-talented, playing guitar (he was taught by George Benson) and drums plus piano and he sings. Finished off shooting him in the studio. Flew to Berlin, at dawn as usual - why are all my flights at dawn? The fast track at terminal five was the slowest I've ever been through, it took an hour then I had to run for the flight at the furthest fucking gate. Swearing is bad, but why does the gate ALWAYS have to be the last one...? Arrived to a cold but sunny Berlin to shoot Harnan, a new solo artist. Went out to shoot around Berlin, it was so cold my hands went blue. Shot at the Lustgarten, which has a giant old church and a museum, called the Old Museum. Also took some photos around the Holocaust Memorial which is a maze of concrete grey blocks, quite impressive in a strange way. I must say Harnan is multi-talented, playing guitar (he was taught by George Benson) and drums plus piano and he sings. Finished off shooting him in the studio. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Mon, 9 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The Sunday Times has a cover story on The Greatest Rock And Roll photos ever and it's the usual predictable Beatles, Stones, Johnny Cash (giving the finger, one of Jim Marshall's poorest photos), Elton John(admittedly a nice Terry O'Neill photo), Bowie, Blondie, Iggy (I mean, who cares?) and a token rapper. There's a stupid and sad photo of Keith Moon in the nude (everybody forgets what a good drummer he was, he should be repersented that way) and Ozzy on the toilet by, I think, Chris Walter, although The Sunday Times don't know and couldn't be bothered to find out - they emailed to ask me. I told them them to check with Chris so they used it and didn't credit anyone. How nice of them... The Sunday Times has a cover story on The Greatest Rock And Roll photos ever and it's the usual predictable Beatles, Stones, Johnny Cash (giving the finger, one of Jim Marshall's poorest photos), Elton John(admittedly a nice Terry O'Neill photo), Bowie, Blondie, Iggy (I mean, who cares?) and a token rapper. There's a stupid and sad photo of Keith Moon in the nude (everybody forgets what a good drummer he was, he should be repersented that way) and Ozzy on the toilet by, I think, Chris Walter, although The Sunday Times don't know and couldn't be bothered to find out - they emailed to ask me. I told them them to check with Chris so they used it and didn't credit anyone. How nice of them... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Sun, 8 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent a long day in the studio shooting Jimmy Page again. I started off slowly as I'd flown back from Amsterdam with the Prodigy ringing in my ears and I'd only had four hours sleep. I ended up shooting until 8pm and got a lot done for a variety of different projects he has ongoing. Now, I'm not putting anything up as I'm sick of people pulling photos off my site and mailing them around to Led Zeppelin websites thinking they are some news authority... We went to dinner at Nobu off Berkeley Square. As we walked up the doorman with the velvet rope stopped us looked me up and down and said in an Eastern European accent, 'Do you have a booking?' 'Yes.' He looked me up and down again. 'What name?' I looked at him. 'No idea. NOW move the rope!' He looked at another doorman 'What do you think?' then moved the rope. This to get into a restaurant. Fuck him and fuck Nobu - I won't go back there. Spent a long day in the studio shooting Jimmy Page again. I started off slowly as I'd flown back from Amsterdam with the Prodigy ringing in my ears and I'd only had four hours sleep. I ended up shooting until 8pm and got a lot done for a variety of different projects he has ongoing. Now, I'm not putting anything up as I'm sick of people pulling photos off my site and mailing them around to Led Zeppelin websites thinking they are some news authority... We went to dinner at Nobu off Berkeley Square. As we walked up the doorman with the velvet rope stopped us looked me up and down and said in an Eastern European accent, 'Do you have a booking?' 'Yes.' He looked me up and down again. 'What name?' I looked at him. 'No idea. NOW move the rope!' He looked at another doorman 'What do you think?' then moved the rope. This to get into a restaurant. Fuck him and fuck Nobu - I won't go back there. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Thu, 5 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Amsterdam today for the Prodigy at the Milky Way, a large club with a very high stage. They're there to celebrate the release of the new album. It was so packed with flashing strobe lights it was nearly impossible to shoot. I shot the whole show and still only got about six usable photos, it was a photographer's nightmare. The band were great, I hadn't seen them for a couple of years and they were super friendly. I got some backstage photos before they went on, the band looked good - Keith Flint looks amazing thin and toned. A pleasure to see them. In Amsterdam today for the Prodigy at the Milky Way, a large club with a very high stage. They're there to celebrate the release of the new album. It was so packed with flashing strobe lights it was nearly impossible to shoot. I shot the whole show and still only got about six usable photos, it was a photographer's nightmare. The band were great, I hadn't seen them for a couple of years and they were super friendly. I got some backstage photos before they went on, the band looked good - Keith Flint looks amazing thin and toned. A pleasure to see them. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Wed, 4 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to the O2 tonight for an evening with Metallica. The 02 is without a doubt a pain to get to if you're driving. I had to get there for 5.30 to shoot Kirk which meant driving through rush hour - the drive of the damned. It was quite mellow backstage in a heavy metal way. The only sound was the chanting of "Motherfucker" from Machine Head's dressing room. I met Ben Marshall who writes for Uncut and looks like a thug in his photo. In the flesh Benjamin looks about five and is charming (well, he would be, he's from Norwood,in the south London 'hood). Shot a bit of reportage as they went on. Off to the O2 tonight for an evening with Metallica. The 02 is without a doubt a pain to get to if you're driving. I had to get there for 5.30 to shoot Kirk which meant driving through rush hour - the drive of the damned. It was quite mellow backstage in a heavy metal way. The only sound was the chanting of "Motherfucker" from Machine Head's dressing room. I met Ben Marshall who writes for Uncut and looks like a thug in his photo. In the flesh Benjamin looks about five and is charming (well, he would be, he's from Norwood,in the south London 'hood). Shot a bit of reportage as they went on. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/march-2009/diary-march-2009.php Mon, 2 Mar2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Shot Chris Cornell at the Scala. Got the train as I couldn't face driving then trying to figure out where to park. The Scala is in the Beverly Hills of London - Kings Cross, a charming olde world area full of junkies and prostitutes, and the venue is run by aggressive Eastern Europeans who I worked out were Poles. It is no wonder this was Peter Makowski's 'hood in the '80s.... Saw Chris and the band, who'd only just arrived late, straight from the chart show. Did some photos of them all together then Chris took my camera and went out to shoot the crowd, so I went with him and got photos of him standing with them. They came on and played the whole of the new album, Scream, which I got a bit lost with half way through as I didn't know any of it. The girls in the crowd seemed to love it - I was wanting Slaves And Bulldozers. By the time they went into Ty Cobb they sounded like two different bands. And as my girlfriend pointed out the new stuff was much better. Shot Chris Cornell at the Scala. Got the train as I couldn't face driving then trying to figure out where to park. The Scala is in the Beverly Hills of London - Kings Cross, a charming olde world area full of junkies and prostitutes, and the venue is run by aggressive Eastern Europeans who I worked out were Poles. It is no wonder this was Peter Makowski's 'hood in the '80s.... Saw Chris and the band, who'd only just arrived late, straight from the chart show. Did some photos of them all together then Chris took my camera and went out to shoot the crowd, so I went with him and got photos of him standing with them. They came on and played the whole of the new album, Scream, which I got a bit lost with half way through as I didn't know any of it. The girls in the crowd seemed to love it - I was wanting Slaves And Bulldozers. By the time they went into Ty Cobb they sounded like two different bands. And as my girlfriend pointed out the new stuff was much better. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Mon, 23 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spoke to Joe Elliott today about work as there are deluxe edtions of Pyromania and Adrenalize coming out and we needed to go through photos. Joe had no idea I'd shot several sessions with them as a four piece, A couple of shoots in the studio in Los Angeles - out in the desert and the Lets Get Rocked video, in the days when I used to shoot stills on videos (something I hated), plus with Vivian Campbell in Los Angeles and Australia. The record company lost all the colour when the PR threw it out by accident but I still have all the black and white. We ended up discussing the Mott The Hoople reunion and The Faces. And Joe was more interested in what DVDs I picked up in Japan and Australia than what photos I have of him... Spoke to Joe Elliott today about work as there are deluxe edtions of Pyromania and Adrenalize coming out and we needed to go through photos. Joe had no idea I'd shot several sessions with them as a four piece, A couple of shoots in the studio in Los Angeles - out in the desert and the Lets Get Rocked video, in the days when I used to shoot stills on videos (something I hated), plus with Vivian Campbell in Los Angeles and Australia. The record company lost all the colour when the PR threw it out by accident but I still have all the black and white. We ended up discussing the Mott The Hoople reunion and The Faces. And Joe was more interested in what DVDs I picked up in Japan and Australia than what photos I have of him... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Sun, 22 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spoke to Lars again who surprised me by inviting me to The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland in April. He wants people who were there in the beginning. 'Who else is going?' I asked. 'You and Linda Walker.' Linda ran Q-Prime before she got married and discovered ethnic rock. Also Linda was a BIG Who fan so I'll forgive her for liking Ben Harper and the one from Hawaii who surfs and is friends with Eddie Vedder and who is so boring I can't remember his name. Played email tag with Paul Stanley, who has just become a dad again with a baby daughter. The Bon Jovi Encyclopaedia by Neil Daniels came in the post today. I"d done an interview for Neil which I'd forgotten about. Now before you scoff while playing your Neil Young cds, it is a good book if you like JBJ (In A Blaze Of Glory). Lots of facts etc - good and bad and it beats a lot of the books on Led Zeppelin that always get it wrong. Neil's missed out a few people that should have been in it but that's a minor quibble. It's published by Chrome Dreams who are in New Malden, down the road from me, in a Blaze Of Glory of course... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Tue, 17 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spoke to Lars again who surprised me bThe Bon Jovi Encyclopaedia by Neil Daniels came in the post today. I"d done an interview for Neil which I'd forgotten about. Now before you scoff while playing your Neil Young cds, it is a good book if you like JBJ (In A Blaze Of Glory). Lots of facts etc - good and bad and it beats a lot of the books on Led Zeppelin that always get it wrong. Neil's missed out a few people that should have been in it but that's a minor quibble. It's published by Chrome Dreams who are in New Malden, down the road from me, in a Blaze Of Glory of course... Spoke to Lars again who surprised me by inviting me to The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland in April. He wants people who were there in the beginning. 'Who else is going?' I asked. 'You and Linda Walker.' Linda ran Q-Prime before she got married and discovered ethnic rock. Also Linda was a BIG Who fan so I'll forgive her for liking Ben Harper and the one from Hawaii who surfs and is friends with Eddie Vedder and who is so boring I can't remember his name. Played email tag with Paul Stanley, who has just become a dad again with a baby daughter. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Thu, 12 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had my best nights sleep in ages, gone in neverneverland - woken by Lars Ulrich (who I'd called yesterday). 'Why didn't you come over, I was around?' ' I did call, you're only just calling me back.' ' Oh, yeah, so I am. Where are you?' We arrange to reconvene in Nottingham... I mean San Francisco, Los Angeles. Nottingham, we can go for a day trip to Sherwood Forest. Read Dave Ling's diary in which he converts to the Answer like the small cult following at Classic Rock. I've seen a few bands over the years and they will never live up to all the praise of being the "NEW FREE", they are just a pub rock rock band. An average pub rock band. Mr Big have reformed - so what, who cares? Dave wonders why they've done it? For the MONEY. Look out for a world tour - Mr Big + The Answer at a pub in the suburbs sometime soon. Had my best nights sleep in ages, gone in neverneverland - woken by Lars Ulrich (who I'd called yesterday). 'Why didn't you come over, I was around?' ' I did call, you're only just calling me back.' ' Oh, yeah, so I am. Where are you?' We arrange to reconvene in Nottingham... I mean San Francisco, Los Angeles. Nottingham, we can go for a day trip to Sherwood Forest. Read Dave Ling's diary in which he converts to the Answer like the small cult following at Classic Rock. I've seen a few bands over the years and they will never live up to all the praise of being the "NEW FREE", they are just a pub rock rock band. An average pub rock band. Mr Big have reformed - so what, who cares? Dave wonders why they've done it? For the MONEY. Look out for a world tour - Mr Big + The Answer at a pub in the suburbs sometime soon. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Wed, 11 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at 5am and flew up to San Francisco. I'm doing a shoot with Chickenfoot, the new group with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith. It was so early after driving out to Mill Valley, an hour north, it was still only 10am - sunny and freezing. The band arrived eventually with Sammy last at 2pm and he only lives up the street. Shoot quite a lot with solos, group stuff, ads, you name it. Heard three tracks which were quite rocking, inculding Avenida Revolution. It was nice seeing Sammy. I first shot him thirty years ago in the same area. Sammy has a Ferarri that is the fastest model made for the road. He took me for a terrifying drive at two hundred miles an hour around the local streets. Sammy can drive - I felt like I was on a mini scalectrix track in a remake of Death Race 2000. I do not like fast cars... Got up at 5am and flew up to San Francisco. I'm doing a shoot with Chickenfoot, the new group with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith. It was so early after driving out to Mill Valley, an hour north, it was still only 10am - sunny and freezing. The band arrived eventually with Sammy last at 2pm and he only lives up the street. Shoot quite a lot with solos, group stuff, ads, you name it. Heard three tracks which were quite rocking, inculding Avenida Revolution. It was nice seeing Sammy. I first shot him thirty years ago in the same area. Sammy has a Ferarri that is the fastest model made for the road. He took me for a terrifying drive at two hundred miles an hour around the local streets. Sammy can drive - I felt like I was on a mini scalectrix track in a remake of Death Race 2000. I do not like fast cars... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Tue, 10 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at 6am to go to Tsukiji fish market for a decent breakfast. Took Peter Mackay (Jeff's tour manager ) with Peter Makowski and General Noriega. Peter MacKay took this photo of me photographing breakfast. It was a bit of a change having Uni, ikura, tamago and toro at 7am. Both Peters looked on in disgust as Noriega and I gobbled down a plateful of Uni. I'm told it makes your Chinpoko extra hard... Came back and did a portrait of David Sancious, Jeff's keyboard player, who was in the early E Street Band. In fact the name comes from the street David lived in when Bruce used to drop him off. David told me Bruce and he went to see The Mahavishnu Orchestra together. I can just see Bruce in Jersey singing ''We were born to run to the dance of the Maya". Last night's show was duller than dishwater. When someone had played a long, unintelligible solo the rest of the band would join in with mutual backslapping that ONLY a Jazz musican can do. It was the most self-serving show ever. Got up at 6am to go to Tsukiji fish market for a decent breakfast. Took Peter Mackay (Jeff's tour manager ) with Peter Makowski and General Noriega. Peter MacKay took this photo of me photographing breakfast. It was a bit of a change having Uni, ikura, tamago and toro at 7am. Both Peters looked on in disgust as Noriega and I gobbled down a plateful of Uni. I'm told it makes your Chinpoko extra hard... Came back and did a portrait of David Sancious, Jeff's keyboard player, who was in the early E Street Band. In fact the name comes from the street David lived in when Bruce used to drop him off. David told me Bruce and he went to see The Mahavishnu Orchestra together. I can just see Bruce in Jersey singing ''We were born to run to the dance of the Maya". Last night's show was duller than dishwater. When someone had played a long, unintelligible solo the rest of the band would join in with mutual backslapping that ONLY a Jazz musican can do. It was the most self-serving show ever. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Mon, 9 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Staying at the Conrad Hotel I noticed how in Japan they never get the concept of breakfast right. It's a minimalist affair, each piece of fruit a work of art. No black pudding, baked beans, HP sauce etc. The food looks unappetizing and boring. The bacon is pressed flat and Pete's scrambled eggs looked like baby food. It wasn't until this morning I saw as you go in a big photo of Gordon Ramsey and his signature embossed on the door. It's Cerise Gordon's signature restaurant in Japan and for all Gordon's skill in swearing and shouting, he still needs a lesson in how to cook a breakfast. In stars I'd give it a one out of ten - the Holiday Inn in Sutton wipes the floor with it! Staying at the Conrad Hotel I noticed how in Japan they never get the concept of breakfast right. It's a minimalist affair, each piece of fruit a work of art. No black pudding, baked beans, HP sauce etc. The food looks unappetizing and boring. The bacon is pressed flat and Pete's scrambled eggs looked like baby food. It wasn't until this morning I saw as you go in a big photo of Gordon Ramsey and his signature embossed on the door. It's Cerise Gordon's signature restaurant in Japan and for all Gordon's skill in swearing and shouting, he still needs a lesson in how to cook a breakfast. In stars I'd give it a one out of ten - the Holiday Inn in Sutton wipes the floor with it! http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Sun, 8 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Landed at 6am to a COLD crisp sunny Japan. we were the first plane to land in Tokyo, it was strangely empty after the madness of Bangkok. Took a bus in, arriving before rush hour started. I felt FUBB or fucked up beyond belief because I'd taken a temazepan for no other reason than I was bored on the flight. It started to kick as we arrived at the hotel - no, I didn't start speaking with a Glaswegian accent and trying to start fights with people, I just wanted to melt and not move. And when spoken to was just smiling with nothing coming out... And I was working today so The Master was not at tip top photographic form, all I could think about was feeling slow and sick.I did perk up a bit to go cd shopping with my slave, General Noriega, who'd arrived to carry The Master's bags and bring me fruit on a platter. Peter Makowski was now put out as he didn't get any and wanted to steal it in his thieving Polish gypsy way. Pete even said 'As I'm getting clean and serene and you're turning into a drug addict...' Cheek, how dare he? Landed at 6am to a COLD crisp sunny Japan. we were the first plane to land in Tokyo, it was strangely empty after the madness of Bangkok. Took a bus in, arriving before rush hour started. I felt FUBB or fucked up beyond belief because I'd taken a temazepan for no other reason than I was bored on the flight. It started to kick as we arrived at the hotel - no, I didn't start speaking with a Glaswegian accent and trying to start fights with people, I just wanted to melt and not move. And when spoken to was just smiling with nothing coming out... And I was working today so The Master was not at tip top photographic form, all I could think about was feeling slow and sick.I did perk up a bit to go cd shopping with my slave, General Noriega, who'd arrived to carry The Master's bags and bring me fruit on a platter. Peter Makowski was now put out as he didn't get any and wanted to steal it in his thieving Polish gypsy way. Pete even said 'As I'm getting clean and serene and you're turning into a drug addict...' Cheek, how dare he? http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Fri, 6 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Bangkok and the weather is 90F, the pool is lovely - a bit like England at the moment... I saw a baby that the locals called Sumo at a market last night. It was the biggest baby I've ever seen. Took some photos on my little Leica. It's Chinese New Year here - saw a strange opera by a side street market at 10am, it was quite odd. A few old people watching some ladyboys in garish make-up screaming... I went out late afternoon and photographed the locals during rush hour. It was okay,I felt I got some good photos done. Off to Tokyo late tonight - back to a land of ice and snow. In Bangkok and the weather is 90F, the pool is lovely - a bit like England at the moment... I saw a baby that the locals called Sumo at a market last night. It was the biggest baby I've ever seen. Took some photos on my little Leica. It's Chinese New Year here - saw a strange opera by a side street market at 10am, it was quite odd. A few old people watching some ladyboys in garish make-up screaming... I went out late afternoon and photographed the locals during rush hour. It was okay,I felt I got some good photos done. Off to Tokyo late tonight - back to a land of ice and snow. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Thu, 5 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew to Singapore on the A380, the double-decker airbus. We sat on the runway at Heathrow for three hours yesterday, watching nothing taking off in the snow. It was quite eerie in a strange way, as if the modern world had shut down. In fact, it had - I only got to the airport because I have a four-wheel drive and a friend drove me. It was odd at 7am, nothing on the road, people struggling through the snow, cars abandoned at odd angles. It was at least two feet deep in places. England had closed down - no trains, no buses, nothing, and the weather forecast knew it was coming. But not this bad, it is grim. Typical - if it was Russia or China they just deal with it or shoot you if you don't turn up for work. Flew to Singapore on the A380, the double-decker airbus. We sat on the runway at Heathrow for three hours yesterday, watching nothing taking off in the snow. It was quite eerie in a strange way, as if the modern world had shut down. In fact, it had - I only got to the airport because I have a four-wheel drive and a friend drove me. It was odd at 7am, nothing on the road, people struggling through the snow, cars abandoned at odd angles. It was at least two feet deep in places. England had closed down - no trains, no buses, nothing, and the weather forecast knew it was coming. But not this bad, it is grim. Typical - if it was Russia or China they just deal with it or shoot you if you don't turn up for work. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Tue, 3 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent last week trying to decide if I was going to go to New Zealand on Saturday. I would only have been there for three days then would have had to go to Tokyo. It would be a lot of flying and sometimes I get weird on long flights - start to feel claustrophobic. So I decided on the slightly quicker route, going to Bangkok, having a few days there, then on to Japan. Thought it was the right decision until last night when it started to snow - I mean real snow. I was driving and skidding into the curb, I HATE snow. Fuck it, who wants to go skiing? Give me a pool any day - should have gone to Auckland. Anyway, off to Singapore today then Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, shooting various things - human and concrete. Looking forward to flying into Singapore at dawn, hopefully through big clouds. While in Japan I'm going to make an effort to go to Mount Fuji. Every time I try to go it's summer and too hazy... Spent last week trying to decide if I was going to go to New Zealand on Saturday. I would only have been there for three days then would have had to go to Tokyo. It would be a lot of flying and sometimes I get weird on long flights - start to feel claustrophobic. So I decided on the slightly quicker route, going to Bangkok, having a few days there, then on to Japan. Thought it was the right decision until last night when it started to snow - I mean real snow. I was driving and skidding into the curb, I HATE snow. Fuck it, who wants to go skiing? Give me a pool any day - should have gone to Auckland. Anyway, off to Singapore today then Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, shooting various things - human and concrete. Looking forward to flying into Singapore at dawn, hopefully through big clouds. While in Japan I'm going to make an effort to go to Mount Fuji. Every time I try to go it's summer and too hazy... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/february-2009/diary-february-2009.php Mon, 2 Feb2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Had a boring day sitting at home while my kitchen is rewired - worse was having Peter Makowski making more mess than the electrician. We looked at Dave Ling's site and saw the sad news that CPFC have been kicked out of the FA Cup, for being useless. Yes, it was that boring a day. Perhaps Dave should support Chelsea or, as Peter said, Southampton FC... Had a boring day sitting at home while my kitchen is rewired - worse was having Peter Makowski making more mess than the electrician. We looked at Dave Ling's site and saw the sad news that CPFC have been kicked out of the FA Cup, for being useless. Yes, it was that boring a day. Perhaps Dave should support Chelsea or, as Peter said, Southampton FC... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Saw Gran Torino, the new Clint Eastwood film, not as good as I was expecting. I want Clint cleaning up Detroit - which he does at the beginning. The rest of it he's an American Alf Garnett. The weekend papers are carrying ads for the Mott The Hoople shows at the Hammersmith Apollo (or Odeon as I call it). I'm looking forward to it - would love to shoot it or just see them. One of the best memories I have of being fourteen is seeing Mott play at the Oval, opening for The Who. I remember it being 3pm and Ian Hunter sitting on a stool berating the crowd until they got up and joined in - it was magical. I watched the Mott Anthology I got in Sydney, the early period is rocking, not so much with the later Mott. I liked them up until they got to glam rock which they were far too old for - Overend Watts in too tight clothes and silver hair does not work and Ariel Bender, pleeeeeeeease - give me Mick Ralphs anyday. Saw Gran Torino, the new Clint Eastwood film, not as good as I was expecting. I want Clint cleaning up Detroit - which he does at the beginning. The rest of it he's an American Alf Garnett. The weekend papers are carrying ads for the Mott The Hoople shows at the Hammersmith Apollo (or Odeon as I call it). I'm looking forward to it - would love to shoot it or just see them. One of the best memories I have of being fourteen is seeing Mott play at the Oval, opening for The Who. I remember it being 3pm and Ian Hunter sitting on a stool berating the crowd until they got up and joined in - it was magical. I watched the Mott Anthology I got in Sydney, the early period is rocking, not so much with the later Mott. I liked them up until they got to glam rock which they were far too old for - Overend Watts in too tight clothes and silver hair does not work and Ariel Bender, pleeeeeeeease - give me Mick Ralphs anyday. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I did a couple of interviews for updated Behind The Music - Judas Priest and Def Leppard. I hope I was quite honest. You can't be too truthful. If I was I'd be banned from doing my job. Talking of banned I was going to shoot Pearl Jam for Mojo but the PR said it can't be me as 'There's too much baggage,' whatever that means.The last time I saw them was at the Manderin Oriental Hotel in London. I was supposed to have 45 minutes to shoot them. The PR at the time was Jackob from BMG. As I arrived Jackob looked at me with a worried look on his face. 'Can we do this more quickly?' 'How quickly?' I asked. 'You have 4 minutes.' I lost it at him and the American PR who worked for them who was standing behind Jackob directing him, acting as if I wasn't even standing in front of her, a real American bitch. Jackob was like a puppet, repeating exactly what she was saying. 'Fuck you all,' is all I could think of, 'treat people with some respect.' I did a couple of interviews for updated Behind The Music - Judas Priest and Def Leppard. I hope I was quite honest. You can't be too truthful. If I was I'd be banned from doing my job. Talking of banned I was going to shoot Pearl Jam for Mojo but the PR said it can't be me as 'There's too much baggage,' whatever that means.The last time I saw them was at the Manderin Oriental Hotel in London. I was supposed to have 45 minutes to shoot them. The PR at the time was Jackob from BMG. As I arrived Jackob looked at me with a worried look on his face. 'Can we do this more quickly?' 'How quickly?' I asked. 'You have 4 minutes.' I lost it at him and the American PR who worked for them who was standing behind Jackob directing him, acting as if I wasn't even standing in front of her, a real American bitch. Jackob was like a puppet, repeating exactly what she was saying. 'Fuck you all,' is all I could think of, 'treat people with some respect.' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Well, I watched Taken, which was so implausable and stupid I was enthralled. Liam, a retired secret agent, starts off protecting a pop singer at what looks like the Staples Centre in LA. As her limo screeches in past the backstage security (holding M16s and handguns - really realistic huh?), old Liam foils a fan waiting backstage with a knife, showing his secret service skills are fully honed even if he's retired. Liam's spoilt daughter and her even richer more spoilt friend go off to Paris to follow U2 around for the summer. Liam's daughters stepdad is mega rich and has got them tickets for every show in Europe - wait it gets better folks - the girls are followed from the airport and abducted by Albanians who make the girls into junkies before selling them into a life of prostitution. Well, I watched Taken, which was so implausable and stupid I was enthralled. Liam, a retired secret agent, starts off protecting a pop singer at what looks like the Staples Centre in LA. As her limo screeches in past the backstage security (holding M16s and handguns - really realistic huh?), old Liam foils a fan waiting backstage with a knife, showing his secret service skills are fully honed even if he's retired. Liam's spoilt daughter and her even richer more spoilt friend go off to Paris to follow U2 around for the summer. Liam's daughters stepdad is mega rich and has got them tickets for every show in Europe - wait it gets better folks - the girls are followed from the airport and abducted by Albanians who make the girls into junkies before selling them into a life of prostitution. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I had to turn off the tv, it was Obama, Obama, Obama. Went to the gym and he was all over the screens there. He hasn't done a single thing yet and people are going crazy drooling over him. Let's not forget one thing, he's just a politician and you can't trust them - I thought Tony Blair would be good and look at what a total shit he was. Let's see if Obama does something about the middle east and Iraq - I'll stop now before I become a political bore... Saw a DVD, Memories Of Matsuko with the lovely Miki Nakatani, it was good and I didn't expect it to be. I'm now in love with Miki and Koyuki and Gong Li and Maggie Cheung... I watched a film called Flanders by Bruno Dumont which I think was analogy of the current state of people and war. The war scenes were disturbing - not a Hollywood-style war. It came out of nowhere and made me flinch - it bothered me. I had to turn off the tv, it was Obama, Obama, Obama. Went to the gym and he was all over the screens there. He hasn't done a single thing yet and people are going crazy drooling over him. Let's not forget one thing, he's just a politician and you can't trust them - I thought Tony Blair would be good and look at what a total shit he was. Let's see if Obama does something about the middle east and Iraq - I'll stop now before I become a political bore... Saw a DVD, Memories Of Matsuko with the lovely Miki Nakatani, it was good and I didn't expect it to be. I'm now in love with Miki and Koyuki and Gong Li and Maggie Cheung... I watched a film called Flanders by Bruno Dumont which I think was analogy of the current state of people and war. The war scenes were disturbing - not a Hollywood-style war. It came out of nowhere and made me flinch - it bothered me. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Watched The Wrestler last night, got it for $3.00 in Thailand, and yes, I'm depriving that nice, kind, wholesome, film industry of financial reward. After all the great reviews I was looking forward to seeing Mickey Rourke's alleged return to form. It wasn't dull, it was awful, like a second-rate TV movie disguised as a cool, hip indie flick. The amount of money they wasted making this could have been better spent feeding a third world country. It has every cliche in the book - the wrestling version of, say, a bad Rocky. Watched The Wrestler last night, got it for $3.00 in Thailand, and yes, I'm depriving that nice, kind, wholesome, film industry of financial reward. After all the great reviews I was looking forward to seeing Mickey Rourke's alleged return to form. It wasn't dull, it was awful, like a second-rate TV movie disguised as a cool, hip indie flick. The amount of money they wasted making this could have been better spent feeding a third world country. It has every cliche in the book - the wrestling version of, say, a bad Rocky. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I am on planet Mars or feel like it. I am so spaced out - and England is cold especially when you've been to where I've been. I hate the cold. Might go back to Singapore next week. Heard from Dave Grohl in sunny Hawaii who turned forty yesterday making him an old man like me. I always though he was "Older". Hawaii? Give me Asia anyday... I am on planet Mars or feel like it. I am so spaced out - and England is cold especially when you've been to where I've been. I hate the cold. Might go back to Singapore next week. Heard from Dave Grohl in sunny Hawaii who turned forty yesterday making him an old man like me. I always though he was "Older". Hawaii? Give me Asia anyday... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Up at dawn - it was still pitch dark when I checked in for my flight. Singapore airport I like, easy with lots to do - free internet shops, cafes, even a gym if you want it. The downside is my companion, Peter the Pole, who is so useless in the morning that words fail me. He wanders around like Albert Steptoe saying 'What, what?' in a loud voice. He's a bit like having your Grandad with you, half asleep. At least I can leave him in the back of the plane. The reality of going home hits me as I take off. No more sunny weather, the cold is coming. I start to miss Australia and a few 'No worries.' in fact, halfway home I want to move to Australia. Up at dawn - it was still pitch dark when I checked in for my flight. Singapore airport I like, easy with lots to do - free internet shops, cafes, even a gym if you want it. The downside is my companion, Peter the Pole, who is so useless in the morning that words fail me. He wanders around like Albert Steptoe saying 'What, what?' in a loud voice. He's a bit like having your Grandad with you, half asleep. At least I can leave him in the back of the plane. The reality of going home hits me as I take off. No more sunny weather, the cold is coming. I start to miss Australia and a few 'No worries.' in fact, halfway home I want to move to Australia. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Dentist again which is one of the reasons I left the colony down under and came here. I had two crowns done plus various other oral bits and it fucking hurt. My gums are killing me - if only I still did cocaine, what a pain-killer that was. Peter is on a last minute panic shopping expedition, buying fake whatever he can - I will only buy real stuff. Got some good photos of him last night, happy and content in the dungeons of "Demonia" with a girl whose tongue was longer than Gene Simmons' and she did know how to use it - on Peter... Dentist again which is one of the reasons I left the colony down under and came here. I had two crowns done plus various other oral bits and it fucking hurt. My gums are killing me - if only I still did cocaine, what a pain-killer that was. Peter is on a last minute panic shopping expedition, buying fake whatever he can - I will only buy real stuff. Got some good photos of him last night, happy and content in the dungeons of "Demonia" with a girl whose tongue was longer than Gene Simmons' and she did know how to use it - on Peter... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'd got a load of dvds in Sydney, all old TV and In Concert stuff - Old Grey Whistle Test outtakes, Taste from Europe, Mountain from Goose Lake Park Jackson MI and Randell's Island 1970 (Leslie West's guitar sound is unique), The MC5 A True Testimonial, Mott The Hoople very early '70s French TV - lots of all the bands I like. I was looking at a cd store in Bangkok thinking what's new that's good and the truth is not a lot. Music has become boring. Watching the MC5 movie (I was never a big fan) I realised how exciting they were. Music just isn't exciting now. Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, The Answer, come on, they are rubbish. When I was young you had rock bands like UFO - whether you liked them or not they were exciting. Now music seems so limp. I'd got a load of dvds in Sydney, all old TV and In Concert stuff - Old Grey Whistle Test outtakes, Taste from Europe, Mountain from Goose Lake Park Jackson MI and Randell's Island 1970 (Leslie West's guitar sound is unique), The MC5 A True Testimonial, Mott The Hoople very early '70s French TV - lots of all the bands I like. I was looking at a cd store in Bangkok thinking what's new that's good and the truth is not a lot. Music has become boring. Watching the MC5 movie (I was never a big fan) I realised how exciting they were. Music just isn't exciting now. Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, The Answer, come on, they are rubbish. When I was young you had rock bands like UFO - whether you liked them or not they were exciting. Now music seems so limp. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Baron joined Peter and I for breakfast. He gave us both signed books - Baron Wolman, The Rolling Stone Covers. It has all the covers he did for Rolling Stone, surprisingly. I looked at a contact sheet of early Alice Cooper, 'What year did you shoot Alice?' 'That's not Alice, that's my ex-wife!' 'Oh...!' Peter pointed out Alice Cooper based his makeup on the groupies seen in LA, The GTOs, so I was kind of forgiven. I've offered to photo edit the book he's doing at the moment with Dave Brolan. I had a long talk about a couple of photographers that don't like me and have revisionist memories of my crimes. I don't care because people are so petty. There is a saying, "Do not engage the disengaged"... Baron joined Peter and I for breakfast. He gave us both signed books - Baron Wolman, The Rolling Stone Covers. It has all the covers he did for Rolling Stone, surprisingly. I looked at a contact sheet of early Alice Cooper, 'What year did you shoot Alice?' 'That's not Alice, that's my ex-wife!' 'Oh...!' Peter pointed out Alice Cooper based his makeup on the groupies seen in LA, The GTOs, so I was kind of forgiven. I've offered to photo edit the book he's doing at the moment with Dave Brolan. I had a long talk about a couple of photographers that don't like me and have revisionist memories of my crimes. I don't care because people are so petty. There is a saying, "Do not engage the disengaged"... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Peter and I met up with author Jerry Hopkins (No One Gets Out Alive, and various books on Elvis) and Baron Wolman (famous photographer who started Rolling Stone). Baron is on holiday and has brought me some Pete Townshend prints from the Fillmore West 1968 for New Year. Jerry lives here to escape the real world or the dealings with the real world. I felt quite young in their hallowed company. We had a quiet Thai meal, it was a pleasent evening out in the realm of the 60's... Peter and I met up with author Jerry Hopkins (No One Gets Out Alive, and various books on Elvis) and Baron Wolman (famous photographer who started Rolling Stone). Baron is on holiday and has brought me some Pete Townshend prints from the Fillmore West 1968 for New Year. Jerry lives here to escape the real world or the dealings with the real world. I felt quite young in their hallowed company. We had a quiet Thai meal, it was a pleasent evening out in the realm of the 60's... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Thu, 8 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Another thing about Australia - no Americans. I didn't hear one. Plenty in Bangkok, the hotel I'm in has a convention full of Americans walking around with badges with their names on. I overheard one say, 'Hi, I'm Mike,' then the other said ' Hi, I'm Steve.' Both had their names in big letters round their necks like five-year olds... Spent the day with the Pole, Peter Makowski. He came to my hotel, The Shangri La, and sat by the pool. Both of us watching gay Germans and some loud queenie British Airways flight crew cuddling in the pool. Peter said 'I got you a present from a Japanese dvd store, it's a dvd by the girl you like, Koyuki,' and fished out of his bag a dvd with a cover of a smiling face with rosy red cheeks. It was of a fey man called Yuuki. 'What's this - it isn't Koyuki.' Peter examined it closely. 'Are you sure? I didn't have my glasses on, I thought the guy serving me was smiling...' Another thing about Australia - no Americans. I didn't hear one. Plenty in Bangkok, the hotel I'm in has a convention full of Americans walking around with badges with their names on. I overheard one say, 'Hi, I'm Mike,' then the other said ' Hi, I'm Steve.' Both had their names in big letters round their necks like five-year olds... Spent the day with the Pole, Peter Makowski. He came to my hotel, The Shangri La, and sat by the pool. Both of us watching gay Germans and some loud queenie British Airways flight crew cuddling in the pool. Peter said 'I got you a present from a Japanese dvd store, it's a dvd by the girl you like, Koyuki,' and fished out of his bag a dvd with a cover of a smiling face with rosy red cheeks. It was of a fey man called Yuuki. 'What's this - it isn't Koyuki.' Peter examined it closely. 'Are you sure? I didn't have my glasses on, I thought the guy serving me was smiling...' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Wed, 7 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'm on such a different time zone I slept all of three hours - shouldn't have slept on the plane. I read an article that says you sleep more than you realise, even just dozing. Shot the dawn, a warm heat you only get in Asia. I'm on such a different time zone I slept all of three hours - shouldn't have slept on the plane. I read an article that says you sleep more than you realise, even just dozing. Shot the dawn, a warm heat you only get in Asia. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I finished last night at the Rum Bar where I gave in to trying two types of the dark brown liquid. Went to Sushi Hi as everywhere else was closed. 'What do you have a la carte?' I asked. 'Loads mate.' 'Yes, but what types?' ' Oh loads of the fish stuff.' The man serving me looked at me as if I was being a "Bloody pain". I gave up and dined in McDonalds. A couple of cheese burgers went well with the exotic rum. Got up at dawn this morning and took a very choppy ferry to Hamilton Airport. Getting off I felt decidedly seasick. The airport staff were quite nice. 'No problem mate, your girlfriend can come through and see you off.' I go through security. 'Over here mate, you've been selected to be tested for explosives.' I look annoyed as I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt. 'Are you serious, who selected me?' ' I did, you look the type.' 'What type?' ' THE type, come on, let's have your bags.' I acquiesce, leaving him to it. I'm the last on my flight, the highly average Jet Star (think Easy Jet or Ryan Air). The airport security guard follows me on. As I sit down he points at me and tells the cabin staff 'Watch him he could be bloody trouble.' 'Right,' I think, 'enough!' 'And what bloody trouble have I been?' I say in a firm voice. 'Listen mate, if you talk like that to me I'll kick you off.' I realise Thailand is only a connection away so say nothing... I finished last night at the Rum Bar where I gave in to trying two types of the dark brown liquid. Went to Sushi Hi as everywhere else was closed. 'What do you have a la carte?' I asked. 'Loads mate.' 'Yes, but what types?' ' Oh loads of the fish stuff.' The man serving me looked at me as if I was being a "Bloody pain". I gave up and dined in McDonalds. A couple of cheese burgers went well with the exotic rum. Got up at dawn this morning and took a very choppy ferry to Hamilton Airport. Getting off I felt decidedly seasick. The airport staff were quite nice. 'No problem mate, your girlfriend can come through and see you off.' I go through security. 'Over here mate, you've been selected to be tested for explosives.' I look annoyed as I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt. 'Are you serious, who selected me?' ' I did, you look the type.' 'What type?' ' THE type, come on, let's have your bags.' I acquiesce, leaving him to it. I'm the last on my flight, the highly average Jet Star (think Easy Jet or Ryan Air). The airport security guard follows me on. As I sit down he points at me and tells the cabin staff 'Watch him he could be bloody trouble.' 'Right,' I think, 'enough!' 'And what bloody trouble have I been?' I say in a firm voice. 'Listen mate, if you talk like that to me I'll kick you off.' I realise Thailand is only a connection away so say nothing... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been in Sydney, Australia for New Year. Flying across Australia was complete cloud. Dawn came above the top and looked quite beautiful, then white nothing like an iced cake for five hours. Sydney on arriving was pouring rain, it was depressing. I looked out of my hotel and wondered why I came here for this... When I'd been with Soundgarden in Sydney it rained for a week - I should have known. I was going to Ayers Rock but it was raining there the day I'd booked a flight. It took a couple of days to clear up. New Years eve and New Years day have been nice but give me Asia anytime. The beach's are okay at best. I went to Bondi (full of teenagers), Manley (not bad but pretty boring) and Balmoral, which was rather quaint - I expected a castle with the queen. It is also expensive here. They have all these restaurants that have three chefs hats like Michelin stars. I ate in two of them and they were average. I'd rather be at Ago in LA, at least it's always good. This Modern Australian cuisine is awful, the best thing I had was a meat pie at a cafe, or fish and chips on the beach and that's British cuisine. Been in Sydney, Australia for New Year. Flying across Australia was complete cloud. Dawn came above the top and looked quite beautiful, then white nothing like an iced cake for five hours. Sydney on arriving was pouring rain, it was depressing. I looked out of my hotel and wondered why I came here for this... When I'd been with Soundgarden in Sydney it rained for a week - I should have known. I was going to Ayers Rock but it was raining there the day I'd booked a flight. It took a couple of days to clear up. New Years eve and New Years day have been nice but give me Asia anytime. The beach's are okay at best. I went to Bondi (full of teenagers), Manley (not bad but pretty boring) and Balmoral, which was rather quaint - I expected a castle with the queen. It is also expensive here. They have all these restaurants that have three chefs hats like Michelin stars. I ate in two of them and they were average. I'd rather be at Ago in LA, at least it's always good. This Modern Australian cuisine is awful, the best thing I had was a meat pie at a cafe, or fish and chips on the beach and that's British cuisine. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/january-2009/diary-january-2009.php Thu, 1 Jan 2009 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flying to the East I read the new Mojo which has a letter praising Deep Purple, one of the most maligned groups ever. The problem is they have "Whored'"it to death. Do you want to see Don Airey? NO, you want John Lord. Do you want Steve Morse with his stupid Indian necklace? No, you want Ritchie Blackmore. I'll take David Coverdale or Ian Gillan, preferably David. I remember going to Woolworths with my Mum and talking her into buying me Made In Japan - never mind Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy etc. It is a GREAT live album, every single track rocks. I even remember buying Grand Funk Live which is okay - I'm being kind then convincing myself it's great. The cover is good, it makes it look exciting which is the job of a photographer and an art director. Those were the days, now people don't care, they want it for free. Anyway back to Mojo... Flying to the East I read the new Mojo which has a letter praising Deep Purple, one of the most maligned groups ever. The problem is they have "Whored'"it to death. Do you want to see Don Airey? NO, you want John Lord. Do you want Steve Morse with his stupid Indian necklace? No, you want Ritchie Blackmore. I'll take David Coverdale or Ian Gillan, preferably David. I remember going to Woolworths with my Mum and talking her into buying me Made In Japan - never mind Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy etc. It is a GREAT live album, every single track rocks. I even remember buying Grand Funk Live which is okay - I'm being kind then convincing myself it's great. The cover is good, it makes it look exciting which is the job of a photographer and an art director. Those were the days, now people don't care, they want it for free. Anyway back to Mojo... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Ran around London today. It was mental - people going crazy, shopping. Saw Phil Alexander and Wag and Dave Brolan (the only sober Irishman I know) and Dave Everley who Kazuyo says is the most dour man she knows. 'He always looks like he's about to cry or look for a fight.' I did explain he is from the North and you aren't allowed to be happy up North. Metallica destroying the Los Angeles Forum and me with The Legendary Rob Flynn and the human Frankenstein, Dave THE SNAKE Sabo drinking a quick pint of vodka and coke. My photo is taken by the very ugly Karen Sihota in between her bites of several tacos. Karen won't go anywhere without Mexican in her. Ran around London today. It was mental - people going crazy, shopping. Saw Phil Alexander and Wag and Dave Brolan (the only sober Irishman I know) and Dave Everley who Kazuyo says is the most dour man she knows. 'He always looks like he's about to cry or look for a fight.' I did explain he is from the North and you aren't allowed to be happy up North. Metallica destroying the Los Angeles Forum and me with The Legendary Rob Flynn and the human Frankenstein, Dave THE SNAKE Sabo drinking a quick pint of vodka and coke. My photo is taken by the very ugly Karen Sihota in between her bites of several tacos. Karen won't go anywhere without Mexican in her. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew home last night. It was quite scenic as the mountains surrounding Los Angeles were snow-capped. Flew on Air New Zealand again. The ground staff were obnoxious. The ground agent wanted Noriaga's ticket to Fukuoka. 'It's at my house,' I explained. 'He can't fly unless we see it,' she said curtly. 'You didn't say that when he flew out here, and he doesn't need a visa to come to London and be my slave,' I smiled back. 'What about the other one?' she said, looking at Kazuyo. 'I'm Irish,' grinned Kazuyo handing over her Paddy passport. 'How did you get this?' said the agent, looking at it as if we'd printed it this morning. 'Easy, have sex with a Paddy and marry him. They gave it to me - and I used to be a man.' She calls a supervisor and tells him about Noriaga going to London without a visa when he doesn't even need one. 'We'll let him on this time...' What a horrible bitch. I take our boarding passes. As she hands them over she says 'Say thank you.' I look at her, 'What for, if I had something to thank you for I would.' Flew home last night. It was quite scenic as the mountains surrounding Los Angeles were snow-capped. Flew on Air New Zealand again. The ground staff were obnoxious. The ground agent wanted Noriaga's ticket to Fukuoka. 'It's at my house,' I explained. 'He can't fly unless we see it,' she said curtly. 'You didn't say that when he flew out here, and he doesn't need a visa to come to London and be my slave,' I smiled back. 'What about the other one?' she said, looking at Kazuyo. 'I'm Irish,' grinned Kazuyo handing over her Paddy passport. 'How did you get this?' said the agent, looking at it as if we'd printed it this morning. 'Easy, have sex with a Paddy and marry him. They gave it to me - and I used to be a man.' She calls a supervisor and tells him about Noriaga going to London without a visa when he doesn't even need one. 'We'll let him on this time...' What a horrible bitch. I take our boarding passes. As she hands them over she says 'Say thank you.' I look at her, 'What for, if I had something to thank you for I would.' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Sat, 20 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Didn't get to bed until 2am. General Noriaga was rocking to Green Hell, which they played last night. I didn't really sleep. I was awake three hours later - watched the dawn from my room. It's back to normal clear blue skies and sunshine. Dave Grohl reminded me of General Custer last night- the last man standing at the bar as the vultures descend on him. I remembered Dave said Taylor Hawkins was scared of me. He thought this was highly amusing - you should always be scared of the The Master. My final view was of Diamond Dave cornered by Lonn Friend who was telling the world how Jon Bon Jovi dumped him. At this point I think Dave had fallen asleep. Didn't get to bed until 2am. General Noriaga was rocking to Green Hell, which they played last night. I didn't really sleep. I was awake three hours later - watched the dawn from my room. It's back to normal clear blue skies and sunshine. Dave Grohl reminded me of General Custer last night- the last man standing at the bar as the vultures descend on him. I remembered Dave said Taylor Hawkins was scared of me. He thought this was highly amusing - you should always be scared of the The Master. My final view was of Diamond Dave cornered by Lonn Friend who was telling the world how Jon Bon Jovi dumped him. At this point I think Dave had fallen asleep. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Woke up today to black skies - this just isn't right for Los Angeles. It rained all day, pouring down, freezing and bone-chillingly cold... Drove to the LA Forum for some Metallica. Hung out with photographer Neil Zlozower and just before the show started saw Dave Grohl with an entourage of about fifty people, with Taylor Hawkins at the rear. I should have warned Taylor he's not seeing Queen tonight. Two of the The Killers were at the mixing desk - Brandon and the bassist, looking at Metallica playing Creeping Death, both with their arms folded looking thoroughly bored. Come now, Creeping Death is not a boring song, it's a singalong anthem. Woke up today to black skies - this just isn't right for Los Angeles. It rained all day, pouring down, freezing and bone-chillingly cold... Drove to the LA Forum for some Metallica. Hung out with photographer Neil Zlozower and just before the show started saw Dave Grohl with an entourage of about fifty people, with Taylor Hawkins at the rear. I should have warned Taylor he's not seeing Queen tonight. Two of the The Killers were at the mixing desk - Brandon and the bassist, looking at Metallica playing Creeping Death, both with their arms folded looking thoroughly bored. Come now, Creeping Death is not a boring song, it's a singalong anthem. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Los Angeles has had interesting weather - rain,snow, more rain, and it's freezing. I expect it in London but not here... Phil Collen was on my flight, with Kazuyo and General Noriaga. We all flew on Air New Zealand which is normally quite okay but this time I had a class A cow in the lounge. 'You can't bring in guests etc.' I pointed out that I'm a three million mile United flyer and I'm allowed two guests. 'Not on Air New Zealand!' she said, looking down her nose. I felt like thumping the old cow and telling her to go fuck herself - I just said 'You have more rules than the army.' She was like one of Pearl Jam's staff following Eddie Vedder's orders. Los Angeles has had interesting weather - rain,snow, more rain, and it's freezing. I expect it in London but not here... Phil Collen was on my flight, with Kazuyo and General Noriaga. We all flew on Air New Zealand which is normally quite okay but this time I had a class A cow in the lounge. 'You can't bring in guests etc.' I pointed out that I'm a three million mile United flyer and I'm allowed two guests. 'Not on Air New Zealand!' she said, looking down her nose. I felt like thumping the old cow and telling her to go fuck herself - I just said 'You have more rules than the army.' She was like one of Pearl Jam's staff following Eddie Vedder's orders. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Los Angeles for this coming week... Here are some photos from the past as I've been going through my file putting it all in order, year/band/date. That's if I can remember - one of my pet hates is when it's wrong. Okay, I'll admit I haven't been doing any of it but my Man Friday, Noriaki Watanabe has, or General Noriaga as he's also known - or as Lars says, Nori Burger. Off to Los Angeles for this coming week... Here are some photos from the past as I've been going through my file putting it all in order, year/band/date. That's if I can remember - one of my pet hates is when it's wrong. Okay, I'll admit I haven't been doing any of it but my Man Friday, Noriaki Watanabe has, or General Noriaga as he's also known - or as Lars says, Nori Burger. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I had a call last night from a New York production company who are filming a special on Metallica in Los Angeles next week. The assistant wanted me to go to a hotel in Hollywood to be interviewed as the costs of coming to me in West Hollywood were too much - this is about two miles and means they can't be bothered. I passed... Then the producer needed to speak to me. She calls from New York and sounds irritated. 'Have you ever shot Metallica apart from live photos? Did they let you backstage? Do you have "FUN" stories you can tell?' Fun? It goes on like this. I tell her I did all the pictures for the first ten years, then fell out of love with Lars for eleven years, then he and I kissed and made up and I am back etc. She pauses, 'Well, what I need to know is have you EVER met them?' I had a call last night from a New York production company who are filming a special on Metallica in Los Angeles next week. The assistant wanted me to go to a hotel in Hollywood to be interviewed as the costs of coming to me in West Hollywood were too much - this is about two miles and means they can't be bothered. I passed... Then the producer needed to speak to me. She calls from New York and sounds irritated. 'Have you ever shot Metallica apart from live photos? Did they let you backstage? Do you have "FUN" stories you can tell?' Fun? It goes on like this. I tell her I did all the pictures for the first ten years, then fell out of love with Lars for eleven years, then he and I kissed and made up and I am back etc. She pauses, 'Well, what I need to know is have you EVER met them?' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunday and it's freeeeeeezing in a nice sunny English kind of way. Jetlagged, found it hard to get going. Saw Phil Collen this evening, he came over to my house for dinner with his bodyguard, Mike Kobayashi. We were considering destroying London then realised it's too cold and we're too old... Peter Makowski has had lots of emails from all his girlfriends in Thailand saying how they miss him and love him. I'm off to the east this Christmas and will be seeing in the New Year with Peter, while he makes love in Thailand. I've offered to vet his girlfriends to find him a suitable wife. He vows to come home engaged to a local, fresh from a village. Sunday and it's freeeeeeezing in a nice sunny English kind of way. Jetlagged, found it hard to get going. Saw Phil Collen this evening, he came over to my house for dinner with his bodyguard, Mike Kobayashi. We were considering destroying London then realised it's too cold and we're too old... Peter Makowski has had lots of emails from all his girlfriends in Thailand saying how they miss him and love him. I'm off to the east this Christmas and will be seeing in the New Year with Peter, while he makes love in Thailand. I've offered to vet his girlfriends to find him a suitable wife. He vows to come home engaged to a local, fresh from a village. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Sun, 7 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Back home to a sunny but cold London, not quite as cold as I thought it would be. I'm off back to Los Angeles in a week for Metallica at the Forum so I can take more photos of Steve Wiig for all you Metallica fans... Here's an email from Argentina... Back home to a sunny but cold London, not quite as cold as I thought it would be. I'm off back to Los Angeles in a week for Metallica at the Forum so I can take more photos of Steve Wiig for all you Metallica fans... Here's an email from Argentina... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Sat, 6 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew back to Los Angeles from a oddly cloudy Las Vegas. Flying in I got some okay photos of the strange cloud layer. Went to see Slumdog Millionaire, a strangely uplifting film. It was so good I could watch it over and over. My date took me to dinner where I dined on Uni fused with truffle oil, it was a culinary delight. I did have KFC for lunch yesterday and that was delightful as well... Flew back to Los Angeles from a oddly cloudy Las Vegas. Flying in I got some okay photos of the strange cloud layer. Went to see Slumdog Millionaire, a strangely uplifting film. It was so good I could watch it over and over. My date took me to dinner where I dined on Uni fused with truffle oil, it was a culinary delight. I did have KFC for lunch yesterday and that was delightful as well... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Las Vegas staying at the Wynn, a five star diamond award hotel, whatever that means. The service is dire, shit, in fact - shitty attitude from the staff. I checked in at 7pm and all they had was a room with two single beds. After getting the manager and going mad she found me a room but I then had to wait an hour. I finally got a room that was a twenty-minute walk from the reception. Bear in mind check out is at 11am and this is a "FIVE STAR" hotel. The rooms are just okay, bathrooms are tired, service is non-existent. It has shops that sell everything - diamond Rolexes, you name it! As the credit crunch is here everything is on sale at 60% off. Well, an Oscar De La Renta dress is now only $2,500 - a bargain...! I had a wander around the Hard Rock Hotel which is now like an old Motel 6. Talk about run down. I wanted to have a look at Pete Townshend's number 9 Les Paul - it's gone from the lobby and been replaced by a Britney Spears schoolgirl outfit and various rap star's tracksuits. Talk about downgrading. The walls are full of fifth-rate rock photography, cheap digital prints. It was poor. And embarrassing. In Las Vegas staying at the Wynn, a five star diamond award hotel, whatever that means. The service is dire, shit, in fact - shitty attitude from the staff. I checked in at 7pm and all they had was a room with two single beds. After getting the manager and going mad she found me a room but I then had to wait an hour. I finally got a room that was a twenty-minute walk from the reception. Bear in mind check out is at 11am and this is a "FIVE STAR" hotel. The rooms are just okay, bathrooms are tired, service is non-existent. It has shops that sell everything - diamond Rolexes, you name it! As the credit crunch is here everything is on sale at 60% off. Well, an Oscar De La Renta dress is now only $2,500 - a bargain...! I had a wander around the Hard Rock Hotel which is now like an old Motel 6. Talk about run down. I wanted to have a look at Pete Townshend's number 9 Les Paul - it's gone from the lobby and been replaced by a Britney Spears schoolgirl outfit and various rap star's tracksuits. Talk about downgrading. The walls are full of fifth-rate rock photography, cheap digital prints. It was poor. And embarrassing. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Weds, 3 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Last night I saw Tesla coming at you live at the House Of Blues. As I arrived Jeff Keith was outside with some of his fans (or family). They looked just like him except with more teeth missing. One was called CRAZY George, he had a broken foot from 'Jumping out of a crazy bitches widow!' Crazy also was dressed like Rikki Rocket circa 1987 with a cowboy hat. He and Jeff were discussing 'Kicking ass.' It was a truly forgettable conversation. I went to see Brian Wheat and Queer Dave Rude. Troy was all friendly, thanking me for shooting the band in between praying to a cross on the wall. Frank of the one string attack was showing off his fists, just like his father-in-law's, Dickie Betts, good for fighting. I stayed for five songs then had a date at Nishimura, the best Japanese restaurant in the world, so I tearfully left the building humming Modern Day Cowboy. As I came out Crazy was standing on Sunset strip telling the security he was a friend of Jeff's - strange how even Geoff ran away from his old mate Crazy... Last night I saw Tesla coming at you live at the House Of Blues. As I arrived Jeff Keith was outside with some of his fans (or family). They looked just like him except with more teeth missing. One was called CRAZY George, he had a broken foot from 'Jumping out of a crazy bitches widow!' Crazy also was dressed like Rikki Rocket circa 1987 with a cowboy hat. He and Jeff were discussing 'Kicking ass.' It was a truly forgettable conversation. I went to see Brian Wheat and Queer Dave Rude. Troy was all friendly, thanking me for shooting the band in between praying to a cross on the wall. Frank of the one string attack was showing off his fists, just like his father-in-law's, Dickie Betts, good for fighting. I stayed for five songs then had a date at Nishimura, the best Japanese restaurant in the world, so I tearfully left the building humming Modern Day Cowboy. As I came out Crazy was standing on Sunset strip telling the security he was a friend of Jeff's - strange how even Geoff ran away from his old mate Crazy... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Tue, 2 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'm in Los Angeles, flew in on Saturday. It rained all last week here but it's quite nice now - sunny, which makes me more positive in the winter. Cold though when the sun's gone. Nice light over Scotland when I left, snow-capped mountains, and Iceland looked inviting as well. My female companion looked over Scotland and said 'Is that chalk?' 'No, snow.' 'Are you sure, isn't Scotland made of chalk?' 'Positive!' I don't think geography was her best subject at school. I'm in Los Angeles, flew in on Saturday. It rained all last week here but it's quite nice now - sunny, which makes me more positive in the winter. Cold though when the sun's gone. Nice light over Scotland when I left, snow-capped mountains, and Iceland looked inviting as well. My female companion looked over Scotland and said 'Is that chalk?' 'No, snow.' 'Are you sure, isn't Scotland made of chalk?' 'Positive!' I don't think geography was her best subject at school. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/december-2008/diary-december-2008.php Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Brian Wheat called me as he was cooking prime rib and goat for his Thanksgiving dinner. I knew he liked meat, but goat? 'Jeff Keith brought it over as a present, so I told Jeff I'd given it to a kids petting school, he was over the moon. The goat stank so much I took it out to my garage, strung it up, shot it in the head and cooked it. I'll keep you the fur, you can think of Jeff every time you look at it. That goat stank but I sorted it out and I know you'd appreciate the end result.' Brian then confided that Tommy Skeoch was in love with Dave THE SNAKE Sabo. Tommy would ogle THE SNAKE at every show with lust in his loins. There you go, a heart warming Thanksgiving story - just as Brian's tucking into Jeff's goat... Brian Wheat called me as he was cooking prime rib and goat for his Thanksgiving dinner. I knew he liked meat, but goat? 'Jeff Keith brought it over as a present, so I told Jeff I'd given it to a kids petting school, he was over the moon. The goat stank so much I took it out to my garage, strung it up, shot it in the head and cooked it. I'll keep you the fur, you can think of Jeff every time you look at it. That goat stank but I sorted it out and I know you'd appreciate the end result.' Brian then confided that Tommy Skeoch was in love with Dave THE SNAKE Sabo. Tommy would ogle THE SNAKE at every show with lust in his loins. There you go, a heart warming Thanksgiving story - just as Brian's tucking into Jeff's goat... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew home last night through huge black clouds which seemed to go on for miles. I was seated next to the wing and it was no fun watching the wing move up and down as the plane was thrown all over the sky from Reno to Denver (I was looking at the route map). It unnerved me. I even considered promising to do good deeds and be good if God would save me. Got a couple of photos of black nothing with a slight bit of light. Flew home last night through huge black clouds which seemed to go on for miles. I was seated next to the wing and it was no fun watching the wing move up and down as the plane was thrown all over the sky from Reno to Denver (I was looking at the route map). It unnerved me. I even considered promising to do good deeds and be good if God would save me. Got a couple of photos of black nothing with a slight bit of light. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Tues, 25 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Woke up to a warm sunny morning after managing to sleep for the first time. My head hurt - it was still ringing after Rock'n'roll John Bionelli spent the whole night at dinner talking about Kiss - Kiss this and Kiss that and how Paul Stanley is a good man (which is quite true). John can't talk Kiss around Aerosmith as they get jealous... Woke up to a warm sunny morning after managing to sleep for the first time. My head hurt - it was still ringing after Rock'n'roll John Bionelli spent the whole night at dinner talking about Kiss - Kiss this and Kiss that and how Paul Stanley is a good man (which is quite true). John can't talk Kiss around Aerosmith as they get jealous... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Travelled back with Metallica from Little Rock to New Orleans, got into my hotel at 3am and had to check out at 5.30am. I felt quite good all things considered. My 7am flight went technical which means in English that the aircraft is broken,so we waited and waited until we got put on a flight to Los Angeles via Dallas. Nice middle-seat stuffed between two hugely overweight Americans eating MacDonalds - it stank. People should be banned from eating shit on planes, dis-fucking-gusting. At least eat some KFC, "All Friendly". An hour into this seven hour journey I am now unhappy and overtired. Travelling on this trip has not been a joy. Spoke to Rock'n'roll John Bionelli who is in Los Angeles without his slave Donnie Shiteman for some boring music awards with Steven and Joe from Aerosmith. John wouldn't tell me who they were presenting, like it was some state secret. Travelled back with Metallica from Little Rock to New Orleans, got into my hotel at 3am and had to check out at 5.30am. I felt quite good all things considered. My 7am flight went technical which means in English that the aircraft is broken,so we waited and waited until we got put on a flight to Los Angeles via Dallas. Nice middle-seat stuffed between two hugely overweight Americans eating MacDonalds - it stank. People should be banned from eating shit on planes, dis-fucking-gusting. At least eat some KFC, "All Friendly". An hour into this seven hour journey I am now unhappy and overtired. Travelling on this trip has not been a joy. Spoke to Rock'n'roll John Bionelli who is in Los Angeles without his slave Donnie Shiteman for some boring music awards with Steven and Joe from Aerosmith. John wouldn't tell me who they were presenting, like it was some state secret. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Sunny and still cold-ish, went out for a wander and got lost around the French Quarter. It gives the impression everything is okay but something is missing. Met up with James Hetfield and went to look at some cemeteries, as you do. Took some photos of places where people are, ummm, resting. Nice end of day winter light. Sunny and still cold-ish, went out for a wander and got lost around the French Quarter. It gives the impression everything is okay but something is missing. Met up with James Hetfield and went to look at some cemeteries, as you do. Took some photos of places where people are, ummm, resting. Nice end of day winter light. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I wake up in New Orleans, got in in the early hours of this morning. It was cold at 3am, now 75 degrees at 8.30, not bad for nearly December. I told Joe Perry I was coming here last week, we talked about my photo shoot with him at dawn walking around the French Quarter. I haven't been back since before the hurricane, must make the effort to walk around. I never liked it here that much, always thought the streets smelt of booze and piss, full of the worst type of American, looking to "Party". I wake up in New Orleans, got in in the early hours of this morning. It was cold at 3am, now 75 degrees at 8.30, not bad for nearly December. I told Joe Perry I was coming here last week, we talked about my photo shoot with him at dawn walking around the French Quarter. I haven't been back since before the hurricane, must make the effort to walk around. I never liked it here that much, always thought the streets smelt of booze and piss, full of the worst type of American, looking to "Party". http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been playing the remastered UFO CDs, Obsession and Lights Out. Both have extra live tracks that have not been out before. It reminded me of what a great band they were, and the booklets have good photos by me from the period. The sleeve notes are dross, ruined by the puerile interviews with the band. A pity - shame how everything with UFO is never quite right. Been reading Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke (a present from the girlfriend) and The China Lover by Ian Burma (another present from the girlfriend), and The Forever War by Dexter Filkins, about Iraq and Afghanistan. Been playing the remastered UFO CDs, Obsession and Lights Out. Both have extra live tracks that have not been out before. It reminded me of what a great band they were, and the booklets have good photos by me from the period. The sleeve notes are dross, ruined by the puerile interviews with the band. A pity - shame how everything with UFO is never quite right. Been reading Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke (a present from the girlfriend) and The China Lover by Ian Burma (another present from the girlfriend), and The Forever War by Dexter Filkins, about Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Ran around London, saw Dave Brolan and Tom Sheehan, a photographer I've spoken to but never met, then had lunch with Jimmy Page who was saying how in the last year people in the street, shops, Tescos etc will not leave him alone, and sure enough in the space of thirty minutes two people came up and said 'Sorry to bother you but are you...?' and stood and didn't leave. I was trying to convince him to come with me to the Olympia record fair tomorrow, but perhaps it's not a good idea - Olympia will be full of grown men that still live with their parents. Got a Hong Kong film, Mad Detective, and Frontiers, which sorts out Friday night indoors. Trying to decide if I'm going to Tokyo on Sunday for The Who. What's putting me off is I have to be in Houston and New Orleans with Metallica the middle of next week and it's a bit of a trek, even on a 777. Ran around London, saw Dave Brolan and Tom Sheehan, a photographer I've spoken to but never met, then had lunch with Jimmy Page who was saying how in the last year people in the street, shops, Tescos etc will not leave him alone, and sure enough in the space of thirty minutes two people came up and said 'Sorry to bother you but are you...?' and stood and didn't leave. I was trying to convince him to come with me to the Olympia record fair tomorrow, but perhaps it's not a good idea - Olympia will be full of grown men that still live with their parents. Got a Hong Kong film, Mad Detective, and Frontiers, which sorts out Friday night indoors. Trying to decide if I'm going to Tokyo on Sunday for The Who. What's putting me off is I have to be in Houston and New Orleans with Metallica the middle of next week and it's a bit of a trek, even on a 777. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Flew into London. I was so tired I couldn't sleep so read on the plane. Finished Runway Runaway, Lorelei Shellist's book. Lorelei was Steve Clark's other half back in the day. It gives a good insight as to what Steve was like. Lorelei told me the Def Leppard fan base hate it. "It wasn't how Steve was". Fuck them, they didn't live with him, Lorelei did and it's all true. Started re-reading Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridien. Steve Gorman (famous drummer) raved about and gave me this to read in the early '90s. I'd forgotten about it and found it in Book Soup in LA. A dark book on the Southwest. If anyone has a hardback copy they want to sell do let me know. Flew into London. I was so tired I couldn't sleep so read on the plane. Finished Runway Runaway, Lorelei Shellist's book. Lorelei was Steve Clark's other half back in the day. It gives a good insight as to what Steve was like. Lorelei told me the Def Leppard fan base hate it. "It wasn't how Steve was". Fuck them, they didn't live with him, Lorelei did and it's all true. Started re-reading Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridien. Steve Gorman (famous drummer) raved about and gave me this to read in the early '90s. I'd forgotten about it and found it in Book Soup in LA. A dark book on the Southwest. If anyone has a hardback copy they want to sell do let me know. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A day where I worked hard. Okay, I'm not digging a road but I had a lot to do in one day. I photographed The Sunset Marquis Hotel for a style magazine. The hotel is full so you have to work around everyone, and the shots you are taking are time exposures where you have to think about what you are doing - normally I shoot without thinking, I do it on autopilot. Went to shoot Scott Weiland at his home at midday. Now Herr Weiland is not the most punctual human I know. To my surprise he was dressed ready and came up with the idea of floating in his pool in a suit on a lilo. Scott looked like a decadent 70s rockstar. I finished with portraits of him in a white suit sitting next to a lamp, smoking. It looked very noir, he looked like a forties film star. If it works it will be one of the best photos I've taken. It is fulfilling to do in something that works and Scott is good subject matter. A day where I worked hard. Okay, I'm not digging a road but I had a lot to do in one day. I photographed The Sunset Marquis Hotel for a style magazine. The hotel is full so you have to work around everyone, and the shots you are taking are time exposures where you have to think about what you are doing - normally I shoot without thinking, I do it on autopilot. Went to shoot Scott Weiland at his home at midday. Now Herr Weiland is not the most punctual human I know. To my surprise he was dressed ready and came up with the idea of floating in his pool in a suit on a lilo. Scott looked like a decadent 70s rockstar. I finished with portraits of him in a white suit sitting next to a lamp, smoking. It looked very noir, he looked like a forties film star. If it works it will be one of the best photos I've taken. It is fulfilling to do in something that works and Scott is good subject matter. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I had breakfast with Paul Stanley,The Love Gun (if I don't put that John Bionelli starts bombarding me with emails and leaving me voice messages singing Kiss songs). Paul told me they may make a Kiss record, which he'll produce. A real 70s Kiss style record. If Paul can stop painting which is his other career. Sitting opposite was a rotund man with bright orange hair like a clown at the circus (or Clown in Slipknot), he was looking grumpy and sounded Irish. He wasn't friendly like Paul Brannigan, he was looking for an argument. It took me a while to figure out it was Van Morrison, truly one of the most miserable humans I've ever encountered. When I was young in the 70s one of my first jobs was for promoter Adrian Hopkins who sent me to Van's Notting Hill Gate home with the purpose of shooting some photos of him in the garden. I knocked at the door and waited for ages. The letterbox opened a bit and an Irish voice shouted 'Fuck off, go on, fuck off, I'm warning you.' I told the letter box why I was here. 'Fuck off, I mean it, fuck off, you cunt.' I had breakfast with Paul Stanley,The Love Gun (if I don't put that John Bionelli starts bombarding me with emails and leaving me voice messages singing Kiss songs). Paul told me they may make a Kiss record, which he'll produce. A real 70s Kiss style record. If Paul can stop painting which is his other career. Sitting opposite was a rotund man with bright orange hair like a clown at the circus (or Clown in Slipknot), he was looking grumpy and sounded Irish. He wasn't friendly like Paul Brannigan, he was looking for an argument. It took me a while to figure out it was Van Morrison, truly one of the most miserable humans I've ever encountered. When I was young in the 70s one of my first jobs was for promoter Adrian Hopkins who sent me to Van's Notting Hill Gate home with the purpose of shooting some photos of him in the garden. I knocked at the door and waited for ages. The letterbox opened a bit and an Irish voice shouted 'Fuck off, go on, fuck off, I'm warning you.' I told the letter box why I was here. 'Fuck off, I mean it, fuck off, you cunt.' http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Sun, 9 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Strange to wake up to warm weather and sunshine at 7am. It's a beautiful day. I ran into Nikki Sixx last night, who I haven't seen for ages. Told him my son liked his book. Nikki looked well, he even had a beard in a devil sort of style. Nikki joins me in old age on December 11th. Strange to think how long I've known him, he told his girlfriend he met me in 1983 at the Cat and Fiddle Pub on Laurel Canyon and hated me - very Nikki. I reminded him we went to the Rainbow that night and watched Tommy and Vince fight. I might do a book on Motley, they were dangerous, you wouldn't want to mess with them... Strange to wake up to warm weather and sunshine at 7am. It's a beautiful day. I ran into Nikki Sixx last night, who I haven't seen for ages. Told him my son liked his book. Nikki looked well, he even had a beard in a devil sort of style. Nikki joins me in old age on December 11th. Strange to think how long I've known him, he told his girlfriend he met me in 1983 at the Cat and Fiddle Pub on Laurel Canyon and hated me - very Nikki. I reminded him we went to the Rainbow that night and watched Tommy and Vince fight. I might do a book on Motley, they were dangerous, you wouldn't want to mess with them... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Sat, 8 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at 5am in an urge of "I'm going to get fit for Christmas", went to the gym, ran, trained, felt great by 8.30, then headed to the airport to fly to Los Angeles. Checked in and went to the United lounge thinking it's fruit for me. They had bacon sandwiches with HP sauce - my health kick was gone already. I mean, who can turn down a bacon sandwich, the museli of the working class... My flight is full, absolutely rammed, only got a middle seat (okay, I'm admit I'm flying business) but sitting inbetween an old man and a Chinese man who keeps knocking my arm trying to get more elbow room or whatever you call it. I wonder how long I'll last without a row with him, - he's now done it four times. Got up at 5am in an urge of "I'm going to get fit for Christmas", went to the gym, ran, trained, felt great by 8.30, then headed to the airport to fly to Los Angeles. Checked in and went to the United lounge thinking it's fruit for me. They had bacon sandwiches with HP sauce - my health kick was gone already. I mean, who can turn down a bacon sandwich, the museli of the working class... My flight is full, absolutely rammed, only got a middle seat (okay, I'm admit I'm flying business) but sitting inbetween an old man and a Chinese man who keeps knocking my arm trying to get more elbow room or whatever you call it. I wonder how long I'll last without a row with him, - he's now done it four times. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A day shooting Slash. This was meant to be in a studio then at the last minute was moved by his Los Angeles assistant to the Dorchester Hotel, to a tiny bedroom. So I had to move the bed, dressing table and everything in the room - not ideal. Slash is so nice you forgive him and he made the effort to get what I needed done. He was so jet-lagged he hadn't been to sleep. On the way in to the hotel I ran into Mutt Lange who I haven't seen since the 80s... A day shooting Slash. This was meant to be in a studio then at the last minute was moved by his Los Angeles assistant to the Dorchester Hotel, to a tiny bedroom. So I had to move the bed, dressing table and everything in the room - not ideal. Slash is so nice you forgive him and he made the effort to get what I needed done. He was so jet-lagged he hadn't been to sleep. On the way in to the hotel I ran into Mutt Lange who I haven't seen since the 80s... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/november-2008/diary-november-2008.php Tues, 4 Nov 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin It's gone into winter here - dark at 4pm. God, if there is one, please stop winter, or at least let it be sunny... Spoke to Bic Runga. I now might go to New Zealand in the New Year, somewhere I've never been although I've changed planes there a few times on the way to Australia. I have a lot of New Zealand friends, Rangi (The RT Driver), Schnozzle Hepple, and Clutch, now sadly long deceased. Bic and I are planing to destroy Wellington or Auckland, or whichever bit she's from. It's gone into winter here - dark at 4pm. God, if there is one, please stop winter, or at least let it be sunny... Spoke to Bic Runga. I now might go to New Zealand in the New Year, somewhere I've never been although I've changed planes there a few times on the way to Australia. I have a lot of New Zealand friends, Rangi (The RT Driver), Schnozzle Hepple, and Clutch, now sadly long deceased. Bic and I are planing to destroy Wellington or Auckland, or whichever bit she's from. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Kansas. Yes, somewhere over the rainbow. The airport is about a hundred miles from downtown. Okay I'm exaggerating, but it was a long way. Around the arena are lots of Irish bars and places to eat meat, lots of meat. Most of the people walking around are the size of cows, it's like herds of human cattle. Kazuyo says 'It's so boring here all they do is eat.' I got out of a taxi at the venue. A large heifer comes over, 'Hey are you Lars?'. Firstly, could you see Lars getting out of a cab in the street and saying at the stage door 'Hello my good man.Is this The Kansas Sprint Arena and can I come in?' I say no and he then looks at me as if he's just seen the awakening of Christ and says 'You really look like Lars are you sure?' I'm sure and just to clear up any misconceptions, Lars looks like me - except I'm far more handsome... Kansas. Yes, somewhere over the rainbow. The airport is about a hundred miles from downtown. Okay I'm exaggerating, but it was a long way. Around the arena are lots of Irish bars and places to eat meat, lots of meat. Most of the people walking around are the size of cows, it's like herds of human cattle. Kazuyo says 'It's so boring here all they do is eat.' I got out of a taxi at the venue. A large heifer comes over, 'Hey are you Lars?'. Firstly, could you see Lars getting out of a cab in the street and saying at the stage door 'Hello my good man.Is this The Kansas Sprint Arena and can I come in?' I say no and he then looks at me as if he's just seen the awakening of Christ and says 'You really look like Lars are you sure?' I'm sure and just to clear up any misconceptions, Lars looks like me - except I'm far more handsome... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin A film star day - no, I wasn't hanging out with Steven Wiig, I saw the Osbourne's, Sharon, Jack, Kelly and a very trim and funny Ozzy. Also ran into Billy Bob Thornton at my hotel. He introduced me to Gail Zappa, wife of Frank. Billy Bob asked me to come on tour in November with his band all around the midwest where he's opening for Willy Nelson. Why couldn't it be Japan or say Hawaii? The midwest, a tour of hell. Billy Bob wants me to shoot a black and white tour diary. Had dinner at Sushi Wa. At the next table was the most stunning Japanese girl. Kazuyo knew her, 'It's Seiko Matsuda, the Madonna of Japan'. Kazuyo then said she's older than me and has had more surgery than Michael Jackson. She looked exactly what I like. 'You have no chance, she likes young boys,' said Kazuyo, throwing down the gauntlet. 'Anyway, she's a granny'. I don't care if she is a geriatric, she was yum yum A film star day - no, I wasn't hanging out with Steven Wiig, I saw the Osbourne's, Sharon, Jack, Kelly and a very trim and funny Ozzy. Also ran into Billy Bob Thornton at my hotel. He introduced me to Gail Zappa, wife of Frank. Billy Bob asked me to come on tour in November with his band all around the midwest where he's opening for Willy Nelson. Why couldn't it be Japan or say Hawaii? The midwest, a tour of hell. Billy Bob wants me to shoot a black and white tour diary. Had dinner at Sushi Wa. At the next table was the most stunning Japanese girl. Kazuyo knew her, 'It's Seiko Matsuda, the Madonna of Japan'. Kazuyo then said she's older than me and has had more surgery than Michael Jackson. She looked exactly what I like. 'You have no chance, she likes young boys,' said Kazuyo, throwing down the gauntlet. 'Anyway, she's a granny'. I don't care if she is a geriatric, she was yum yum http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin After two hours sleep at the one star Marriott Hotel at the airport, I get up at 4am and fly back to Los Angeles, shooting a bit of the dawn light on the way. After two hours sleep at the one star Marriott Hotel at the airport, I get up at 4am and fly back to Los Angeles, shooting a bit of the dawn light on the way. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Spent the day at the Wigwam Resort. It had adobe-style rooms, palm trees, a golf course, two pools - very relaxing. Kazuyo walked around in the 96 degree weather taking photos as evidence of how awful it was. 'Get me back to a city, I hate it'. You could lost walking across lawns to the front desk amid the swaying palm trees. She even said, 'I prefer Brixton, at least they have a KFC'. Spent the day at the Wigwam Resort. It had adobe-style rooms, palm trees, a golf course, two pools - very relaxing. Kazuyo walked around in the 96 degree weather taking photos as evidence of how awful it was. 'Get me back to a city, I hate it'. You could lost walking across lawns to the front desk amid the swaying palm trees. She even said, 'I prefer Brixton, at least they have a KFC'. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Phoenix today for Metallica, who are rehearsing for the American tour (starting tomorrow). Think of the 02 show with a much lower stage, which is better for me, and with pyro and lasers. The thing about shooting the beginning of a tour is that by ten shows in it will look different. Nice here, hot at mid-afternoon, cooking hot. Went to the Jobing.com Arena. It took me forty minutes to figure out how to get in - the windows were all mirrors and I couldn't figure out where the entrance was... Phoenix today for Metallica, who are rehearsing for the American tour (starting tomorrow). Think of the 02 show with a much lower stage, which is better for me, and with pyro and lasers. The thing about shooting the beginning of a tour is that by ten shows in it will look different. Nice here, hot at mid-afternoon, cooking hot. Went to the Jobing.com Arena. It took me forty minutes to figure out how to get in - the windows were all mirrors and I couldn't figure out where the entrance was... http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Tue, 20 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Went out record shopping to the valley to Freak Beat Records, they have some good stuff. Found an Immediate (Pink label) British Blues Album for $6.99 which Jimmy Page wrote the sleeve notes for. Got Easy Rider Original Soundtrack and Zachariah, The First Electric Western (white label promo). I think I've got both already but in a truly boys own way I had to have them again. Watched John Kay And Steppenwolf, A Rock and Roll Odyssey, crap title for a DVD. I'm a big Steppenwolf fan - one of my regrets is never seeing them live. Been reading Danny Goldberg's Bumping Into Geniuses. His chapter on Led Zeppelin is good and it's all true. I'm sure some "Fans" won't like it but what do they know - he was there. Went out record shopping to the valley to Freak Beat Records, they have some good stuff. Found an Immediate (Pink label) British Blues Album for $6.99 which Jimmy Page wrote the sleeve notes for. Got Easy Rider Original Soundtrack and Zachariah, The First Electric Western (white label promo). I think I've got both already but in a truly boys own way I had to have them again. Watched John Kay And Steppenwolf, A Rock and Roll Odyssey, crap title for a DVD. I'm a big Steppenwolf fan - one of my regrets is never seeing them live. Been reading Danny Goldberg's Bumping Into Geniuses. His chapter on Led Zeppelin is good and it's all true. I'm sure some "Fans" won't like it but what do they know - he was there. http://www.rosshalfin.com/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Mon, 19 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin I'm flying somewhere over the top of Canada looking at bleak nothingingness... Well, the flight is empty (oh joy) and I read the papers then the music press. Lots about Seasick Steve who claims to be a hobo and ride trains, being a real transient. The reality is he's from Seattle, worked in a recording studio in Olympia and only recently developed a Southern accent. I have met him twice, each time he was a wanker, saying he was going to punch me. My crime was asking the stupid old drunk to look at the camera. He is a cunt, a complete CUNT, in capitals. The editor of Mojo, Phil Alexander, calls him 'Your friend Seasick Steve'. Kevin Ayers is celebrated at the moment because, 'Wow', he's put out a 4cd set of average songs from his not very stellar career. Another drunk who lives in the south of France on what appears to be Daddy's money (Kevin is 64). He's held as an icon 'cos he knew Sid, as in Sid Barrett, and played in Soft Machine, a useless band from Cambridge who only Omar from The Mars Volta could like. Fuck me, what a load of old shit, old being the right word. I'm flying somewhere over the top of Canada looking at bleak nothingingness... Well, the flight is empty (oh joy) and I read the papers then the music press. Lots about Seasick Steve who claims to be a hobo and ride trains, being a real transient. The reality is he's from Seattle, worked in a recording studio in Olympia and only recently developed a Southern accent. I have met him twice, each time he was a wanker, saying he was going to punch me. My crime was asking the stupid old drunk to look at the camera. He is a cunt, a complete CUNT, in capitals. The editor of Mojo, Phil Alexander, calls him 'Your friend Seasick Steve'. Kevin Ayers is celebrated at the moment because, 'Wow', he's put out a 4cd set of average songs from his not very stellar career. Another drunk who lives in the south of France on what appears to be Daddy's money (Kevin is 64). He's held as an icon 'cos he knew Sid, as in Sid Barrett, and played in Soft Machine, a useless band from Cambridge who only Omar from The Mars Volta could like. Fuck me, what a load of old shit, old being the right word. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin After several plays of Quo it's not as good as I remember, in fact it's pretty poor - must dig out Piledriver. Played The Who At Kilburn 1977, which I just got on DVD. Nice to have as I went to the show (it was in the afternoon), they played longer than I remembered. Well filmed but not a great Who show (at the time I thought it was "AMAZING"). Still, it has good footage of Dreaming From The Waist with John Entwhistle's bass solo. The extras consist of The London Coliseum 1969, not great film but the band look like they are having a good time, and the between song intro on A Quick One captures the real humour of The Who. After several plays of Quo it's not as good as I remember, in fact it's pretty poor - must dig out Piledriver. Played The Who At Kilburn 1977, which I just got on DVD. Nice to have as I went to the show (it was in the afternoon), they played longer than I remembered. Well filmed but not a great Who show (at the time I thought it was "AMAZING"). Still, it has good footage of Dreaming From The Waist with John Entwhistle's bass solo. The extras consist of The London Coliseum 1969, not great film but the band look like they are having a good time, and the between song intro on A Quick One captures the real humour of The Who. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sat, 13 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The weather in England is still "Utsukushii" as they say in the east. Reading a book on England called Azincourt, by Bernard Cornwell, about the battle of Agincourt which has lots of killing on both sides and we won and we hate the French etc. Still, I like a light read. Been playing Dog Of Two Head by Status Quo, and before you scoff it has Umleitung, Mean Girl, Gerdundula plus many more. A classic from 1971 and a young person like me doesn't have to be ancient to appreciate it. Great album, great band, unfortunately every time I'd shoot them or meet them they would be tossers of the highest order, particularly Rick Parfitt. The weather in England is still "Utsukushii" as they say in the east. Reading a book on England called Azincourt, by Bernard Cornwell, about the battle of Agincourt which has lots of killing on both sides and we won and we hate the French etc. Still, I like a light read. Been playing Dog Of Two Head by Status Quo, and before you scoff it has Umleitung, Mean Girl, Gerdundula plus many more. A classic from 1971 and a young person like me doesn't have to be ancient to appreciate it. Great album, great band, unfortunately every time I'd shoot them or meet them they would be tossers of the highest order, particularly Rick Parfitt. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin If I remember rightly this was the date Metallica played Oakland Stadium on the Black Album tour. Don't know why I remember that. Also remember taking a photo of the empty stadium with the band and Bill Graham, who died not long after. I'm off to Los Angeles and San Francisco with my heavy metal buddies next week for the start of the Death Magnetic Tour. Classic Rock has a new issue out today with a jaw dropping-amazing photo spread on the London 02 show, the pictures are "Amazing"... I would say that because I took them. If I remember rightly this was the date Metallica played Oakland Stadium on the Black Album tour. Don't know why I remember that. Also remember taking a photo of the empty stadium with the band and Bill Graham, who died not long after. I'm off to Los Angeles and San Francisco with my heavy metal buddies next week for the start of the Death Magnetic Tour. Classic Rock has a new issue out today with a jaw dropping-amazing photo spread on the London 02 show, the pictures are "Amazing"... I would say that because I took them. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Just got the new John Woo movie, Red Cliff, from my mate Richard in Hong Kong. A historical drama, which in English means lots of killing. Pete and I are going to watch it today... Just got the new John Woo movie, Red Cliff, from my mate Richard in Hong Kong. A historical drama, which in English means lots of killing. Pete and I are going to watch it today... http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Bangkok was odd, most of it was closed due to today's elections. Flew home in the early hours of this morning. I got Peter two seats to himself (while I sat up the front and gobbled caviar) and by the time we landed he'd met a beautiful Korean girl and is now nearly engaged. I got home looking forward to Sunday lust with to my girlfriend only to find out she's run off with a surfer from down under. Love can be a fickle thing. I thought I'd be married by Christmas. Gong Li where are you...? Home, home to the Sunday rain of not very sunny England. I had a sausage roll or three for lunch - enough Laotian food! Had another Laotian meal last night, served by Ladyboys, it put me off my food. I have nothing against homosexuals, just imagine being served by say Paul Brannigan in full make up, unshaven, in high heels, and you'd be put off your food. I mean, I love Kiss - Paul and Gene are real men. Bangkok was odd, most of it was closed due to today's elections. Flew home in the early hours of this morning. I got Peter two seats to himself (while I sat up the front and gobbled caviar) and by the time we landed he'd met a beautiful Korean girl and is now nearly engaged. I got home looking forward to Sunday lust with to my girlfriend only to find out she's run off with a surfer from down under. Love can be a fickle thing. I thought I'd be married by Christmas. Gong Li where are you...? Home, home to the Sunday rain of not very sunny England. I had a sausage roll or three for lunch - enough Laotian food! Had another Laotian meal last night, served by Ladyboys, it put me off my food. I have nothing against homosexuals, just imagine being served by say Paul Brannigan in full make up, unshaven, in high heels, and you'd be put off your food. I mean, I love Kiss - Paul and Gene are real men. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sun, 5 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Nice weather in Bangkok, hot sunny. I got up at dawn and went to the local market, at 6am it was packed full of saturday shoppers. Lots of butchers/fishmongers. I found an ironmonger selling machetes and lots of other weapons - cleavers, hatchets, you name it. Watched a butcher blow torch a pile of pigs legs. All the locals eating everything. I've been trying to not shoot temples etc. Found some nice dilapidated walls. Even took some of the street girls, but they weren't too keen. Found that I'm not using all my various lenses and am going back to my 85mm, it makes you think more and not be so lazy. Nice weather in Bangkok, hot sunny. I got up at dawn and went to the local market, at 6am it was packed full of saturday shoppers. Lots of butchers/fishmongers. I found an ironmonger selling machetes and lots of other weapons - cleavers, hatchets, you name it. Watched a butcher blow torch a pile of pigs legs. All the locals eating everything. I've been trying to not shoot temples etc. Found some nice dilapidated walls. Even took some of the street girls, but they weren't too keen. Found that I'm not using all my various lenses and am going back to my 85mm, it makes you think more and not be so lazy. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/october-2008/diary-october-2008.php Sat, 4 Oct 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Phil Alexander gave me a copy of his all time favourite book, Pictures Of an Exhibitionist by Keith Emerson. You can laugh, there's nothing wrong with a bit of ELP. The early ELP that is, until they climbed up their own arses. I told Jimmy Page I had it - he was excited for about at least three seconds. He said Keith Emerson was great early on. Funny how people loath ELP yet they were huge in the day. Another huge thing I'm going to try and wade through is Mao by Jung Chang, and also Bedlam by Catharine Arnold. Peter Makowski is coming over. We are off for a quick eastern visit, off tomorrow together - "Unleashed In The East" or something like that... He arrived early evening with gifts. We were so bored we sat at a computer and surfed. Our "Fave" was Dave Ling's diary - do you want to know all about YandT and It Bites? Yes we do. Dave even went to the Olympia record fair. I'd have joined him if I'd known it was on. We could have fought over the Home album featuring the guitar midget Laurie Wisefeld'stein from sunny Finchley, and Cliff whatisname from ACDC. I've now added Dave to my favourites. It would be a classic website if he stopped his homoerotic ranting about men in shorts... Phil Alexander gave me a copy of his all time favourite book, Pictures Of an Exhibitionist by Keith Emerson. You can laugh, there's nothing wrong with a bit of ELP. The early ELP that is, until they climbed up their own arses. I told Jimmy Page I had it - he was excited for about at least three seconds. He said Keith Emerson was great early on. Funny how people loath ELP yet they were huge in the day. Another huge thing I'm going to try and wade through is Mao by Jung Chang, and also Bedlam by Catharine Arnold. Peter Makowski is coming over. We are off for a quick eastern visit, off tomorrow together - "Unleashed In The East" or something like that... He arrived early evening with gifts. We were so bored we sat at a computer and surfed. Our "Fave" was Dave Ling's diary - do you want to know all about YandT and It Bites? Yes we do. Dave even went to the Olympia record fair. I'd have joined him if I'd known it was on. We could have fought over the Home album featuring the guitar midget Laurie Wisefeld'stein from sunny Finchley, and Cliff whatisname from ACDC. I've now added Dave to my favourites. It would be a classic website if he stopped his homoerotic ranting about men in shorts... http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Nice Sunday, as in beautiful weather. If only England was like this all the time. Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley has told the world his "fave" band (Iron Maiden) have a new singer from a Florida heavy metal band. The CAVEMAN got the news off his best mate, the singer in Journey. I know this because I've had a few emails asking me who it is. Now folks, I don't shoot Iron Maiden anymore, although I'm friends with some of them. So I have no idea who it is - ask THE CAVEMAN, he's the man in the know. Perhaps it's Joe Bonamassa... Off to the far east on Tuesday, so looked for a couple of books for light reading. Found Keith Moon Stole My Lipstick by Judith Wills and Some People Are Crazy, The John Martyn Story. Nice Sunday, as in beautiful weather. If only England was like this all the time. Kevin THE CAVEMAN Shirley has told the world his "fave" band (Iron Maiden) have a new singer from a Florida heavy metal band. The CAVEMAN got the news off his best mate, the singer in Journey. I know this because I've had a few emails asking me who it is. Now folks, I don't shoot Iron Maiden anymore, although I'm friends with some of them. So I have no idea who it is - ask THE CAVEMAN, he's the man in the know. Perhaps it's Joe Bonamassa... Off to the far east on Tuesday, so looked for a couple of books for light reading. Found Keith Moon Stole My Lipstick by Judith Wills and Some People Are Crazy, The John Martyn Story. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Simon Price in the Independent has had a go at James Hetfield about telling the crowd at the 02 to stop taking photos and filming the band on their phones. I had a conversation with James before he went on, talking about how the vibe of the show with the "Kids" was ruined by everybody holding up phones and doing just that. Which is why he said something - it has nothing to do with the band being paranoid about the internet. At the David Gilmore show at the Olympia in Paris the whole front section of the crowd was French wankers holding up phones filming, who I argued with while trying to shoot from the stalls after David's Nazi-style PR company gave me a whole two songs to shoot from the crowd. Still, the worst of the lot has to be Pearl Jam who seem to want to be seen as the "People's band", yet employ the biggest bunch of cunts on earth to work for them. At least U2 and The Stones have people who do it in a nicer way. So, James Hetfield, I'm with you - 'put your fucking phones down!' Simon Price in the Independent has had a go at James Hetfield about telling the crowd at the 02 to stop taking photos and filming the band on their phones. I had a conversation with James before he went on, talking about how the vibe of the show with the "Kids" was ruined by everybody holding up phones and doing just that. Which is why he said something - it has nothing to do with the band being paranoid about the internet. At the David Gilmore show at the Olympia in Paris the whole front section of the crowd was French wankers holding up phones filming, who I argued with while trying to shoot from the stalls after David's Nazi-style PR company gave me a whole two songs to shoot from the crowd. Still, the worst of the lot has to be Pearl Jam who seem to want to be seen as the "People's band", yet employ the biggest bunch of cunts on earth to work for them. At least U2 and The Stones have people who do it in a nicer way. So, James Hetfield, I'm with you - 'put your fucking phones down!' http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Nice day, an Indian summer as the old saying goes. Even I have no idea what that means - North America, Taj Mahal summer, Geronimo Summer? I only know it as part of an Aerosmith song. Speaking of which, John Bionelli tells me he's been at the Boston Pops, which starred "Russ Irwin" wearing lots of eye make up, and his backing singer Steven Tyler - Back In The Saddle Again - not really... So my Saturday was spent perusing the new Classic Rock LED ZEPPELIN special - out in time for the new Zep Christmas shows? Nope, out in time to make some money. Magazine sales are down and LZ sell, or it could be that the powers at Future Publishing love you all so much they know you needed this. Not a bad cover with some pictures you may or may not have seen before, best of all are features by Zep specialologists like Ian Fortnam on how Zeppelin got together. Ian wasn't even born then and Jon Hotten (all time favourite bands - Bon Jovi and Poison) tells all about Led Zeppelin IV. I mean, if it was Slippery When Wet I'd understand... Nice day, an Indian summer as the old saying goes. Even I have no idea what that means - North America, Taj Mahal summer, Geronimo Summer? I only know it as part of an Aerosmith song. Speaking of which, John Bionelli tells me he's been at the Boston Pops, which starred "Russ Irwin" wearing lots of eye make up, and his backing singer Steven Tyler - Back In The Saddle Again - not really... So my Saturday was spent perusing the new Classic Rock LED ZEPPELIN special - out in time for the new Zep Christmas shows? Nope, out in time to make some money. Magazine sales are down and LZ sell, or it could be that the powers at Future Publishing love you all so much they know you needed this. Not a bad cover with some pictures you may or may not have seen before, best of all are features by Zep specialologists like Ian Fortnam on how Zeppelin got together. Ian wasn't even born then and Jon Hotten (all time favourite bands - Bon Jovi and Poison) tells all about Led Zeppelin IV. I mean, if it was Slippery When Wet I'd understand... http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin t's been a Metallica weekend - kind of. I met up with Steven Wiig (lover, actor,fighter) on Saturday night. We ended up after drinks at Claridges (as you do) at Laconda Locatelli for a party for Damien Hirst. It featured Kirk falling down drunk, a sensible Robert Trujillo, Ronnie Wood, David Bailey and Bono who came over for a chat. He and I are now best chinas. I'd spent the early part of the day in Kent going to my girlfriend's friend's birthday in a field. I've never been to Kent (Hastings, if that's in Kent, with Twisted Sister years ago), it's amazing how I travel and yet I've never been to sunny Rainham or Dover. It was next to historic Rochester (which I thought was up North), full of, erm, fields and views across the water to Essex. Kent reminded me why I like living in London. My son turned twenty one today which a) Makes me feel old and b) Means he can go to LA and go crazy. I asked him if he'd like to spend his birthday at the 02 with Metallica - he declined. Kirk even said he remembed picking him up screaming at Giant's Stadium in New York in 1988. t's been a Metallica weekend - kind of. I met up with Steven Wiig (lover, actor,fighter) on Saturday night. We ended up after drinks at Claridges (as you do) at Laconda Locatelli for a party for Damien Hirst. It featured Kirk falling down drunk, a sensible Robert Trujillo, Ronnie Wood, David Bailey and Bono who came over for a chat. He and I are now best chinas. I'd spent the early part of the day in Kent going to my girlfriend's friend's birthday in a field. I've never been to Kent (Hastings, if that's in Kent, with Twisted Sister years ago), it's amazing how I travel and yet I've never been to sunny Rainham or Dover. It was next to historic Rochester (which I thought was up North), full of, erm, fields and views across the water to Essex. Kent reminded me why I like living in London. My son turned twenty one today which a) Makes me feel old and b) Means he can go to LA and go crazy. I asked him if he'd like to spend his birthday at the 02 with Metallica - he declined. Kirk even said he remembed picking him up screaming at Giant's Stadium in New York in 1988. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Pete Makowski and I watched All You Need Is Love, Tony Palmer's not very CLASSIC" fifteen hour yawn-fest of the history of music. It was as Peter pointed out, a 70s PR's dream, all the crap you don't care about willing to be filmed for tv. You get Black Oak Arkansas, Jack Bruce, Mike Oldfield and The Baker-Gurvitz Army, featuring those nice Jewish boys Paul and Adrian Gurvitz from sunny North London, both now playing a local kibbutz near you. Best of all is Gary Glitter and his now sadly redundant Glitter Band. Gary is giving his all in way only Joe Elliott could love, compared to the rest of it. Peter and I will take Rock And Roll part one anyday over The Beatles. Rock'n'roll, rock roll, rock roll, rock'n'roll - repeat many times. The strange part is I actually watched a load of drunk, fat, bald, tattooed English football hooligans wearing Santa hats sing along to this while groping (what looked like) fourteen-year old Thai prostitutes on Christmas Eve in Thailand. If Gary had walked past they would have killed him... Pete Makowski and I watched All You Need Is Love, Tony Palmer's not very CLASSIC" fifteen hour yawn-fest of the history of music. It was as Peter pointed out, a 70s PR's dream, all the crap you don't care about willing to be filmed for tv. You get Black Oak Arkansas, Jack Bruce, Mike Oldfield and The Baker-Gurvitz Army, featuring those nice Jewish boys Paul and Adrian Gurvitz from sunny North London, both now playing a local kibbutz near you. Best of all is Gary Glitter and his now sadly redundant Glitter Band. Gary is giving his all in way only Joe Elliott could love, compared to the rest of it. Peter and I will take Rock And Roll part one anyday over The Beatles. Rock'n'roll, rock roll, rock roll, rock'n'roll - repeat many times. The strange part is I actually watched a load of drunk, fat, bald, tattooed English football hooligans wearing Santa hats sing along to this while groping (what looked like) fourteen-year old Thai prostitutes on Christmas Eve in Thailand. If Gary had walked past they would have killed him... http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Shot Blind Melon yesterday, with a new singer. I had no idea what they sounded like any more, I did remember they were a no-lightshow band, as in playing in total darkness. A no-pressure show, I even knew some songs. Did some group photos before they went on. I'd last seen Chris the guitarist at Velvet Revolver's first show at the Roxy in LA (as my friend Gordon reminded me).They were like a Nashville Black Crowes/Jane's Addiction. Peter Makowski had also come with me, he's visiting and messing up my house as only Poles (like Peter and Roman) can. Drives me mad - why use one cup when you can use ten and leave them all over the house? Unwashed dishes, unmade bed, like having Oliver home again except Oliver's tidier. Shot Blind Melon yesterday, with a new singer. I had no idea what they sounded like any more, I did remember they were a no-lightshow band, as in playing in total darkness. A no-pressure show, I even knew some songs. Did some group photos before they went on. I'd last seen Chris the guitarist at Velvet Revolver's first show at the Roxy in LA (as my friend Gordon reminded me).They were like a Nashville Black Crowes/Jane's Addiction. Peter Makowski had also come with me, he's visiting and messing up my house as only Poles (like Peter and Roman) can. Drives me mad - why use one cup when you can use ten and leave them all over the house? Unwashed dishes, unmade bed, like having Oliver home again except Oliver's tidier. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Brian Wheat from Tesla rang me to ask if I'd be in the EPK-Video for Tesla with my favourite retard, Jeff Keith. Brian wants to film Jeff and I milking Jeff's goats. I said I'd do it if we can be slaughtering Jeff's goats then cooking them over a BBQ... 'All friendly,' as they say in the USA. Just got Tesla Gold in the post with all my photos - it looks very nice. Got quite alot of travel which I'll put up this week, I hope... More of the Mighty Metallica... okay, I'm working with them, I have to say that sort of thing! Seriously I'm enjoying shooting them, although be nice if the stage wasn't so high. Brian Wheat from Tesla rang me to ask if I'd be in the EPK-Video for Tesla with my favourite retard, Jeff Keith. Brian wants to film Jeff and I milking Jeff's goats. I said I'd do it if we can be slaughtering Jeff's goats then cooking them over a BBQ... 'All friendly,' as they say in the USA. Just got Tesla Gold in the post with all my photos - it looks very nice. Got quite alot of travel which I'll put up this week, I hope... More of the Mighty Metallica... okay, I'm working with them, I have to say that sort of thing! Seriously I'm enjoying shooting them, although be nice if the stage wasn't so high. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin The new cover's of Guitar World by me out soon.....Shot in Los Angeles ( so you don't need to be anal and ask ). I'll put up more Metallica and Led Zeppelin from the GQ Awards tomorrow. Watched a dreadful film with Tim Roth called Youth Without Youth it was bollocks, it was so bad i watched it until the end, to see if it can really be that bad and it was. Going to try 'I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK' tonight. Pat Foley (A wonderful man) sent me a Jimmy Page proto type custom shop Les Paul... it's nice getting gifts. I must learn to play the guitar. The new cover's of Guitar World by me out soon.....Shot in Los Angeles ( so you don't need to be anal and ask ). I'll put up more Metallica and Led Zeppelin from the GQ Awards tomorrow. Watched a dreadful film with Tim Roth called Youth Without Youth it was bollocks, it was so bad i watched it until the end, to see if it can really be that bad and it was. Going to try 'I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK' tonight. Pat Foley (A wonderful man) sent me a Jimmy Page proto type custom shop Les Paul... it's nice getting gifts. I must learn to play the guitar. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Paul and Jennie Cook rang me to see if I wanted to see the Sex Pistols at the Hammersmith Carling Apollo. I would have gone if I wasn't going to the GQ awards to have a night out with Led Zeppelin. The event was at the Royal Opera House.Going in felt a bit like being at a film premiere; people lined up,shouting with flash guns blazing. I arrived with Jimmy Page,we were early. We had canapes (Well I did), black pudding, rabbit ,lobster; it was like a posh wedding. Saw the guitar player from the Killers circling like a vulture but he couldn't get near. He just stared. As we went to the table Tony Parsons came up and spoke to Jimmy.I always liked him (Peter Makowski told me he and Tony were acquaintances in the 70's and would always do 'Whizz' together, if you know what 'Whizz' is...). At the Led Zep table was Jimmy, John Paul Jones, with his opera singing bodyguard Adrian,Robert Plant,Richard Cole, Bill Curbishley (Nice seeing Bill I could talk about the Who) and Dave Grohl with Gabby from Dave's management. Plus Angie Q-Prime's 'Northern' London representative. Boris Johnson was at the next table. Boris told me he went to the Great Wall on my advice. On Boris's table was some 'Alright Geezer' type in a suit who talked and talked and wouldn't shut up all night- he was a 'Bore' and I'm being polite. In fact he was another four letter word but as this was at the Royal Opera House I won't use it. Paul and Jennie Cook rang me to see if I wanted to see the Sex Pistols at the Hammersmith Carling Apollo. I would have gone if I wasn't going to the GQ awards to have a night out with Led Zeppelin. The event was at the Royal Opera House.Going in felt a bit like being at a film premiere; people lined up,shouting with flash guns blazing. I arrived with Jimmy Page,we were early. We had canapes (Well I did), black pudding, rabbit ,lobster; it was like a posh wedding. Saw the guitar player from the Killers circling like a vulture but he couldn't get near. He just stared. As we went to the table Tony Parsons came up and spoke to Jimmy.I always liked him (Peter Makowski told me he and Tony were acquaintances in the 70's and would always do 'Whizz' together, if you know what 'Whizz' is...). At the Led Zep table was Jimmy, John Paul Jones, with his opera singing bodyguard Adrian,Robert Plant,Richard Cole, Bill Curbishley (Nice seeing Bill I could talk about the Who) and Dave Grohl with Gabby from Dave's management. Plus Angie Q-Prime's 'Northern' London representative. Boris Johnson was at the next table. Boris told me he went to the Great Wall on my advice. On Boris's table was some 'Alright Geezer' type in a suit who talked and talked and wouldn't shut up all night- he was a 'Bore' and I'm being polite. In fact he was another four letter word but as this was at the Royal Opera House I won't use it. http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Stopped in Bangkok for a day on the way home and went out to shoot an area Iandapos;d seen where they make and sell Buddhas and stuff wholesale for temples and corporate offices etc. A bit like the East End of London, the Thai Buddha factory. Walked around the corner into the UN Building and hundreds of Thais protesting against the Manchester City football club owner, Thaksin,... Stopped in Bangkok for a day on the way home and went out to shoot an area Iandapos;d seen where they  make and sell  Buddhas and stuff wholesale for temples and corporate offices etc. A bit like the East End of London, the Thai Buddha factory. Walked around the corner into the UN Building and hundreds of Thais protesting against the Manchester City football club owner, Thaksin,... http://www.rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/september-2008/diary-september-2008.php Tue, 01 Sep 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Walked on the pitch while Jimmy and Leona Lewis played Whole Lotta Love... Walked on the pitch while Jimmy and Leona Lewis played Whole Lotta Love... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Weds, 27 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off to Beijing, China today, with my old chum Jimmy Page... Off to Beijing, China today, with my old chum Jimmy Page... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Tues, 19 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Home for a couple of days... Home for a couple of days... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Been travelling for the last week, all over the East... Been travelling for the last week, all over the East... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Weds, 13 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Off across London this morning, joining the commuter hell to Liverpool Street Station... Off across London this morning, joining the commuter hell to Liverpool Street Station... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Mon, 4 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Got up at dawn(ish) and photographed the same view... Got up at dawn(ish) and photographed the same view... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Sun, 3 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin Strange light today in Dubai - a weird hazy sun... Strange light today in Dubai - a weird hazy sun... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Sat, 2 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin In Dubai for a couple of days to meet up with William Nash... In Dubai for a couple of days to meet up with William Nash... http://rosshalfin.co.uk/diary/august-2008/diary-august-2008.php Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:33:36 GMT Ross Halfin