Cheering on - March 11

Steve with Bryan Josh of Mostly Autumn

Anne-Marie Helder

In the midst of an increasingly hectic recording schedule, my fiancé Jo and I fortunately managed to attend the Montgomery Hall in Wath-upon-Dearn for the Classic Rock Society annual awards. It was great to see many pals there and hook up with several inspiring musos.

Pallas put on a great show and Mostly Autumn swept the boards in true Oscar fashion! Congratulations and well done to a much loved great band. I'm sure we'll see and hear spectacular things from them in the future.

A couple of years ago, one of their leading lights, Anne-Marie Helder, did a supporting stand up solo spot for yours truly with incredible panache and aplomb. A prima donna might have thrown a wobbler at the lack of sufficient dressing room space at one of the venues, but she's more professional than that and earned everyone's admiration by taking it in her stride with a winning smile. I've seen other musicians throw tantrums backstage if the wine was insufficiently chilled or if the Smarties were the wrong colour... well nearly.

Sonja Kristina was handing out the prizes this year. Not so long ago I did the honours myself when Magenta were treading the red carpet and taking no prisoners. I've since worked with Rob Reed from that band on something that sounds potentially spectacular, and should soon be complete.

Let's raise a glass to the CRS for fanning the flame of well crafted music...

Must scramble - I'm heading for the Ginger Beer - pre-war English Coca Cola to the uninitiated. I bid you all pleasant dreams. Love to all...

Count Rudi von Hackenburger IV

Friends Steph, Alan and Petra