June 2008

JUNE 2008

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http://www.drewmcadam.co.uk/

This month:
PAT QUINN
STEVE HARLEY, along with The Cockney Rebel Crew: BARRY WICKENS JAMES LASCELLES, LINCOLN ANDERSON, ROBBIE GLADWELL and STUART ELLIOT
MARTHA and DAVID TOD
DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
STEVE MASON
GARY JAMES
ANNE MCNAUGHT
VIC GALLOWAY
PETER MCMANUS
AILEEN JOHNSON
RICKY MACZKA
JULIAN DISMORE
SCOTT McANGUS
DOROTHY PAUL
SAM MacKAY
NEIL GRANT
MIKE PICKFORD
DOROTHY PAUL


FIRST, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT PAT.
I have had the honour of getting to know many wonderful, wonderful people. Unique individuals who add something special to this world in which we live. I have always taken delight in seeking out such people and spending time in their company. What’s more, some of you are reading this right now. You have no idea how much you mean to me (I hope you know who you are. If you THINK you are, then you probably are – I don’t spend time getting to know people I wouldn’t want to have a pint with. Know what I mean?) And because of you, I am truly blessed.

But holding such individuals in close affection has a downside… when you lose one.

And this month, we lost Pat. The world is a sadder place for that.

Let me tell a tiny little bit about Pat Quinn - and please realise that what few words I say can never even hope to get close to capturing the essence of the man. Some of you reading this have had the pleasure of meeting Pat – sharing his presence, and his love of jazz - and of course his wonderful wife, Marion. To those, I know you will nod your heads in agreement.

You will know how much enthusiasm and energy he brought to you. His ridiculous sense of humour. His childlike joy in… well, everything. His infectious love of life that left you trailing breathlessly in his wake. He could inspire confidence like few I have ever known. He just accepted that you were a genius in your chosen field, and treated you as such! It’s no exaggeration to say that he changed my life.

Over the years, as a copywriter, he helped win for his clients just about every advertising award worth winning. And that includes the prestigious Cork Film Festival Grand Prix for Kerrygold Butter – the only British holder of this award. As if that were not enough, in later life his persistent quest for life and learning brought him a combined M.A Ph D. All this, and he took great delight in playing drums on the Edinburgh jazz scene with The Standard Bearers.

For some reason, Pat recognised that I had a modicum of writing talent. Besides editing and publishing my Short Story book, he moulded our friendship into a place where, together, we formed The Association of British Copywriters. We took young hopefuls and gave them the skills that allowed them to jack in their humdrum jobs, get out there, and start their own business in the writing game. Many are still thankful of Pat’s freely given help, advice, natural enthusiasm and encouragement. As am I.

All very impressive. But Pat was much, much more than that. He was a man’s man. When he taught you, he entertained. When he entertained, he taught you. “There’s no future in history…”

I have to confess that Pat had been a hero of mine from the very first moment I clapped eyes on him. 1975. He had just started as a copywriter with Edinburgh-based advertising agency Woolward Royds. Up in the studio, somebody called out that “the new guy – the detective novelist” was outside. During my lunch breaks, I used to take myself off to the typing pool and would bash out my early attempts at short stories on one of the typewriters… and here was somebody; a REAL author! (He was the author of 13 novels with New English Library and Robert Hale.) I joined the others at the window and saw this chap, dressed in a trenchcoat, collar turned up against the drizzle. He looked exactly like a character from one of his books. In that moment, he became one of my heroes, and he remains a hero to this day.

I often had the sheer pleasure of his company as he regaled me with anecdotes that were so funny I occasionally though I might pass out. The story goes that he gained his Private Pilot License, and took Marion up as his first passenger. As he cleared the runway, pierced a cloud, and emerged into the blue yonder, he turned to her and, in mock panic, said: “Where the f*** are we?!”

That’s my kind of humour!

And if you want to hear a real belter of a story when we next meet up, ask me about his Robert Mitchum story… or better yet, his 1976 trip over Bing Crosby’s luggage and the ensuing carnage (an event in which I played a small part.)

At a Burns Night in his lovely house in the Scottish Borders we started with the letter “A” and then worked our way through the alphabet, taking turns to tell jokes about subjects beginning with each letter. He won hands down.

Pat may be gone – a victim of prostate cancer. And there may be a gap in this world – a Pat Quinn shaped gap. But I take a little of what he shared with me. Everywhere. Not just a writing skill (“Of course you can start a sentence with the word “And”. In Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde starts 75 sentences with the word “And”. If it’s good enough for Oscar Wilde…”) So, if you see a twinkle in my eye, it may not be mine, but an echo of Pat. A hero. A mentor. A friend.

I wish you could all have known him. Your life would have been so much richer.

TALKING ABOUT SPECIAL PEOPLE...
I met up with the wonderful STEVE HARLEY and the bunch of reprobates he has for a (Cockney Rebel) band (Only kidding – they are lovely guys. And more than a little talented, it has to be said.) after their outstanding Sold Out gig at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. (Just to give you a taster of this, somebody writing on Steve’s forum stated that he had never seen Steve live before, but he HAD seen Dylan’s famous Glasgow gig, Pink Floyd’s Earl’s Court gig and Springsteen Wembley, and he “genuinely rates this evening with those.” He’s not wrong, you know!

It was great to meet up again with BARRY WICKENS (violin virtuoso) JAMES LASCELLES (Master of percussion and keyboards), LINCOLN ANDERSON (Bass maestro) ROBBIE GLADWELL (Guitar God) and STUART ELLIOT (Drums. Lots of drums.)

But what really made it special is that SH had arranged for a clutch of tickets to be left for me, and so I was in the enviable position of being able to take along one of my favourite music-mad couples, MARTHA and DAVID TOD. (David is the young man who kept me going on the London to Paris bike ride – you’ll no doubt remember THAT tale.) The post-gig banter was up to its usual high standard. Always a joy.

I was telling somebody (Norma, if you must know) about the meeting, and told her how much fun it had been. I was also enthusing how it had been such a joy to introduce really nice people to other really nice people… As she said: “That’s something that happens all too seldom.” A wise lady is Norma. I want to do more of that nice people / nice people introducing thing.

Oh, and while we are on the subject, Steve has a book out published by Halstar entitled “The Impression of Being Relaxed”. It’s a collection of his diary pieces (which I have been following on-line for some time.) The point is, I decided I really wanted a copy, so I sent off my cheque as per the instructions. The book dully arrived with the inscription: “Your cheque has been shredded.” Cool!

And if YOU want a copy, you can find out more at: www.steveharley.com

DOUGLAS’ GIFT
A surprise Birthday present. Delivered to my office. A parcel. From my manager, DOUGLAS GILLESPIE. Inside was a presentation box containing a bottle of 1989 Bowmore single malt (cask strength). A friend asked me if I had tasted it yet, and I told them, “No”, I was saving it for a special occasion. I was told: “Tasting it IS a special occasion.” He’s got a point there!

SCHOOL FOR GENIUS - RADIO
There was a lot of work being put into this one over the past month. I’m just winding up the last little bits for this 4-part series for BBC Radio Scotland. The project involved a mini-gig plus interviews at Lauder Primary School in the Borders, another recording session at Killearn Primary School, and one more at a school in Cambuslang. Radio One DJ VIC GALLOWAY was the presenter for each of those – he is just such a fun bloke, with more energy than a drunken monkey. Hard to keep up with!

I had a great time with another of the BBC recording sessions – this time near St Andrews with the amazing STEVE MASON. Steve is the former front man with the Beta Band (and now Black Affair – album out soon, and I’m sure I’ll keep you up to speed with how that progresses) described as “One of the UK’s great musical pioneers.” And rightly so. But despite all his accolades, Steve has difficulty remembering the lyrics to his own songs. He told me: “At the last gig I sang verse one, then verse three, then verse three…” I taught him several quick-and-easy memory techniques, similar to those taught during the session at a Dundee primary school last month. The whole recording session, with the lovely producer ANNE MCNAUGHT in charge, was just so much fun! Honestly, it can hardly be described as work.

Another recording session took place with a young trainee solicitor, improving her client / social skills by altering her paralanguage and body language to project a more confident image. This time it was PETER MCMANUS on the headphones and giving the whole session a recognisable direction. Thanks also to AILEEN JOHNSON (long suffering wife of my good mate PAUL JOHNSON - who offered such eminently sensible suggestions and contacts. Much obliged, mate.) Aileen played the part of the client, and played it with a really professional flair. She was perfect for the job. Actually, she’s just perfect…

Sadly, I only have one more session to record next month – though it’s a real goodie – and then the project will be tidied up, the team will finish off their editing magic, and it will all be over. I’ll miss the fun. And even more, I’ll miss working with this fun-loving, energetic, enthusiastic BBC crew. To Lucy, Peter, Anne and Vic: thank you for making it such an amazing and enjoyable experience.

Of course, it’s not all over just yet. I’m doing a gig for BBC staff and journalists to help promote the programme. It’s taking place inside the new BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. If you know the building, you’ll appreciate what a fantastic venue THAT is! (I know quite a few news agencies and journalists receive this newsletter – so if you’re interested, email me back and I’ll give you the details of the when and the where. I’ll also find out if the press department is laying on sandwiches – always a plus, I find.)

Additionally, there’s the transmission. The programme will be going out each Monday morning at 11.30 am for 4 weeks, starting on the 21st of this month (July). You will also be able to use the “Listen Again” facility on the BBC Radio Scotland web site.

And, as if that were not enough, the videos of the experiments and demonstrations that I carried out and were shot for the BBC Education Department during the school gigs will be available to be viewed somewhere online at www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland once the whole thing kicks off

TRISHA GODDARD – TELEVISION
I flew down to the studios in Maidstone this month to record another two episodes on The Trisha Show in my role as The Interrogator. I’m getting the hang of it now, and a bit of tinkering with the format means it works even better than before. (Well done, JULIAN DISMORE) And thank you one and all to those of you who watched the episodes that were aired this month and offered such lovely and encouraging comments. It really DOES work, doesn’t it? Of course, that’s down to the crew; from sound and lighting to the runners, the camera crew, and the loony guys in the gallery - and everyone in between. It is THEY who work the magic: I just ask the questions!

Oh, and I must mention a small incident that took place with one of the programme’s counsellors, RICKY MACZKA. Having finished the Wednesday night’s filming we retired to the hotel, to discover that we all had rooms on the same floor. As I got to my room – room 225 – I inserted my key card and opened the door to a spacious room with a flat-screen TV and a huge double bed. Ricky was suddenly behind me in the doorway. “Room 225,” he said, looking at his key card. “This is us…” For a moment, for one horrible moment, he had me going. Apparently my face was a picture.

Nice one, Ricky. I don’t often get caught out!

GIGS AN’ OTHER STUFF FROM THIS MONTH
I had a great little “client night” gig in the DALMAHOY HOTEL – it was loads of fun, as those intimate little gigs always are.

And there was a cracking feature in the Herald and Post following an interview with journalist (and great writer, I have to say) SCOTT McANGUS. By the way, Scott, remember Ella Todd – the lady who passed her driving test, with no faults, at the age of 75? It looks like we’re going to be using her in “School For Genius”. There might be another story there for you!

There were other gigs at ARDOE HOUSE near Aberdeen, and one in the CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, Glasgow. The gig at GLENEAGLES was just so much fun, as was my annual gig for SAM MacKAY at BATHGATE GOLF CLUB (I was also invited to Sam’s 50th birthday party – what a hoot! – and, lovely man that he is, I could just enjoy myself; not perform. I think it was my only night off this month! Cheers, mate. Good company and good food. What could be better?)

There were also gigs at the MANSFIELD HOTEL in ELGIN, and two gigs at the KINLOSS RAF AIRBASE (one for the annual sergeant’s ball, and one for the annual officers’ ball. Not sure which I enjoyed most!) I tell you, these people could teach event organisers a thing or two. The venue. The setting. The food… and the free dodgem rides!

What was great about being in this area was that I got to meet up with NEIL GRANT (With whom I’ve been friends since 1973) and to take advantage of the generosity and hospitality (and free beer) of MIKE PICKFORD, manager of THE EIGHT ACRES HOTEL in ELGIN. Thanks, Mike… I would have been sleeping in a bus shelter – or MOD accommodation - on these nights had it not been for you! Again, I am in your debt. (Mike. October 31. Hallow’een. Still free – call me. Get the message?)

NEXT MONTH
Last recording for “School For Genius” with the 5 times world bowling champion, PLUS the first two episodes of the programme being transmitted. I look forward to seeing how the editing geniuses have taken my shambolic meanderings and turned them into something useful!

I also have jobs on in PERTH, and in GLASGOW, and at KEELE UNIVERSITY. There is a show at the BBC HQ in Glasgow (see above) and I’m plying my skills and techniques for a group in a training session in KENMORE - right in the heart of glorious Perthshire - in a hotel near the shore of Loch Tay, in the shadow of the magnificent Ben Lawers. Heaven.

There is also a gig at Kenwick Park Hotel. Louth?

I am SO looking forward to a gig on Tuesday, July 29 – part of the Aberdour Festival (info at http://www.aberdour-festival/. org.) I’m going to be on in the Festival Marquee in the evening, with that great Scottish icon, DOROTHY PAUL. (Oddly, I am reading her autobiography “Revelations of a Rejected Soprano” at the moment.) I note that my friend GARY JAMES is on in the morning… He had a great interview on Talk107 Radio this month – really funny. He won the accolade of Best Magician in Scotland recently, so he’s well worth catching, he really is. In fact, I might go along early, just to heckle him! Care to join me?

That aside, I’m going away for a few days – can’t believe it. I need a break, but invariably find that just three or four days does the trick. Batteries recharged and back into it at 100mph. So, if you can’t raise me by usual methods of communication it’s because I’m up a mountain / in a river / camping in a wood / on a ferry. Take your pick.

THE END?
As you have no doubt gathered, if you’ve made it this far, it’s been a hectic month. Busy and fun-packed. I have made new friends, and met up with old ones who I treasure beyond anything else.

Finishing as we started, I also lost a dear friend.

So long, Pat. I’ll see you on the other side…

Drew