THE OFFICIAL FREE - BAD COMPANY - PAUL RODGERS FANCLUB
Welcome to ARN
News Updates from
Allrightnow.com
VISITORS TO ARN AND REVIEWS
DO YOU HAVE SOME TO SAY ABOUT ALLRIGHTNOW.COM
THEN SEND IT TO [email protected]
Robin Bibi Visits ARN 2011
|
WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF LUCY!!
Written by Jenni Williams
DAY 1
Arrived at
After a rather slow journey through Atlanta’s rush hour (now I know what real traffic congestion looks like) we arrived at Roswell at about 5pm to a rousing welcome from the menagerie: Max the dashing dachshund & Eli & Yahoo the very regal cats - Lucy & Robert had to wait to greet us until they had finished!!
First things first, before even unpacking Lucy shows us our itinerary – a large flipchart with am & pm shown for each day of our visit. It’s already practically full, often with a choice of places to go – wow Lucy has been busy.
Before jet lag can claim us we’re fed, watered & sent to get changed for the first evenings entertainment – we’re off to Darwins in Marietta, it’s Thursday so it’s Blues Jam night. It’s little more than a shack but the atmosphere is electric - the house band were already on stage blowing up a storm with 2 harps adding to the guitar, bass & drums – a fabulous sound! Jamie suddenly disappeared, Lucy & I thought he’d gone to the bar but, when a little while later he’s invited on stage to sing a couple of numbers we realise that he’d gone off to sign up!! He introduced the band to a few blues standards popular on the UK blues scene “Baby, what you want me to do”; “Statesboro Blues” & “Walking the dog” & had great fun, the crowd were noisy & appreciative and the musos were a friendly bunch. Blues certainly is an international language! Finally it’s time for bed, Day 1 complete & we’ve had a blast – Lucy assures us that we’ve seen nothing yet!
DAY 2 Did I mention the weather? It’s glorious high 80s, not a cloud in the sky. We get up late as befits the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Lucy has a healthy breakfast prepared as we really don’t want to go home having put on tons of weight as is usual after a visit to the
We work on the itinerary
a little – having so much fun in such a short period of time takes very careful planning!
Lucy takes us for a drive around the
Next we have a look at some of the newer sub divisions (that’s estates to us in the UK) dotted around the Roswell area: we see huge mansions, back to back, each house a show house; a monument to the American dream, it’s all pretty amazing, but perhaps to our UK eyes a touch pretentious. En route to one of the best views of Atlanta Lucy spots a house for sale with the realtor standing outside – we stop & ask for a tour. The house is utterly amazing, it’s a bank foreclosure so will go cheaply – the previous occupants have stripped it of most of the fittings & it’s in need of some work, most of it superficial but it has the most stunning decks on 2 levels with views over 2 or 3 states. It’s a tardis – we counted 16 rooms (only 5 bedrooms though!) all of them enormous to our
ceilings. The realtor reckons that it will go for between $350-380k (that’s £230-250k)– are they kidding! In the
Next stop, lunch, it has to be American as it’s out first full day – Lucy takes us to Wild Wings & we eat, what else but WINGS – yummy!! It’s then time for home & a quick dip in the communal pool – wonderfully refreshing & Jamie suddenly announces he’s got an idea for a song & he rushes off to write it down.
There’s no rest for the wicked, so they say, so after a quick wash & change if’s off to
We’re in for a treat tonight as Lucy is taking us to see the Barry Richman Band at Niks in
DAY 3
Jamie & I decide to give Lucy & Robert a break while we explore
We’re still early for the gig, so find a bar & the conversation continues to flow.
Time for the gig & we’ve already missed the first band & Dan suggests that giving the 2nd band might be a good idea too – he’s had them on his radio show & wasn’t impressed. Neither was I, but that’s another story… Now for the main event - Holdcell. We’d already met Richard, their manager & his partner Angelica – what a lovely couple & the guys in the band are all delightful too. I knew they’d be good but I was still completely awestruck, they were utterly amazing, so much energy & excitement – they really do deserve a break as they are truly world-class. Jamie is already wearing a band t-shirt & I’m dancing like a loon…. We finally crawl into bed at 4am, but we’re too wired to sleep!
DAY 4
After the late night it’s a leisurely morning spend chatting & a quick trip to the supermarket to get some much needed supplies – it’s a wondrous experience for me: aisles full of goodies unheard of in the UK; Havarti with dill; Rosemary smoked ham; my eyes are out on stalks – piles of tropical fruits & ½ an aisle devoted to salad dressings alone – the Americans really do know how to live!
At 2pm we head off to
Back to Lucy’s for a well-earned rest – all this fun is exhausting!
Next up it’s to Players in
DAY 5 (LABOR DAY)
A late chilled start to the day after yesterday’s exertions… Jamie borrows’ Lucy’s very precious guitar signed by both Paul Rogers & Simon Kirk to work on the 3 songs he’s already written since we arrived – the creative juices are really flowing.
Our next port of call is a visit to the WRFG Labor Day Blues BBQ at the Park Tavern in
Lastly my personal favourites of the day, Motor City Josh & the Big 3 – they played a stunning set of funky blues which had everyone dancing – a brilliant end to a brilliant day. With exhaustion creeping up on us we took a slow amble through
DAY 6
Shopping day – all those of a nervous disposition look away now…………… First stop & Lucy thought Jamie might find some great gigging gear at Kohl’s – she wasn’t wrong, her first pick a black embossed/embroidered shirt, a princely $8.40, & she just kept on pulling out bargains from the multitude of racks… 30 minutes later Jamie has 6 shirts at a total cost of $63, a huge $144 of savings off list price!
Next stop Michael’s Arts & Crafts – we went for adhesive magnetic sheets so I can make some fridge magnets (I’ve never seen it in the
Lunch was a fabulous steak at Charlies & I simply had to sample a Grapefruit/Orange Marguerita – delicious. It’s a tough life………..
Suitably fortified it’s off to Horsetown, a western superstore, as I want to replace my old cowboy boots. They advertise that they have 30,000 pairs & the dizzying range on display looks like it, but as usual Lucy comes to the rescue, she looked me up & down, smiled & said “I’ll be right back” & low & behold in less than a minute there she was clutching a pair of boots & said “These are the ones!” I fell in love with them instantly & once we’d found the right size they fitted like carpet slippers. I put all the others back! I shan’t say how much they cost but I haven’t stopped grinning since I got them.
We get back & it’s time to head off to meet Daniel in
Doug joins us during his break & soon discovers that Jamie is a singer/songwriter too & immediately offers Jamie his guitar & sends him up to sing a few numbers.
Thanks to Lucy we have met some truly wonderful people & this really is turning into the trip of a lifetime.
DAY 7
Sightseeing – we’ve promised ourselves a trip
First stop the Georgia Aquarium – it’s the biggest in the world & absolutely amazing. Its spread over 5 distinct areas but you can end up with a crick in your neck from constantly looking at all the fish, rays, sharks & whales swimming over your head! The beluga whales were my particular favourites they seemed such gentle giants as they glided through the water & of course the otters were as cute as cute can be!
Next stop the World of Coca Cola – not being a huge consumer I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was an amazing experience as we were shown the entire history of the company. There were historical artefacts; cartoon characters; rooms full of advertising across the ages & from around the world; a breathtaking 4D film show; an art gallery & finally a tasting session where you could try all 162 flavours currently available across the world – needless
to say we didn’t quite manage to sample all of them! It was however a really worthwhile visit, one I would highly recommend to any visitor to
We strolled through Centennial Olympic Park just as the choreographed water fountain show was due to start – it was beautiful with the jets rising high into the sky to tunes from Sinatra etc.
Robert had told us that the best view of
We made it to Niks in
So ended another fun filled day in
DAY 8
Time for the full American breakfast – well you have to have at least one – it’s the law! We took Lucy’s advice & went to IHOP & had the full works, served with the obligatory pancakes, Jamie’s with strawberries & cream & mine with apple, cinnamon & cream & delicious they were too, I just needed a forklift truck to get me out of there!
We then bought a few souvenirs to take home to the band & retired exhausted to the Diesel Bar had a couple of drinks sitting in the sunshine & put the world to rights.
The evening was going to be busy, Lucy had lots planned. We began at ……………….? A Mexican restaurant in ……………..?, sitting at a long table on the deck overlooking fields of horses, with a game of football going on in the background. I had a marguerite to start; in fact it was so good I had to have second! We all ate fajitas, which were utterly delicious, & we ended up taking more home in our doggy bags than we’d managed to eat. The entertainment was provided by Ian Schumacher who played a stunning set of originals & covers with guitar, drum machine & a loop pedal, he really was superb. He joined us during his break & on learning that Jamie was a fellow singer/songwriter he immediately dragged him onstage to sing one of his songs. Unfortunately we couldn’t stay for long as we had places to go….
Next stop, and en route to our final destination, we popped into
the jam! A little while later Barry Richman popped by to say ‘Hi’. One piece of news is circulating, the owner has sold Darwins, & the jam will be moving to Sidelines in October, I wonder how that will work as Darwins has such a unique atmosphere it might prove difficult to move elsewhere.
We have to go home, we’re all shattered, we’ve crammed so much into such a short period of time & tomorrow’s our road trip to the north of
DAY 9
Up early & a quick breakfast & it’s into the car heading up I75 to the
Something catches Lucy’s eye & we’re off – The Bear Shop – I can’t believe my eyes, it’s a whole shop selling everything to do with bears: ornaments; toys; clothing including a range of very tasteful pants; even CDs of bear songs – it did put a smile on my face.
On our way out of town we find the Welcome Centre & stock up on maps & info.
We’re now in lake country & everywhere you look between the mountains are beautiful shimmering lakes with stunning houses scattered between the trees. After an hour we arrive at Hiawassee & the Smoke Rings BBQ. Lucy found this restaurant on the web & wanted to check it out. What a fabulous setting, it sits slightly back from & above the main street & has a large balcony overlooking
We see a small road side stall & decide to get some peaches – the place is amazing, it has a whole room devoted to jams, another to sauces, racks upon racks of different types of home made bread & just about everything you could possibly need from umbrellas & garden ornaments to fridge magnets & piles of the biggest peaches you have ever seen – a real Aladdin’s Cave & right in the middle of nowhere.
Back in the car we see bumper-to-bumper traffic heading to the mountains for the weekend; luckily we’re heading in the opposite direction.
We get home later than planned & so decide to miss the first gig Lucy had planned, just time for a quick shower & we’re off to Sidelines Sports Bar to see the Marty Manous Band. Wow – there’s a truck parked inside the venue acting as the backdrop for the bar, how cool is that? We try to work out how the hell they got it into the bar; it must have been put in before the
walls! The headline act tonight is a Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band but we’re only here to see Marty, so we have a bite to eat before heading over to the venue. Luckily Robert manages to get a quick look at the support band before we pay our $10 entrance - it’s not Marty. Close shave there! It appears that there’s been a mix up & the band isn’t playing after all.
So Plan B, we head over to Matilda’s in Marietta, Lucy has heard it’s an interesting occasional outdoors venue behind some craft shops – she wasn’t misinformed, it’s actually held on an patch of ground behind a group of arty shops, between the trees with an improvised stage, no bar or seating, everyone brings their own drinks, picnics & seats. It’s really casual & the music had a really laid back, funky feel. We couldn’t see the band as there were so many people dancing but there was a great atmosphere – definitely not to be missed, but we were all tired & decided to make an early(ier) night of it.
DAY 10
So it’s our last full day, where has the time gone, I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow, how sad. I spend the morning packing. Lucy & Robert are taking us to
The drive takes just over an hour & then I see why it’s called
On the way home we encounter one of the scariest thunderstorms I’ve seen & Lucy wonders whether the Blue Grass gig we’re going to tonight will be cancelled as it’s outside. She calls Richard & Angelica to check - they’re not sure but they say ‘come on over anyway’, so we do. The house belongs to Richard’s parents & there is a welcoming committee of grand & great grandchildren, to whom we soon add the gentlemen, returned from their trip to the liquor store, there are about 14 of us in all & the noise level is fairly high. The adults soon descend to the ‘games’ room; a pool table takes pride of place & Richard’s collection of vintage guitars & amps take up one wall. Lucy, Richard & Angelica take themselves off to the jigsaw they’ve been working at for the last few weeks (it’s mainly black & very hard going) & Janice challenges me to a game of pinball on her vintage Elvis table. I’ve never played before & have enormous fun, how on earth did I miss pinball when growing up? Richard makes me a wonderful Marguerita to his own special recipe, which is just to die for. It’s now too late to go to the gig, even if it’s still on so we decide to head into
through lots of small rooms, all decked out with comfy sofas & chairs & out into the garden which is also pretty full but we manage to find a table. The drinks are flowing, as is the conversation but all too soon we have to go home, but hey it has been the most amazing holiday ever, we have had a ball!
DAY 11
Home today - what a dreadful thought.
We finish off our final bits of packing & take our farewell of the Max (the dashing dachs) & Eli & Yahoo. Lucy & Robert take us to the Flying Biscuit for our final breakfast (well brunch as it’s gone 11.00am); Jamie has steak & eggs & I opt for the full American, pancakes included – scrummy!
We finally take our leave of Lucy & Robert. I really hate goodbyes & am really bad at them & we’ve had such a brilliant time here, it’s really hard to leave. Lucy has worked so hard in making sure that every detail of our stay has been perfect and there is just no way in which to thank her. She has shared her home, her family, her pets, her friends & her music with us, but most importantly she has become a great friend, someone who will always be in our hearts.
Written by Jenni Williams UK
Still charishing your / Paul's picture,,,got a lot of envious People & Friends,,Thanks again Honey,,,always love you for that.
one of the nicest / Coolest things anyone has done for me.
I was gonna post this,thought,,,naw,
,I'll send to Lucy to post,,,no need to mention me.
Peace & Bless Lucy,,,Peace & Bless You
Robin Bibi Visits ARN
BB'S RETURN TO ATLANTA
Mid
August in Atlanta Georgia...hot, humid and nothin to do
but hang and Jam...(And a little bit of shopping...!!!)
Six years on from my first....My second visit to the
Lovely Lucy Piller's house in Roswell just North of
Atlanta...I was figuring on havin a veeery chilled 8 days
...but little did I know there was a hectic schedule
planned for me...!!.... I arrived on monday night tired
but happy and Lucy took me straight down to O'Malleys
Irish Bar to sit in with my dear friend the wonderful
Andrew Black (www.andrewblackmusic.com ...) I've
decided one of my missions is to spread the word in the
UK re Andrew...his voice can turn anyones knees to jelly
...the man has soooo much soul.... I was lucky enough to
do 4 more gigs with Andrew...
Tuesday night another duo gig at Paddy's......and on the Weds we went to Niks bar to attend the Mike Martin band's jam featuring the amazing voice of drummer John Mcknight and Mike Martin himself ..an awe inspiring fusion master guitar player who has now been picked up by Steve Vai..!!..... (www.mikemartinmusic.com). Thursday turned out to be the most hectic day of all.....In the afternoon Andrew and myself popped into a local studio (at one hours notice!!) to record our version of the Robert Johnson classic "If I Had Possession over Judgement Day" with yours truly on vocals and echoey guitar... And later in the afternoon on the same day another great connection was made with English Bassist Dave Hewitt (Ex Humble Pie and now back in the Reunited UK 70s Rock Band "Babe Ruth")...we went to visit him doing a gig in a rather upmarket restaurant and his Guitar Player had not turned up due to car problems....Dave asked me if i was carrying a guitar and I ended up doing an impromptue gig with his band...anything to help out a fellow muso!!! then it was straight onto a gig with Andrew on the Roof of a really Funky Mexican bar, Cino's rooftop bar in Alpharetta .....Phew!!!!
On the Friday night we retuned to Niks bar and sat in with the amazin Barry Richman band and there is some fab footage of this on youtube...Barry Richman is one of the most highly rated guitarists in the Atlanta area who is a Master of Blues, Fusion ,Rock, jazz and country and has great taste and feel in all of these styles......
On Saturday Andrew and I played a house party at Lucy's for invited guests..and there is more footage of this on my facebook page and Youtube....the first gig for me playing my lovely new Martin acousic guitar...!!!!!! Sunday another gig with Andrew in the afternoon...hot and sultry (but very cool..!!!!) and actually a rest in the evening..!!! Then on Monday 2 jam sessions...firstly at Bella's with John Mcknight and the remarkable Lefty Williams...and second at Lola's Jam at the Northside Tavern...all human life (and the lead guitarist from the Temptations) was at this one... .
What a week!! I wont forget this in a hurry and Huge Thanks to Lucy Piller for giving up her time working on www.allrightnow.com and making all this happen....and looking after me and hey...those ice creams dipped in chocolate...mmmmm!!! Also huge Thanks to Andrew Black for his help and inspiration... and all the other musicians and folk I met who made me feel so welcome ....it wont be too long before I'm back and spreading the word of the Robin Bibi Band music into Atlanta for real.....Hi Lucy, I just wanted to thank you for all the info you've been sending out,almost on a daily basis, about the appearances of Paul Rodgers and Bad Co. You have been fantastic ! I have managed to tape 3 interviews and 2 concerts and there is still an appearance on Jools Holland on 13/4 to look forward to.
I also went to our huge arena in Manchester last Friday to watch Bad Co. and they were just sooooo good ! I never thought I'd get to see them in concert and we were quite near the front. That again was with your help when you alerted us to the early sales of tickets. I have ordered one of the 'live' CDs so I'm looking forward to hearing that soon.too.
If you get chance to pass a message onto them please say a big Thank You from all the fans in Manchester, and please come round again !! The Hard Rock Live DVD/CD is also fantastic and shows their expertise on stage,even after these years.
Thank you again, Lucy, for all your help,
Best wishes, Jean
Category: Music
A famous piece of literature taking from a famous piece of history.
Today i will like to introduce, not only a good friend of mine, but an amazing woman, who, not only takes a fantastic photo, but embraces the music collective and all those concerned to a humble and energetic vibe, that only she creates.
Her name is, LUCY PILLER.
All those who have the pleasure of meeting her are the most enlightened people, who are enthrilled with her generosity and her willingness to succeed. Not only to herself, but to others to.
She will strive to get the best out of you. And will stop at nothing to see for herself the best results that you can muster.
Make no mistakes, this woman is a legend in her own right. And her past is living proof. And her future is our pleaure im sure.
From the decade of true music, came an intriguing young woman, and with her camara and cheeky enthusiasm, got some of the greatest stage photo's the world has seen, of the great band, FREE.
Getting to know the band on a personal level after seeing for themselves the top quality of Lucy's photographs, they (FREE), where pleased to see Lucy at any of thier gigs and warming to her nature as a top photographer.
This promted Lucy into the music scene from a different angle.
Not only did she fulfill her conquest as a continuing photographer, but she now had a buzz from the enjoyment her pictures gave the public, and her friends and family.
But no, Lucy did not stop at her photographs. She wanted the music life. And from behind the scenes, she entrusted some of the great names in this wonderful business and to bring us all up to date, and with the help of the World Wide Web, she has created websites and Myspaces that has been so successful, even the most none pc minded person can access her information to keep them up to date with the artist(s) that Lucy protrays in her time.
With the help and understanding of her family, Lucy is with out doubt, a UNSUNG HERO, and she will be remembered highly with, not only myself, but the likes of PAUL RODGERS, MIKE RALPHS, SIMON KIRKE, and the late but great BOZ BURREL. Then thier are the new bread like KURTIS DENGLER and ANDREW BLACK, and more, who with the help of Lucy and dear friends will only emulate the success of the above.
Lucy will give her all in your pleasure. I am lucky to have graced her presence. And i will return her values ten fold.
This im sure is the same for many people.
So, May i introduce the most hard working woman, behind many famous names in the music industry, and some not as famous. And if Lucy has anything to do with it, they will not stay not so famous for long.
And if you Lucy, should read this blog, then may you continue doing what you do, that keeps us all informed of the artists you enthrill us with, week in, week out.
And to all the artists that appreciate her work on your behalf, please stand up and applaud her, for she is worth it, and then some.
LUCY PILLER, a wife, a mother and a friend to all.
May there be a walk of fame in Atlanta, and your name should be right in the heart of the city.
From us all,
Thank you.
"AND SO IT WILL BE DONE" !
OH Atlanta by Debbie and Denise of Denver
Friday:
If you wish to send in a review about ALLRIGHTNOW.COM -
OR DID YOU VISIT ARN IN ATLANTA??
Please mail your letters to [email protected]
Your Stories are all welcome
DVD Winner
Desolation Angels Tribute Band
Our little donation is just to say 'thank you so much' for all your encouragement and support.
It's been such a pleasure knowing you and being part of the ARN family.
Keep up the fine work.
| Lucy Piller |
|
Lucy Piller is an amazing woman. It seems like she's dedicated her life to helping musicians, not only in Atlanta but all over the world. She started out as a fan of the band Free over in England, taking tons and tons of photos of the band, and now has a fan site, http://www.allrightnow.com - but the beauty is that she dedicates part of her site to promoting Atlanta artists as well.
On top of that, she also comes out to shows, promotes shows, gives you pointers on how to do better in this crazy industry - honestly - she's like the local music den mother or something.
__________________________________ |
From David Brown
You must be a journalist, author, photographer or the like to have consolidated all that information together in such an efficient way.
Tim Lynk http://www.myspace.com/thetimlynkproject
Interviews with Lucy Piller
Bond with Band stretches 35 Years
©2004 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Reprinted with permission from the
Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Further reproduction, retransmission or distribution
of these materials without prior consent of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and
any copyright holder identified in the material's copyright notice, is prohibited.
|
Behind the Website |
