Malcolm Holt's Blog, page 4

A Quick One on The Side Music Special - Rick Wakeman

A very warm welcome to my first guest in my occasional series of music specials, Rick Wakeman.

Rick describes himself as a 'Musician, Perpetual Weight Loss Failure, Senior Railcard Holder and Grumpy Old Man'. Born in West London, Rick bought his first electronic keyboard at the age of 12 years. He studied the piano, clarinet, orchestration and modern music at the Royal College of Music. Rick joined the band Strawbs in 1969. In 1972 he joined the band Yes for the first time. He left the band in 1974 to go solo. He rejoined Yes in 1976 and stayed with the band until 1980. In 1989 Rick joined a new band, 'Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe'. He left this band in 1992. Rick rejoined Yes on two further occasions, in 1995-97 and 2002-09.
As well as working with bands, Rick also produced many solo albums, with his works including 'The Six Wives  of Henry VIII', 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' and 'The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table'.

Here is progressive Rick...


In 2010 Rick was awarded the Spirit of Prog at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards and in 2012 he received a Fellowship at the Royal College of Music. As well as performing and producing, Rick also had a radio show, 'Rick's Place', on Planet Rock and he is now familiar to many as a regular on the BBC television series 'Grumpy Old Men'.
When I asked Rick to be my guest today, he did warn me that I would "undoubtedly get completely different answers tomorrow...and different the next day too".
So here we go. Here are today's answers...

Who is your favourite band/group/artist?
"The Who."

What would be your favourite album?
" 'Living in the Plastic Age' by Buggles."

What would be the best gig/concert that you have ever attended?
"It would be Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden, sometime in the Seventies. I can't remember exactly when."

Where is your favourite gig venue?
"Hollywood Bowl."

"What is your favourite food?
"Sunday lunch."

Where would be your favourite holiday destination?
"Somewhere different."

Which is your favourite airport?
"Heathrow."

...and your least favourite?
"Heathrow."

What is the most autographs that you have signed in one session?
"Three and a half thousand in Buenos Aires after a show. I finished signing at 4.30 in the morning."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Pete Waterman mostly."

Spot the difference. It's not difficult...



How often do you actually get recognised?
"A lot nowadays since I started doing a lot of mainstream television."

My thanks to Rick for being my first music special guest today.
As ever, thanks for reading...

A Quick One on The Side - R.J. Ellory

A warm welcome to my guest today, multi-award winning author R.J. Ellory.

Roger Jon Ellory was born in Birmingham, in a hospital that was later demolished. He pleaded not guilty to that one. He began his first novel in 1987 and by 1993 he had some 22 novels written, Several hundred polite and complimentary rejection letters later, he stopped writing for a period of 8 years out of frustration. The main response had been that books based in the US written by an Englishman were a non-starter. In 2001, when working for a freight company in Birmingham, he was shown how to use a computer. Between August 2001 and January 2002, Roger had three novels written. The second of these, 'Candlemoth', was eventually published in 2003 and was short-listed for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger.
Roger's work ethic is to quite admirable. He usually aims to produce 40k words a month and to have a first draft finished within 3-4 months. When asked about specific genres, Roger's ethos is to produce a good story is more important than aiming for a specific genre. Roger's novel 'A Simple Act of Violence', was the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year 2010. As well as being a successful author, Roger is a singer/guitarist and can be seen performing with the band 'The Whiskey Poets'.

So here we go, ten quickies for Roger...

Who is your favourite author?
"That is impossible to answer. Of course, I would have to say Annie Prouix."

What would be your favourite book read?
"That is also utterly impossible to answer, but, on-the-spot, if only from the viewpoint that I have read it more times than any other books, it would have to be 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote."

Who is your favourite band/group?
"What is it with the impossible questions? How can you even have a favourite band? Right, just so from the angle that this is one band where everything they have ever recorded is on my iPod or in my physical possession, it would have to be The Gun Club."

What is your most listened to album?
"In  my life, maybe 'The Paul Butterfield Blues Band'. That's the name of the album as well as the band."

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"The Gun Club at Manchester Hacienda in 1982."

What is your favourite food?
"Really good Cantonese."

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"You know, I have to be honest and tell you that I have never been on holiday. I tour a great deal and of all the places I have been it would be a choice between New York, Nashville or Austin."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
"Over 900 in St. Maur, France."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Yes, I was once mistaken for a handsome and intelligent person."

How often do you get recognised?
"Very rarely. Maybe three or four times in my life. I mean, authors aren't 'known' faces really, are they? How many people could stand behind Stephen King in a supermarket queue, and not even know it was him? There's an old saying: A name well known enough to get a good table at a restaurant, not yet so well-known as to be interrupted during dinner."

Eating at a restaurant near you...maybe.....



My thanks to Roger for being my guest today.
As ever, thank you for reading...

A Quick One on The Side - Doug Johnstone

A warm welcome to my guest author today, Doug Johnstone.

Doug describes himself as a 'Writer, Musician, Journalist, Drinker, Swearer, Househusband, Dad and Former Nuclear Physicist', but not necessarily in that order. Doug grew up in Arbroath and now lives in Edinburgh. He gained a Degree in Physics, a PhD in Nuclear Physics and a Diploma in Journalism. He used to design airborne radar and missile guidance systems, which no doubt came in handy when plotting a route home from the pub.
A singer/songwriter, Doug has been a member of Northern Alliance, who have produced four albums, one of which was released under the name of a fictional band, the Ossians, which is also the title of one of Doug's novels. He has also been part of the Fence Collective.
Doug has so far written four novels, the newest of which, 'Hit & Run', has recently been published and was reviewed by me in an earlier blog post. He is also writer in residence at the University of Strathclyde.

So here goes, ten quickies for Doug...

Who is your favourite author?
"The American writer David Gates, who hasn't written anything in too long."

What would be your favourite book read?
"David Gates' second novel 'Preston Falls', or his first one 'Jernigan'."
(David Gates' first novel 'Jernigan' focused on a dysfunctional one-parent family and was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist.)

Who is your favourite band/group?
"Probably Sparklehorse. RIP."
(Sparklehorse was an American indie rock band from Richmond, Virginia, led by Mark Linkous. The band ended when Linkous committed suicide in Knoxville in 2010.)



What is your most listened to album?
"Either the aforementioned's 'Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot' or Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'."
(Yes the Sparklehorse album is called that. It's not a typo.)

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"Any of the many times I saw The Afghan Whigs or The Flaming Lips."

What is your favourite food?
"A decent burger and skinny fries."

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"Iceland. It's a crazy place."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
(Sweary bit alert) "Ha - f*ck knows. Not many. Maybe twenty or so at a book signing."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Never actually mistaken for anyone else, but I get told I look like Josh Homme from Queens of Stone Age and actor Jeremy Renner quite a lot. A rock God and a Hollywood star - I'll take that!"

Well, judge for yourselves. Spot Doug...






How often do you get recognised?
"Virtually never, and that includes by friends and family."

Many thanks to Doug for being my guest today and for answering his ten quickies.
My next guest is R. J. Ellory. Thanks as ever for reading...

A Quick One on The Side - Mark Billingham

A warm welcome to today's guest writer, Mark Billingham.

Mark was born and raised in Birmingham. He eventually moved to London. As well as becoming a top-notch crime fiction writer, Mark has been an actor, television writer and a stand-up comedian. His best known acting role was in the BBC's children series 'Maid Marian and her Merry Men', created and written by Tony Robinson. He played the role of Gary, one of the Sheriff of Nottingham's guards/henchmen. So, he was officially a baddie. For all you disbelievers, here is the evidence...


Mark's first novel, 'Sleepyhead' published in 2001, introduced the London-based detective Tom Thorne. The series of subsequent novels led to Sky's television series 'Thorne', starring David Morrissey in the lead role. Mark is frequently seen at crime festivals and this year he is chairing the organising committee of the Theakston's Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.
So here are ten quickies for Mark...

Who is your favourite author?
"It changes every five minutes. I will always read Burke, Pelecanos and Woodrell."

What would be your favourite book read?
"The book that probably influenced me the most was 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'. The first one that knocked me on my arse was 'The Godfather'. The book I wish I'd written would be 'The Big Blowdown' by George Pelecanos."

Who is your favourite band/group?
"Elvis Costello and the Attractions / The Smiths."
What is your most listened to album?
"'Imperial Bedroom' by Elvis Costello / 'The Queen is Dead' by the Smiths."

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"The Smiths at the concert for the end of the GLC and Nick Lowe at the Royal Albert Hall."

What is your favourite food?
"Sushi or curry. That's a tough one."

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"Florida's Gulf Coast."

What would be the most autographs you've signed in one session?
"Well, if you count mass signings at warehouses, many thousands. But at an event with real people...probably a hundred or so."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"I used to get people telling me I was the actor Neil Morrissey."

How often do you get recognised?
"Rarely."

To clear things up, here are some useful tips...

Neil Morrissey

David Morrissey

Morrissey

Mark Billingham

So there you go...
My thanks to Mark for answering ten quickies today.
My next guest writer is Doug Johnstone. Thanks as ever for reading.....

'Hard Drive' - Reviews

For all of you who have free copies of 'Hard Drive' and cannot upload a review onto the Amazon sites, please feel free to post your reviews on this page in the 'comment's section. Thank you for reading, as ever.....

A Quick One on The Side - Allan Guthrie

A warm welcome to my guest writer today, Allan Guthrie.

Allan was born in Orkney and has lived most of his adult life in Edinburgh. He is a literary agent with Jenny Brown Associates in Edinburgh and is a well-established writer of noir novels. More recently, along with fellow writer Kyle MacRae, Allan set up Blasted Heath, a digital publisher which provides fascinating characters, gripping stories and deadly writing. Allan's first novel, 'Two-Way Split', was short-listed for the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger Award and won the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year award in  2007. Allan's second novel, 'Kiss Her Goodbye', was nominated for Edgar, Anthony and Gumshoe Awards.

See here we go, ten quick questions for Allan.....

Who is your favourite author?
"Ted Lewis or David Goodis."

What would be your favourite book read?
"'The Death of Sweet Mister' by Daniel Woodrell or 'Bodies Are Dust' by P.J. Wolfson."

Who is your favourite band/group?
"NIN."
(Nine Inch Nails are an American industrial rock project founded in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio by Trent Reznor, who is the only official member.)

What is your most listened to album?
"'Pretty Hate Machine."
(This album was the debut from Nine Inch Nails.)

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"Weather Report in Manchester in 1983, I think. It was definitely on my birthday."

What is your favourite food?
"Pizza."

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"The place I'd most like to visit is Australia. Places I look forward to returning to would be New York City, Paris, Florence or Dublin."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
"A number so insignificant. I've absolutely no idea what the tally might be."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Sadly, yes. Mick Hucknall."
(To clear this one up, Mick Hucknall sang with Simply Red, Allan is simply read.)


 Judge for yourselves...

How often do you get recognised?
"As myself, never."

A great thank you to Allan for answering ten quickies today.

My next guest writer is Mark Billingham. Thank you for reading.....

A Quick One on The Side - C. J. Box

A real cowboy welcome to my guest writer today, C. J. Box.

Charles James Box Junior was born and raised in Wyoming. At various times he has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide and a small town newspaper reporter and editor. He now co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife. They live outside Cheyenne.
C. J. is well-known for writing his series of novels about game warden Joe Pickett. The 12th Pickett novel, 'Force of Nature', is published today. He won an Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel in 2009 for his novel 'Blue Heaven'. He also won an Anthony Award, a Prix Calibre 38 (France), a Macavity Award, a Gumshoe Award, a Barry, and the 2010 Moutains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award for Fiction.
C. J. has hunted, hiked, ridden and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West of America. As well as all that, he has found the time to write great novels. When you read a C. J. Box novel, you can almost smell the mountain air.

So here we go, ten quick questions for C. J.

Who is your favourite author?
"Thomas McGuane."
( McGuane was an American writer who devoted his life in the outdoors.)

What would be your favourite book read?
"'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller."

Who is your favourite band/group?
"Lyle Lovett and His Large Band."

What is your most listened to album?
"Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Cosmos Factory'."

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"Eric Clapton."

What is your favourite food?
"Beef!"

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"Yellowstone Park."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
"Probably around 400 in Houston."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Yes. I once got out of a taxi in Milwaukee and a half-dozen fans rushed me and asked for my autograph. There was a big music festival going on and they thought I was Garth Brooks."

How often do you get recognised?
"Occasionally, usually in airports if I'm wearing my hat. Without the hat, never."



Spot the difference
My thanks to C.J. for being my guest today and for answering ten quickies. My next guest will be Allan Guthrie. Thank you for reading.....

Hard Drive - View and Review

A huge thank you to all of you who took advantage of my two day freebie sale of my book 'Hard Drive'. First, the boring statistical bit. Prior to the sale, I had one review of the book posted on the Amazon UK site and none anywhere else. However, over the two days I reached #3 in the Amazon Kindle Hard-boiled Mystery free download chart in the UK and #8 in the US. I even managed a small number of downloads in Germany. I reached #459 in the UK free Kindle books chart and #1,194 in the US. For a new crime fiction writer, I am delighted that I now have well over 300 new readers of my book and of course it is back on sale for the price of a cheeseburger...and it will last longer.
Now the cheesy, grovelling bit. I know that many of you will have added my book to a growing list of 'to read' books and like me, it's a case of working through that list. When you get around to reading 'Hard Drive', I would be thrilled if you can find the time to post a review on Amazon. Be as honest as you want. A host of 5 stars are one thing, but we all know that these can be misleading. Friends and family are great, but readers aren't fooled. I would rather attract honest and constructive comments. Of course, if you want a role in a future story, feel free to slag the book off.
So, many thanks yet again for getting the book and thanks for reading...when you get around to it.

Hard Drive

My collection of crime stories' 'Hard Drive', is free to download on Amazon Kindle today and tomorrow. Go check it out now and make my day!

A Quick One on The Side - Caro Ramsay

A warm welcome to my guest writer today, Caro Ramsay.

Caro was born and raised in Govan on the south side of Glasgow, Scotland. An early claim to fame, she was actually drummed out of the Brownies for 'insubordination'. I didn't ask her what she did or said. Needless to say, she left badge-less. After leaving school, Caro went on to be the youngest person to graduate from the British School of Osteopathy in London. On returning to Scotland, she opened and now runs a large osteopath centre in Western Scotland. She treats both animals and humans and unlike a vet or a doctor, she is not required to put any of her patients to sleep or sort out their sex lives. Now, I gave that some thought and I'm sure that a bad back and a sex life may be occasionally connected?
Caro's first three novels are 'police procedurals'. Caro started writing while she was recovering from a very bad back injury and now with her clinical work, she balances both jobs on a daily basis. Her first novel, 'Absolution', was short-listed for a New Blood Dagger and her second novel, 'Singing to The Dead', was long-listed for the 2010 Theakston's Crime Book of the Year. 'Dark Writer', the third novel featuring DI Colin Anderson and DS Costello, has been published and the fourth novel, 'The Blood of Crows', is due out later this year.

So, here we go, ten quick questions for Caro.....

Who is your favourite author?
"Agatha Christie."

What would be your favourite book read?
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy."
(Douglas Adams' science fiction comedy was a very successful trilogy and televison series, which started life as a radio programme. So come on all you fans, what was the answer to the ultimate question of the meaning of life?)

Who is your favourite band/group?
"Abba, of course. This is allowed as my DNA has been tested and is Scandinavian!"

What is your most listened to album?
"The Beach Boys Greatest Hits. I do live on the rainy west coast of Scotland and therefore I need to listen to sunshine."

What has been the best gig/concert that you have attended?
"Can I say a talk given by Graeme Garden about the Goodies?"
(Well Caro, you can say that but......did he sing?)

What is your favourite food?
"I'm veggie so anything with goat's cheese."

What would be your favourite holiday destination?
"I'm not really a holiday person. I endure them."

What would be the most autographs you've ever signed in one session?
"No idea, but my wrist gave out."

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else?
"Yes, Victoria Wood."
(Spot the difference.)


How often do you get recognised?
"A few times but always in book shops."

My thanks to Caro for joining me today and answering ten quickies.
My next guest writer will be C.J. Box. Thanks for reading.....