CORRESPONDENCE
What follows is some correspondence I have received from people who have read my books. I have not made any changes to the emails (grammar, punctuation or otherwise) and they are laid out chronologically.
The Story Of Judas Priest: Defenders Of The Faith
(2/8/08)
Neil,
I've just finished reading Defenders of the Faith and I'd like to thank you for undertaking the project in the first place - it's an absolutely massive undertaking and you've delivered a really great piece of work. Congratulations!
Just a few notes about the band from a fan's perspective...my first ever gig of any band was Judas Priest on December 20th 1983 at Leicester De Montfort Hall. A few of us went up on the reain from Wellingborough (near Northampton) and my abiding memory was the sheer volume of the thing - I was 16 at the time and my ear drums had never had such an assault. My Dad came to pick us up...it didn't do much for him but now I'm of a similar age I want more!
Since then I think I've seen them another 8 or 9 times, the highlights being Forest National in Brussels in 1986, the Brixton Academy show in 2001, Manchester Apollo on the Angel of Retribution Tour in 2005 where Rob conclusively proved that he has still "got it", Royal Albert Hall in 2006 and this year on my 41st birthday I took my whole family to Prague so I could go and see them at Liberec Arena on July 3rd. Wow! Those Czech lads really rock.
My aim is to acquire all the cds, dvds from Priest and Rob's bands. I've got all the obvious stuff - about 50 cds in total but your comprehensive discography has set me a new challenge, especially the Al Atkins catalogue.
Anyway, thanks again for your contribution to the history of the greatest of all bands. I'll be looking out for more of your output in future.
Regards,
Tim Leleux
(19/4/08)
Hello, Neil-
I googled you after a friend sent an online blurb to me concerning Dave
Holland. I read it with great interest. Dave (as well as Mel and Glenn)
is an old friend of mine. I was stunned and shocked when I read the news
reports about his situation. Glenn has remained tight-lipped about Dave
- at least publicly. Mel is dealing with his own mortality at the
moment, so I surely didn't want to bring up and bad or sad news at this
point in his life.
I get updated on a semi-regular basis on Mel from his wife and son, but
don't want to bring up Dave at all.
I have always found it difficult to imagine Dave as the press have
painted him. I've known his since the 70's, through Trapeze mostly, and
then crossed paths with him occasionally when he was doing his stint
with Rob and the boyz.
Of course I have no way to actually "get to" Dave at present, and
wondered how much contact you have with him currently. If you do I would
greatly appreciate it if you'd pass along my best wishes to him, so he
knows "somebody out here" is thinking about him. I don't know how much
technology they allow him access to as well, but if he DOES have access
he can email me if he wishes. I've thought of him a lot in recent years,
mostly due to the tragic nature of his current situation. I have always
maintained his innocence to others who ask about him, knowing that we
once were buddies.
Do you know when he is scheduled to be released? It's difficult to
follow the situation solely from cruising the Internet. I've run across
other people who have speculated on his plight, and consider all of it
to be fodder for the rumor mill at best. I would like nothing more than
for him to be found innocent of charges.
I appreciate your time to read this, and hope that if you have the
opportunity to tell Dave I've asked about him, you will do so. If I were
him - in jail - I'd appreciate any comments from friends who are
concerned about me and my situation.
Thanks in advance,
Bob Ketchum
(13/2/08)Hi Neil
I have a couple of small press cuttings which appeared in the Wolverhampton
Express & Star back in November/December ... mainly about Al Atkins.
Would you still like any such future material passed on to you for
reference purposes.
If not I will throw these out.
I am about half way through your book on Judas Priest and have found it
interesting and informative.
Due to home pressures it takes me ages to read any book as I can only
manage to snatch time to read a chapter at time.
That`s all
Morris [Walker]
(11/02/08)
Hi Neil,
Just finished reading Defenders of the Faith & enjoyed every minute of it.
Looking through the tour dates on pp 236 I can confirm that Priest played Bournemouth Winter Gardens on 15th November. It wwas the first time I saw them - I would have gone to see them in Southampton on the previous tour but I got snowed in where I lived. You dont have Southampton listed for the Stained Class tour, but I did have a ticket & would presume it would have been the day before PortsmouthCheers
Terry Johnson
(25/11/07)
My name is Jerry and I’m a big Swedish fan of Judas Priest. Today I’ve just finished your book “The story of Judas Priest” and I want to thank you for filling up some gaps. *laughing* It was an remarkable job you’ve done putting all these information together, and I liked the last pages where you’ve put all the albums, people and so on in biographical order.
I’m used to be called “The biggest Priest-fan in the world” by my friends and “He’s the one who’s defending Priest when we’re not around” by Mr K.K. Downing himself and due to that I want to send you a present.
A copy of a Priest-tribute CD that you’ve missed in your book – Just as Priest “Released at least” from 1998. The most serious tribute band the is…eh, was.Please send me your address and I’ll post a copy of it asap.
Best regards
Jerry Orrebacken
Stockholm, Sweden
(24/12/08)
Merry xmas to you neil!
Last week i ordered never surrender, biffs book and defenders of the faith... from amazon, then went to llangollen, north wales for a few days.
I so, so enjoyed your book!! I have followed the priest since '79, it was such a joy to read the priest history, so much of it I remember. '81 at the front at Birmngham odeon aged 14, with accept as support, wata support band! etc etc! Your book was a tremendous read. I cite Ian Hill as one of my all time bass heroes, uncomplicated, but totally in time . AS is cliff williams. I was born in sutton coldfield as was Rob and I still live there to this day. Check out my band Agincourt, on myspace, Gary Bushell likes us and we did a session for radio 1 a few years ago
QUESTION:>>>When Rob left, we heard a rumour that the 'vocal vacancy was first given to Tony Mills, EX SHY, SIAM?? Apparently, due to him going to the press to soon, this was revoked??
Your priest book was wonderfull! Really enjoyed it, Ian still lives in Fradley, Staffs I believe, a place I know well. He was guest of honour at Neon studios opening in Burntwood a few years ago, top rehersal studios. Priest rehearsed at Neon during the owens'Ripper' era'. Mike Newey runs the place. Nice guy.
Have a great Xmas, Best wishes,
Russ Weaver
Robert Plant
Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page and the Solo Years.(12/02/09)
Hi Neil
I picked your book up in Waterstones today and nearly bought it!
I quickly turned to the pages where you mention "Priory of Brion", read that the first gig was on Bewdley Tennis Court, and decided not to buy it due to it possibly containing more inaccuracies!!
However, upon reflection, and checking out your website, this is most unfair of me. I will no doubt buy a copy within the next couple of days.
As a matter of interest, the first gig by "Priory of Brion" was during the interval of my band's gig at Bewdley High School. Robert played tennis briefly at Bewdley Tennis Club, and organised a few fund raising gigs using my band, plus a comedian etc. I won't bore you with too much detail!
Have a look at my website www.bevpegg.co.uk There are a few pictures in the "Gallery Section" of Robert at various gigs (including a Bewdley High School one) with me.
Regards
Bev Pegg
(5/02/08)
Hi
I saw Led Zep at Earl's Court as a sixth former so I will soon join the ranks of the old farts!
I must say that I really enjoyed your book on Robert Plant. I certainly am not a fan of a lot of Rock but I will be recommending your book to everyone. I am a great fan of graphic novels also and will be looking at your alan moore article soon
Thanks
Colin Washington
(28/2/09)
(The best email I’ve ever had! Brilliant!)
This is the worst book I have ever read. You cobbed this together to cash in on the O2 fever. You obviously know NOTHING about R.P. OR led zeppelin. You are a fraud and a thief for taking peoples money for this CRAP. Film Studies indeed. Stick to that, because you are not an author. Just a fucking WANKER!!!!!!!!
StL Guy
All Pens Blazing:
A Heavy Metal Writer’s Handbook(08/10/09)
Hi Neil. I got your book last weekend and have just finished it, thoroughly enjoyed it. Am 47 years old so can remember Sounds, Kerrangg! etc. Really good times! Anyway, as I said, a really great book, keep up the good work.
All the best,
Andy Bolton
(21/10/09)
Hi Your book sounds very interesting, but I must add a little disappointment - where is Kelv Hellrazer?! He kept the hard rock flag flying more than almost all the others (and unlike some of them, did not lose interest in hard rock/metal when it was less fashionable!) Anyway, congratulations on the endeavour otherwise!
John Watson
(25/10/09)
Hi Neil:
I just got your book APB. Great read!!
It is a very interesting perspective and I think that Christe commented on it in his interview. The UK Metal press was so much more mainstream! The vast majority of these writers had virtually no exposure over here in North America. Their respective mags were hard to find and/or expensive imports, especially here in Western Canada. Even now the big mags are not racked in regular stores, they are imports/specialties only.
From reading the interviews, the UK scene seems to be a very inter-locked with many writers having quibbles and/or jumping back and forth for competing magazines.
I think if you do Part II you could interview some of the big next generation writers/authors and specifically web-zine owner/operators. And...hate to say it...larger font! It was a tough read at times.
Overall it was very interesting and it is a great addition to the library.
Keep up the great work,
Joshua Wood
The following emails come from readers who have either liked my reviews or hated them. Either way they had enough time to contact me in the first place. It’s funny to read the emails from the people who really disagreed with me on an album or gig especially as they didn’t read my original reviews properly.
musicOMH
Date: 11/9/05
Name: ?
Country: UK
Re: Terrorvision Gig
Message: I have just read the review of the Terrorvision gig in Manchester from April this year. I cant believe my eyes!!! If you were have been to observe the gig correctly I’m sure you will have noted a room full of people screaming and singing dancing and all having a great time, completely entertained by a great live band. The guy writing the review obviously did not a Terrorvision fan at all, maybe terrorvision are not a stadium filling band but even a man with one eye on a galloping horse would have seen satisfied, entertained people leaving the venue at the end of the night!
Date: 8/12/05
Name: Anthony Hayes
Country: ?
Company: Umusic
Re: Rob Zombie’s Hillbelly DeluxeHey now and hello from across the sea…
Love the review of Hellbilly Deluxe (dlx ed)
Date: 5/4/05
Name: Jorge Musa
Country: USA
Re: Aluminium Babe
Message: Thanks for the review even the band parts we can only get better
JMM
Date: 8/9/05
Name: ?
Country: USA
Re: Bon Jovi Single
Message: I did not appreciate Neil Daniel’s review of Bon Jovi’s Have A Nice Day.
I will be my own judge once I hear it & I’m sure it will be great!!!!!!!!
Love Bon Jovi,
JF
Date: 6/12/04
Name: Justin Schutz
Country: USA
Re: Tina Turner
Message: I wanted to commend your contributing reviewer Neil Daniel’s excellent review of Tina Turner’s recent greatest hits compilation, All The Best.I think it’s one of the most objective and entertaining reviews of this release. It touches on the absurdity of greatest hits packages in general and weighs the values of Tina’s artistic achievements with the fluff of more recent recordings. He also touches on something I think could be described as detachment that happens to large globally-successful divas. This has totally befallen Tina, especially as she has abandoned the one, still-relevant aspect of her career, which were her massive stage productions.
I think Neil’s review hinted at this growing detachment and quality slip while still being tactful. I’m also happy to see he noticed the omissions of “Undercover Agent for the Blues” and “Whatever You Want,” which I feel s sonically imposing and incredible to hear and was the lead single off her 1996 album.
Her management made repeated promises to me that is was, indeed, to me included on the track listing when I would see it missing, but I think they were confusing it with her 1999 similarly-named hit, “Whatever You Need.”
What is left her fans, like myself, is a handful of over-produced, cheese-tastics wanna “hits” that hover between 1.) warmed-over feel-good granny R&B; 2.) Cher-like affirmation anthems; 3.) “adult contemporary” format schmaltz.
I have met Tina and her manager, Roger Davis. She seems to have lost any connection to her fans, refusing to meet a large group of them gather in Zurich for a television taping during her birthday. While I respect what they have achieved together, I think they’ve both become amazingly detached from what truly is her main power – her soulful, powerful voice, itself.
It’s so interesting if you see the way the size and visual spectacle of her stage show exploded from the mid-80s to 2000 and the way her album productions become more and more detached from the blues and R&B and then from the rock and from the pop and now into this weird “Cher” territory.Her career is the equivalent of a face that is still beautiful, but that has been botoxed and stretched and painted into a weird caricature of something creative and “hip” and youthful. It just feels fake and tired.
It will be interesting to see what she does with her upcoming Merchant Ivory movie opportunity.
Thanks for a great review,
Justin Schutz
Seattle
Date: 22/9/04
Name: Carl Gardner
Subject: Inconoclast Gig Review
Message:Hi Neil
Thanks for the great review the lads are buzzing, just hope some industry people read it.
The lads performed a showcase yesterday for legendary producer Kim Fowley he’s produced every one from lennon to nirvana.
He liked the lads stuff and has offered to produce an album either privately
Funded (me) or with record co money so I’ll keep you posted.
Once again thanks for a great review and I’ll let you know when the next gig is should you want to com.Cheers Carl [Manager]
Date: 10/9/04
Name: Matthew Smithson
Country: UK
Message: I am a member of the band Maupa, I recently stumbled across your rather splendid review of our debut album.I would like to say thankyou for an article and well-written piece of journalism, it is refreshing to read a piece where the writer scratched for a little more than what appears on the surface.
Thanks a lot,
Matt Smithson
Date: 14/7/04
Name: Eric Svilpis
Country: ?
Message: As a Skinny Puppy fan, I just felt it necessary to point out the few errors Neil Daniels made in his review of ‘The Greater Wrong Of The Right’, Skinny Puppy’s latest album.It’s Nivek Ogre, Nivek Orge, cEvin Key not Evin Key, and The Process wasn’t written as a tribute album. It was half done when Goettel died and they decided to finish it and then dedicate it to him later on.
It should also be noted that it wasn’t Dave “Rave” Ogilvie that finished the album with Key solely. Ogre was involved in this one was well.
Thanks for your time.
Date: 226/04
Name: Jim
Country: UK
Re: Your hideously ignorant review of “Racecar is racecar backwards”
Message: Naturally you’re entitled to your own opinion, but when professionally reviewing CDs surely it would be helpful if you actually seemed to know what you’re talking about before publishing a review such as the appallingly uninformed and ignorant mess I have just read? Congratulations on making yourself look foolish. Jamie Lenman imitating Dani Filth? Missing fingers is BLACK METAL? That is the most laughably stupid thing I’ve read since about 2 lines in your review. Learn something about music and distinguishing different genres and styles before you make wildly ignorant statements like that. You big cretin. I’d be interesting to see your response if you feel like replying to justify the floundering accusations in your review.Love and cuddles,
Jamie
Date: 25/4/04
Name: Richard Pettiefer
Country: UK
Message: I never thought I would see the day this site gave a Marillion album a good review…I’ll be damned!!Thanks!
Richard Pettifer
Fireworks
Date: 1 July 2009
Name: TSM
Subject: Equal Loudness Curve – Fireworks Review
Message:
Hey thanks, that's a fucking great review! This guy listened to the album...and he got it, totally. I'd like to marry his sister.
Thanks, man...Trev
Date: 9/1/06
Name: M.E.
Subject: Hail Neil from Overlorde!
Message:Hail Neil!
M.E. here. How are you?
We hooked up at MySpace with the Fireworks MySpace page (ours I www.myspace.com/overlorde), so I e-mailed the page master and asked if you were still with the mag (since you had written the excellent review of RETURN OF THE SNOW GIANT sometime in 2005).
They said yes and gave me your e-mail.So I just wanted to drop you a line to say HAIL and THANKS!
Long Live Rock and Roll,
Mark M.E. Edwards
Flying V/Overlorde
Date: 29/9/04
Name: Joseph Cumbo
Subject: Sonic X Interview (Fireworks)
Message:Hi Neil…Thanks for the Rave review…it helps to have people such as yourself on our side as we launch our first CD…I am sincerely grateful for your feedback and will complete the interview for you before the weekend…
I am glad you liked the CD and thanks for having Sonic X as part of your next issue…I look forward to seeing the issue.
Thanks
Joe
