Dickie Felton

Day 5 - Dallas - Moz tour 2011

2011-11-16T23:55:00.001Z

Amigos! Amigos! Amigos!
Austin was a blast (omg i'm sounding like an American).
Great gig last night at Bass Hall. Lovely venue in the grounds of the town's university campus.
Artwork on the walls, sculptures in the
atrium, arty types hovering with straws.
We had seats at the rear but security was cool and let people stand at the front. I was stage right.
Moz on great form. Changed set around bit. Highlights - You Have Killed Me, Satellite, Still ill.
Afterwards we crashed out along 6th Street. As lively a street as any. Bar after bar, band after band, one Tattoo parlour after another.
And so to Dallas. A six hour Amtrak ride was less hassle than we envisaged.
We were treated like royalty on the train - must be our accents! Had a "roomette" which means you have a bed and can actually sleep zzzz.
Shock to the system on arriving in Dallas - its freezing. Got sunburnt in Austin but was reaching for extra layers within seconds of touching down at Union Station.
First interesting place was Dealey Plaza - where JFK was assassinated. So mad to be stood at a place at the centre of one of history's most infamous events.
And now chilling. Museums, galleries and shops tomorrow before more Moz and our final gig of the trilogy at McFarlin Auditorium.

In a lone star state - Morrissey USA tour

2011-11-15T18:01:00.001Z

Currently sat on a Greyhound bus at San Antonio. It should have left for Austin 35 minutes ago.
Spent an hour stood up in a queue (I mean line) before boarding.
Thank god this is our last bus trip of the tour.
Our bus driver looks frazzled. I don't have confidence in him getting us to the music capital of America swiftly.
Still, we are not in a rush. We got in at 1am last night after sampling a few bars on the beautiful River Walk. Bud Light all the way. In some places it's as cheap as $2 - around £1.20.
Tonight Morrissey plays Bass Hall, Austin. Last night we watched Moz at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre - he was absolutely amazing.
The first date of the tour, Moz caught us out by arriving on stage at 8.15pm. You travel 4,700 miles to see him and we miss the start of the show!
Still, he was in terrific form. Tight fitting navy v-neck jumper - Morrissey is in great shape. He was in very playful mood and the fans went crazy.
New additions to the setlist include All The Lazy Dykes, Malajusted and Still ill.
The Majestic was a superb venue - ornate, gothic, grand, spooky. I can't recall a Morrissey crowd going so crazy for it. Lots of young people in- lots of Mexicans, lots of Moz tattoos on display.
"Thankyou for coming all this way" said Morrissey after spotting some familiar faces in the front row.
We managed to get very close to him at the end. Around a dozen fans made it on stage. Security was reasonably relaxed and let people hug Moz.
People were literally screaming "we Love you Morrissey" throughout and working themselves up into a frenzy.
It was a terrific night. Next stop Austin. All aboard.

Now in Austin. Horrendous bus trip here. Thunder storms! Lightning! Crazy coach drivers!! But we made it. Now on 6th Street Austin - fab lunch on the go.

Morrissey - America here we come

2011-11-08T22:09:00.006Z

And so our bags are packed - i think. Passport, ESTA, LFC/Moz flag, suncream and trunks(It's 80 degrees in Texas don't you know), cameras, tees, dollars. The joy of journey and the excitment that all roads lead to Morrissey on stage at San Antonio, Austin and Dallas.
I hope to do a few blogs from the US - I hope to get to the odd internet cafe - if i can drag myself away from the Bud lights. Can't wait for Greyhounds and Amtrak - the roomette aboard our Dallas train may prove a better experience than the 09:15 to Inverness. No ships planned on this leg of the tour - yet. Bad news tonight (tuesday) that Moz has cancelled the opening date of the tour - Chicago. He's cited visa problems. And so Monday and San Antonio now becomes the first date of the tour. Fingers and gladioli crossed...

James (Manchester's second greatest band) the return

2011-10-27T20:37:00.004+01:00

Oh sit down! Oh sit down! The first time the entire audience actually did sit down was 21-years-ago.
Liverpool Royal Court's sloping terrace the venue for the flowery sit-in.
James were one of the first bands I watched live on a regular basis as a teen in the early 1990s.
I remember being amazed the first time I saw Tim Booth in action. What signing! What dancing! What lyrics!
You didn't technically "watch"James, every member of the audience actually became an active part of the proceedings.
Jumping, dancing, singing along to some of the most catchy and meaningful songs around.
Me and Kev watched them at Manchester's G-Mex in December 1990 - it was filmed for a concert video. Look at the faces of those in the crowd - unbridled joy.
Kev's verdict at the time: "James - they are just a great band with so many great songs".
James were for many years indie pop's big secret. Amazing live shows didn't translate into media exposure or record sales.
Until 1992 that is, when it all went mental. The release of Seven signalled sellout 30,000 gigs at Alton Towers. I Think I still have the concert teeshirt somewhere.
I remember rushing home from a Friday night out to catch them on TV's The Word when they showcased new songs including Heavens, Born of Frustration and Protect Me.
My video player must have been on the blink - otherwise I'd have just set the record and stayed out supping.
But clearly I was that moved by James I was prepared to sprint home for a late night TV appearance.
I saw them in person at York Barbican in 1994 - supported by Radiohead (!). It was probably the best James gig for me - playing the Laid album. The slow songs perfection, the fast ones furious and fab.
The later years continued to bring great songs - Waltzing Along being my fave.
And then for me a James swansong at Liverpool's summer pops festival in 2001 ish? Before they would split.
As I walked out of the tent at Kings Dock someone I didn't know came over and said: "You look like a reasonable kind of guy, I have a back stage pass for the aftershow party. I can't go - do you want it?"
So there I was supping beers backstage with James. It was lovely. We talked football, Morrissey, Morrissey's drummer coming from Holyhead like the James drummer. Saul spoke passionately about his support for Barcelona FC, the guys mentioned being in Athens GA and wait for it: "Michael Stipe was driving us around in a clapped out Audi." or was it a Saab? Oh I dunno, I can't remember. But it was a great night and for me the last time I was at a James gig.
When the group reformed I kept my distance. I didn't really want to listen to the new stuff. I was happy to keep my memories.
There were passing moments. One Good Friday I sat in Manchester and Tim Booth appeared singing. Singing! In the street! It was for BBC's Manchester Passion.
Then a year or so later I was waiting in the departure lounge of Gatwick Airport and noticed a goatee beard and beany hat next to me. Tim Booth! Obviously fear gripped me and I sat silent.
Tomorrow night James play Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall with full orchestra. I'm there. I can't wait.
Say something say something, anything, the silence has been deafening.

MORRISSEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: travels with the MozArmy

2011-06-01T20:27:00.027+01:00

Train tickets? check. Camera? check. Hotels, mobile, suncream, Smiths teeshirt? check! check! check!
And so to another Morrissey tour. Trips to far-off places, to pubs, to dance halls to witness the MozFather once again. What songs will he play? what will he wear? what will I wear for that matter?
It's 20 years since I first travelled distances to see a concert by him. And like in 1991 it's a long train journey north for back-to-back dates in Inverness and Dunoon.
While Scotland doesn't inspire the same spirit of the unknown like Waukegan or Detroit did for me in 2007, there is enough mystery and excitment to be giving me sleepless nights.
Dunoon? I didn't know where that was until I looked at a map. Got to catch a boat? you what? I struggled to get a place to stay. One hotelier said: "Morrissey - no chance - we are fully booked. The whole place will be invaded by fans."
I thought about dragging a tent with me until I eventually found a tiny place with room. B&B Landlady: "Ah Morrissey hey? let me see. Yes I have one room left. We are all excited about Morrissey coming to Dunoon. Even though none of us have ever heard of him." Her B&B had no website and no email - in 2011! - what drama awaits in Dunoon?
It's not just me raring to go. People will be crossing continents and sailing seas for these dates.
I hope to interview and photograph fans who travel as part of a new book: "Morrissey International Airport" - on the road with the Moz Army. This book will again focus on fan worship of El Moz. I'm interested in what lengths people have gone through to see this iconic singer live.

Hoping to speak to Moz fans who have shown their devotion by getting a Smiths tattoo or named their pet poodle after the MozFather. Please get in touch with your tales of of following Moz via www.thedayimetmorrissey.com
What is wonderful about this tour is that it is so off-the-beaten-track: Plymouth! Harwick! Isle of Man! - superb nights await those who travel.
Let there be stage invasions, shirts thrown into the throng, new songs, old songs, banter galore.
The time is near. Please no cancellations, nor missed trains. Let the sun shine our of our behinds. The magic of Moz awaits...

Lucas proudly shows off his Golden Samba!

2011-05-16T07:27:00.000+01:00

well done Lucas and John Flanagan. Winners of the Golden Sambas presented by Kopites Chris Maguire and Mike Nevin.

Quest to present Golden Sambas at full time today

2011-05-15T10:44:00.000+01:00

Guest blog by Mike Nevin:

It all started when Netherton’s Chris Maguire got a bit miffed at West Ham (& London's) "Scottie" Parker receiving the Footballer of the Year award from the “gentlemen” of the press.
The accolade, seemingly on the strength of a high-pitched half-time speech when Avram Grant was on the bog at West Brom and a match-winning toe-poke against dastardly Liverpool.
As is the norm, the writers’ vote took place weeks before the end of the season, no-one having the foresight to wait and see if Parker’s efforts amounted anything more than a couple or rare, positive memories contributions in yet another relegation campaign for the ‘appy' Hammers!
So, on "The Rattle" as it has become known (formerly RAOTL), the most eclectic, irreverent, sartorially aware, match-going Reds forum, Chris (aka Rafaworejeansatwrexham on the said website) set up a poll to decide supporters' Liverpool FC player of the year. If truth be known, Lucas Leiva, though he still divides opinion, had always enjoyed staunch backing on The Rattle and it was no surprise to see him take 75% of the forum vote, ahead of the Dirk Kuyt and the red-hot new striker Luis Suarez.
The overwhelming vote for Leiva was testament to Lucas’s transformation into the central cog in Liverpool’s midfield, equally adept at breaking down the opposition play and setting Liverpool attacks in motion with astute, accurate passes.
Someone on the forum glibly suggested that the notional "award" should be christened The Golden Samba, on account of forumites’ obsession with adidas "trabs”, and of course, Lucas's Brazilian nationality – which many of his critics had previously called into question! What started out as a bit of internet time-wasting, moved closer to reality when another contributor suggested that the concept of The Golden Samba, named after the iconic Adidas Samba shoe, and chosen “wheels” of many a Kopite, rivaled the Ballon D’Or for prestige.
“Get it made”, came the cry on the Rattle!
So, all the while questioning his sanity and fearing that he was entering an early mid-life crisis, off Chris went into town to bag a pair of brand new “Samba”. Before you could say Jack Robinson, Chris had made his purchase – a lovely pair of Black Samba in his own size 9. Next stop were several hardware outlets in search of the golden spray paint that would transform a simple pair of trainers into the most prestigious award in World Football.
His purchases made, Chris then enlisted the help of local entrepreneur (and Bluenose) Frank Hargreaves who promised to mount the Samba (on wood, obviously) and engrave “Rattle Player of the Season 2010-11, Lucas Leiva” on a piece of shiny metal.
Of course, there was one final snag. What to do with the other spare Samba? Chris called Heather Mills to see if she was interested, but he should have known better. Ms. Mills has had difficulties with Liverpudlians in the past and he was given short shrift over the telephone by the ex-model.
If only Chris had given it proper thought, he wouldn’t have bothered – we all know Geordie scruffs don’t wear Adidas.
To cut a long story short, the spare trab has been used to create a Young Player of the Year Award, and this has been given to John Flanagan, the Reds’ superb, no-nonsense right-back.
We hope it’s the first of many for Flanno. And of course, should young John ever blow all his dough in the bookies, Christies in London have estimated that in 25 years time his “Silver Samba” could fetch the approximately £250,000 at auction, rivaling the value of Maradona’s “Hand of God” Argentina shirt.
We hope to present the awards at the foot of the Kop Goal during Sundays’s lap of honour after the Spurs game.
Kenny Dalglish said, “While I’m delighted for Lucas and Flanno, the deserved awards have made motivation ahead of Sunday a real issue for me. Such is the disappointment in the dressing room among the players who have missed out, that I have a mutiny on my hands. Stevie is seriously depressed, though it’s hard to tell with his gob, Maxi is fuming, Skyrtel and Meireles have retired and opened a tattooists on Breck Road. Pepe Reina is so traumatized that he’s been carted off to the funny farm shouting “If it wasn’t for Hodgson, I’d have had a Samba – in Spanish”
“I have told them all to think about next season’s Sambas!”
Liverpool were last night cut to 8-11 favourites to win the 2011-12 Premier League.

If anyone can help get the Golden Samba awards to Lucas or Flanagan get in touch with Chris Maguire or Mike Nevin via Twitter: @chrismaglfc @michaeltnevin

Morrissey "In Person" for the very first time

2011-05-14T10:08:00.001+01:00

Morrissey Aberdeen Capitol Theatre 14 May 1991

Three hours before the gig I was violently ill - the nerves, the nausea, the excitement - urgh pizza everywhere...
Twenty years ago today, we travelled on trains for eight hours from Liverpool to Aberdeen.
The pilgrimage north to get to our hero's first British gig of his first solo tour.
It was £33 return - a fortune. It felt like we were travelling to the ends of the earth.
I just remember being on trains for what seemed like years. I was 17. Morrissey meant everything after I'd discovered him three years earlier.
He'd played Dublin National Stadium a few days (weeks?) before and the press had been full of it. This was Morrissey's re-birth after The Smiths.
The concert ticket is the smallest in my collection but this was one of the biggest gigs in my concert going career.
Back Stalls dd 7 reads the ticket. The date of the gig and part of the artist's name stamped on: "...SSEY". The cost £10 - the Moz memories priceless.
Quiffs and Dr Marten everywhere. Flowers clung by devotees. A very young and wild audience. We vaulted ten rows of seats to get to the stage. The all seated former cinema at fever pitch by the time he came on stage.
The lights dimmed. Classic music roared. Claus Nomi?
Then He was there. I could almost reach out and touch him. Dozens did. Morrissey was mobbed at every opportunity.
He opened with "Interesting Drug" and his new Rockabilly band swaggered through a set of Kill Uncle tracks and gems like Suedehead, Everyday Is Like Sunday, Will Never Marry.
I had to pinch myself during the gig. Was I really here? Was Morrissey really here?
I wasn't brave enough to clamber on stage. I just sang and stared at the spectacle. I remember straining to see what Morrissey had on his feet. I think black DMs.
It was very surreal. Someone mentioned that comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer were spotted dancing in the balcony seats.
It was loud. Especially during New York Dolls cover Trash. Being stood front row left meant I got the full thrust of the enormous speakers. But there were gentle moments too: Cosmic Dancer.
It was all over before it even began. Maybe a one hour set. It sent my life in one direction.
I think that the Capitol Theatre is now a Chicago Rock Cafe.

A 20-year-old take on the Kop terrace

2011-05-07T21:46:00.010+01:00

It was a fantastic magazine cover. The bright yellow of the Spion Kop season ticket standing alone against blood red.
I didn't buy The Observer on Sunday 2 May 1993. But when I turned up for school at Holy Family in Thornton on the Monday my classmates were full of it.
"Have you seen yourself in that mag? you're pictured standing on the Kop!"
The supplement to the newspaper had carried a seven page spread on the impending demolition of the most famous terrace in world football.
The end wasn't quite with us. Myself and the other 16,000 Kopites were to savour one last season "living in our red and white kop" before bulldozers moved in to destroy 70 years of history.
For the uninitiated: The Kop was (is) a stand at Liverpool FC were the club's most partizan and working class support congregate to shout and sing their team to victory.
At its peak, some 30,000 fans would cram onto this terrace and sing and sway.
Following the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, football moved towards all-seater stadia. Terraces such as The Kop, were deemed unsafe relics of an ancient era. Up and down Britain terraces were ripped up to make way for seated grandstands. And a way of life was lost forever.

That's why "Goodbye to all that" - Requiem for The Kop by Stan Hey, was the lead story in The Observer.
It was published a full 11 months before we said our final farewell to standing at Anfield (a one nil loss to Norwich).
The piece was an insightful and moving report on "the most vibrant terrace in the history of the People's Game".
Mr Hey, clearly one of us, described in great colour the sights, sounds and songs that exploded on this mound behind the goal from 1928 to 1993.
There were the 60s: "...a cocktail of singing, chanting, swaying, hand-clapping and mass wise cracking, which the fans on the Kop mixed, initially for their own entertainment, later on for their own self promotion."
Then the report describes Kop moments from the 70s: "The second leg of the 1977 European Cup quarter final against St Etienne of France was burnt onto the minds as if by a branding iron....Liverpool won the game under the heaving steaming Kop...
One fan described the scene when the Reds got a late winner: "all around me on the Kop I could see these faces twisted and distorted with emotion, like some Hieronymous Bosch painting!"
Mr Heys work is a social commentary of a city and its people. He describes the impact of mass unemployment on Liverpool and its supporters.
"Many say it changed irrevocably in the 1980s. The wit remained but the club had become an international institution and the local support had been diluted by 'touist reds'."
Mr Hey writes how the bravado became excessive - that the fans had become too macho - the Kop was a less welcoming place to be.
I dont recall too many tourists at Anfield or in the city at all during the 80s. Crikey, we only had two hotels in those days!
Anyway, the Observer piece, which I found in the loft today, is a fabulous trip down memory lane.

And yes - that's me left! my face appears with few thousand others on page 17. The photo of the Kop spans two pages.
I have hair! a quiff! I was 18. I even remember the game: Liverpool V Aston Villa FA Cup 1/4 final 1992.

Why do I remember? - well I used to always stand near the back of the Kop and this snap is of the terrace much lower down.
I wasn't hanging out with the lads that day as I was escorting a young lady to the game (Nicola is pictured to my left!).
This two page Kop picture (at the top of this blog) does tell a few stories. The female faces, or lack of them. I count four in the entire picture. Also only one very young boy. Where are the kids?
More startling still: where are the black faces? This is a sea of white, male bodies.
It was sad this terrace was consigned to history and we now sit down in a diluted, quieter and less impressive stand.
But at least it's more welcoming now. Take the same photo today and the crowd is multi-cultural, male, female and full of children.
We can rise to the occasion in 2011. Less of us yes - just 12000 - but with a winning exciting team, the Kop colour and noise of previous decades can be matched.
"We are the famous! the famous Kopites!"

King Kenny's Scott's Porage Oats

2011-04-05T09:23:00.001+01:00

Exactly a quarter of a century ago this very day, Kenny Dalglish's signed photo dropped through my letterbox:

Imagine the thrill at 11-years-old, spluttering out my cornflakes as postie delivered the gem above.
Of course it was due to breakfast that the photo was all mine. I'd entered the "What's Sammy Thinking?" caption competition run by the newly formed LFC Crown Paints Fan Club.
Contestants had to come up with a caption on the above picture. What was Sammy Lee saying to Kenny in mid flight?
Me and mum plumped for an awe-struck Sammy thinking something along the lines of: "It must be those Scott's Porage Oats" as Scotsman Kenny blasted a thunderbolt goalwards.
Amazingly our creative caption, paying homage to the King and a Scottish breakfast cereal was selected as one of the best.
On April 5th, 1986, the below congratulatory letter and signed picture arrived.

Scott's "Porage what?" I hear you ask...Well with thanks to Wikipedia:

History of the brand:

Porridge has been consumed in Scotland as a staple food since the Middle Ages, and is primarily consumed in the winter. A&R Scott began producing Scott's Midlothian Oat Flour in 1880, in Glasgow,[1] moving to Edinburgh in 1909, and the distinctive name, Scott's Porage Oats, was adopted in 1914.[1] They have been milled at the Uthrogle Mills[2] at Cupar in Fife, Scotland, since 1947.[1]
In 1982, A&R Scott was purchased by Quaker Oats Ltd, one of their main competitors.[3] The company was based in Edinburgh. Pepsico merged with the Quaker Oats Company in 2001.[4]
Sales of porridge oats continue to be higher in Scotland than in the rest of the UK, with Scott's Porage Oats taking the highest brand share.[5]
The company holds a Scott's Porage Oats Food & Drink Fair at the St Andrew's Festival in November each year at the Byre Theatre. It has a Golden Spurtle Award for competitive porridge making.[6]

The Day I Met Rafa, no?

2011-03-21T21:35:00.002Z

I spotted him just off Dale Street. A walk for my lunchtime sandwich and among the business types and street contractors digging downward was Rafa Benitez.
At first I just smiled and walked-on by. I had to get to the post office to send my Morrissey book off to people in California and Grimsby (now there's a place I've not yet visited).
Anyway I usually plot a wide berth. You don't want to meet your football heroes do you?
They should be forever with halo in misty dreaminess of a night in Istanbul.
Or the abiding memory should be of them shouting from the line dressed in chequered suit masterminding another superb European away win. Meet them face-to-face? no.
But today all change.
After seeing my books off to fishy destinations to the east and to the west, I paced back to the office with my cheese and jalapeno relish sarnie.
And he's still there. Ambling about with his wife and pals. So what the heck...
"Hey Rafa, can I grab a quick photo?"
Rafa: "Certainly!"
Me: "Thankyou for Istanbul"
Rafa: "My pleasure."
That's it. Very brief, very sweet. The picture will be framed and put up in the Felton residence asap.
That's a fact.

The agony and the ecstacy - The story of Rome 2001

2011-02-16T21:56:00.022Z

“One fan lay unconscious on the floor. Another was covered in blood. That was the scene as Liverpool fans ran the gauntlet of baton-wielding Italian police as they tried to enter the Olympic Stadium.
“Up to that point we had enjoyed a great two days enjoying the party atmosphere. Banners hung from hotel windows and Liverpool fans danced by the Trevi fountain. Rome was red-all-over...” - These are my words in the Liverpool Echo on February 15th 2001.

Valentines Day this week marked the tenth anniversary of one of the greatest experiences of my LFC supporting life.
A gang of us travelled to the Eternal City to see the Reds play in what was at that period – one of our biggest and most important European away games for years.
More than 4,500 fans went to the Eternal City inspired by tales of 77 and 84.

This was our chance to become part of history. Our chance to witness firsthand a win in Rome. The club had been through a trophy-less six years. But progression in Europe with a new manager and team – we had renewed hope and belief.

We’d won at Old Trafford a few weeks earlier and when we got back on the coach that day we’d been thrust leaflets advertising “European Football Special – AS Roma V Liverpool FC – 2 days/1 night £259.” Come the Monday morning we’d all signed up.

I had sleepless nights in the countdown to the trip: excitement, trepidation at facing Roma ultras, but total pride to be following the Reds to such a vital game. On the day itself our early morning cab picked up Kev at Bootle but his mother answered the door in a panic: “He’s still sound asleep!”

When we eventually gathered the troops we jetted off from Speke aboard flight BY843A. We were even more joyous when we bumped into pals Chris Maguire and Mike Nevin at 36,000 feet. We had no idea they were joining us.

What was even more amazing was Maguire's luggage or lack of it. For a two day trip he was armed with his toothbrush and a pair of bills. The king of travelling light. To this day if I travel anywhere I try to adopt the Maguire Mantra.

Rome was special. The scooters, the noise, the beauty, the Spanish Steps, the Irish bar “The Trinity”. We had a marvellous first evening bouncing between bars, hanging out at the Trevi and rounded things off with a meal down a side street.
Kev and Murph waltzed in a seedy dancing club. Murph ended up on stage.

Hungover, but buzzing, we repeated frolics come match day. There were Liverpool fans everywhere but a slight air of menace as scooter striding Romans hurled grave gestures our way.
Some Liverpool supporters spotted Murph: "It's the lad from the club last night! he was on the stage!" Laughs everywhere. To this day I'm not sure what Murph had done in that club that prompted such attention.

Our hotel, “Diana Roma” was the pre match booze point. A feeling of thrill was now turning to fear. We’d been warned to stay in groups, to not use the bridge by the stadium, to basically watch our backs.
Italian police had all LFC fans converge on the Villa Borghese – a huge park in the city. The police kept us holed up for hours. Frustrations grew as we wondered whether we’d get to the game at all. Finally we boarded coaches and were on our way.
A delay outside the stadium saw a few lads jump off the coach to make their way on foot to the ground. They were stabbed by Roma fans.
We got to the entrance minutes after kick off to find Italian police piling in batons raised. It was frightening.
Once inside – and two Michael Owen goals later – we were jumping for joy. The reds, in their golden kit tore Roma apart. We sang, we dodged missiles, the gladiators of Rome were victorious.
The police kept us locked in the stadium for a full 90 minutes after the game. But we were not too bothered – outside the ultras were busy setting fire to cars and rioting with police. We were safer inside.
We were eventually taken to the airport, dumped on a runway and told to board any plane. It was comical and tremendously great fun. Once home the sobering news was that more than 20 LFC fans had been stabbed. It was a miracle that no-one had died.
Despite the aggression, despite the hassle, the trip for us had been tremendous. Probably the best £259 I’ve ever spent.
Looking back, I feel that the victory itself was the launch for LFC to be great again. The treble was achieved three months later.
Amazingly I was back in Rome to see Liverpool play at the Olympico less than a year later. But we’ll leave that tale for another day...

We all dream of a team of Carrigans...

2010-12-31T08:56:00.006Z

This is pint-sized kopite Kieran Carrigan, aged six. This weekend he will take to the Kop with dad Kev to watch the 'mighty' Liverpool take on Bolton.
It will be only his second trip to Mecca of Anfield and he is as excited as excited can be.
Kieren will bring his flag, scalf and shout for his heroes Torres and Gerrard. We've already tried to tell him that the match and the Reds' performance may not be one to remember.
Only one shot on goal on Wednesday so what does the Bolton game have in store for Master Carrigan?
Our pessimism won't disuade Kieran. To him he his going to Anfield to watch the greatest team in the world beat Bolton five nil.
Of course we'll bounce along with him all the way from the pre-match Devonshire Pub up to the Spion Kop. Me and Kev will laugh and sing with him and when we see sight of Anfield and the crowds our hearts, as always, will skip a beat.
The noise, the colour, 'hat, cap, scalf or a badge!" It's our empire, our home, our life.

I hope Kieran didnt hear Mr Hodgson's comments about the Liverpool support on Wednesday night. To hear our manager criticise us, the people who pay hard earned cash to go to games and support the team is a massive show of disrespect.
Ok, the atmosphere hasn't been great but when you are watching dross what do you expect? Give us something to shout about hey Roy? an attack, a run, pass and move, the Liverpool groove? not anymore.
As for it "not being the Liverpool way" to boo players. We feel our left back got off lightly after his shambloic performances this season and don't start me on his mother slagging off the city...
Well, it's not the Liverpool way to be sitting back and accepting shambles after shambles either. (Gareth Roberts - editor of the excellent Well Red Magazine - subscribed to this view on Twitter this week.)
We support, we stand together, but if anyone wants to insult us the fans - well - there's no golden sky after that.
We dont mind defeats. As long as the team has battled, fought, got stuck in, had a go, chased. We saw none of that on Wednesday.
You'd expect being one down to high flying bottom club Wolves we'd be pounding the Kop end with attack after attack after attack? instead we got nothing.
Me and Kev have been watching Liverpool since the early 80s. Back then, like Kieran, we'd excitedly skip up Walton Breck Road to watch the likes of Rushie, Kenny, Molby, sweep past the opposition every week.
Our eyes had seen the glory over the years. Me and Kev have witnessed LFC pick up 16 major trophies. League titles, FA Cups, European Cups.
But right now we sit around 12th in the league table with our lowest points haul in half a century. I say we "sit around 12th" because I can't even bring myself to look at the league table at this moment in time.
I do know that eight league defeats before the turn of the year is a woeful insult to the history and standing of this once proud club.
The papers today talk of two weeks to save Hodgson's job. I was all for backing Roy. He got so much stick before he even started which was unfair. But even if we beat Utd, even if we beat Everton, the damage has been done. If the results and performances weren't bad enough, insulting the fans is the final straw.
Of course the only real person benefiting from the Hodgson pantmomine is a certain Mr David Moyes.
Everton have just four wins this season. Four wins. That's not good enough for the Blues surely? yet as long as Roy takes the flak Moyes escapes into the shadows with not a wimper of criticism.
Anyway, why bring Everton into it?
Because the way things are going it could be a Merseyside derby in the Championship next season.

morning glory Liverpool at 7am

2010-12-04T11:28:00.000Z

took this shot atop the Radio City tower on Thursday morning.

Sunshine on Leith

2010-10-31T23:09:00.000Z

(and the Joyful Kilmarnock Blues). Oh Scotland, so much to answer for... The ships, the kips, the 5-3 five-a-side win.
Been on the last leg of Ian Latta's stag do. Hearts v Kilmarnock. Dj: "let's hear the famous Tyncastle roar". Three nil to the away side. Ouch for the Jambos. Freezing and unbelieving. They don't sell alcohol inside Scottish grounds - maybe they should start.
Still, the qworn curry pie was to die for. And bar Mercat brought a Liverpool away win and the best cheese jacket potato on earth. And now I'm at Liverpool Central playing nothing but The Proclaimers on iPod.
A lovely three days: Chinese restaurants, £5 pints of bitter, Greyfriars Bobby in full sing.
The Tower no-show, a bus drops me off at Ocean Port and the middle of Everywhere.
I'm getting too old for this. Didn't even enter a lappy this time round. Got my thrills from the tankers steaming in and out of the Forth of Fifth or Fifth of Forth. Hey even the toon put five past Sunderland.
Jb went museum and sleep sightseeing. Fellow roomates Brom and Matt snored their way to Abroath. Trailer for sale or rent?
Strange apartments on/in marshland. The royal dingy Britannia moored yards away. The Queen Is Dead boys.
The long road home via Bus Number 10, Mercat bar, Haymarket.
One nil Maxi! Three points and we storm to 12th in the table.
And then cousin Katy, rich, Coggers and a last gasp shove home. I need to blog this before BIundellsands.
Give me veggie haggis ahead of Paris any day.

When in Wales, Morrissey 2006

2010-10-23T20:26:00.004+01:00

A moment in crime. Meeting Morrissey outside a concert venue in Llandudno, Wales. April 2006. He looks almost to be saying: "No not you again Dickie". Quite.
I'd run a mile if I bumped into me. Still, this photo appears in the very good 2009 tome: "The Day I Met Morrissey" scripted by none other than Dickie Davies of World of Sport fame. www.thedayimetmorrissey.com
I once posted this photo to Flickr and within 15 minutes 260 people had "nicked" it. Fair play - share and share alike etc.
I remember the MozFather had been kipping on his tour bus which had rather fetching Italian number plates. He didn't stop for autographs. In fact he darted into the National Wales Theatre (or whatever its called) very quickly.
Still, a smile, a wince, whatever. I love this picture.
the gig was immense. Alain Whyte in the fold then. I remember a girl perched high on the shoulders of her boyfriend and dancing crazily to "Reader Meet Author". She knew all the words and was giving it some. It was great to watch.
Gig was a tiny gym. Well, it seemed like that until they redeveloped the place the year after. I seem to remember stumbling in to the place in 2008 and Duffy was playing. The venue seemed to have been transformed into an arena. full too.
Anyway, what a ramble. Best thing about that night was a fab Thai restaurant by the train station. Duffy was good actually. Well a fraction as good as the Morrissey show.

Bottom 3? It cannot be!

2010-10-02T22:04:00.000+01:00

Terrible day for Liverpool FC slipping into the relegation places today.

One must hope pray sway that we tonk Blackpool tomorrow and storm up to midtable.
Check out this photo from my seat in the Spion Kop from last week's Sunderland game.
Merseyside Police constable holding up the big banner! Good lad. Obviously a closet Red.
Speaking of red, I must pick up the latest edition of Well Red - the excellent mag by Gareth Roberts of Huyton-on-sea.
Anyway, let's get back to winning ways tomorrow.
Ynwa, Justice, Forza Kop.

The only thing to be in 1983...

2010-07-23T22:04:00.001+01:00

YELLOW - away - Umbro.
Please try to stay calm and composed at the sight of this number.
No you are not dreaming -

Omg LFC away 1982/3!
I lived in this top. I think of king kenny when I see this shirt. It is in tremendously good condition considering it's 28 years old. Still gleams.
I should frame it, in fact I will frame it.
My first ever Liverpool shirt.

White on 1985

2010-07-23T21:40:00.000+01:00

So there's me aged eight strutting my stuff in this superb shirt.
Liverpool away 1987 - White adidas. A vision of a kit if ever there was one.
Still in great nick. It conjures up images of Paul Walsh, Jan Molby, Rushie and Watford away games.
Ahhhhhhhh. What a top top.
Wish it still fit. Still, it is kept ready for my son Frankie to wear - when he's eight in 2018!

With hope in your art

2010-07-23T21:30:00.001+01:00

Found this photo tonight. Me, Latta and my LFC banner. Taken not at a match, but at Morrissey's 2009 Great Yarmouth gig. Very arty shot by stu from Middlesbrough. Dunno how he has the flag red and us in black n white. Quality nonetheless. Ynwa

Make Mine A Double!

2010-07-18T20:19:00.001+01:00

Cometh the hour cometh the cardigan!
Surely not? Football 'cardies'!
Yes Adidas and Liverpool FC doubled up with this beauty in 1986.
The club had just won the league and cup - it was time to celebrate with this gem. Do not make mine a single.
And you thought cardies were just for students sat in bedsits with Smiths teeshirts on?
My nan had vision - she'd often knit me a cardigan for school. I loved them.
So when the club unveiled this little number a 13 year old Dickie Felton was ecstatic.
King Kenny was pictured in cardie clutching the silverware during the team's open top bus tour.
It's Liverpool - the double winners - in cardigans!!
Mine clearly doesn't fit now. But it's ready for my son to adorn with pride.
Surely now Adidas are back on board at Anfield, the club cardigan can make a comeback?
My plea to LFC:
Don't be foolhardy - bring back the cardie!

Celtic 1989 Umbro away!

2010-07-18T19:24:00.001+01:00

Now we are talking outrageous shirts!

I bought this aged 14 off school pal David Ashcroft "ashy".
We were in 5th year at St Mary's College (play The Smiths' Headmaster Ritual and you get the general idea).
Footy made dismal school days half bearable and I was delirious when Ashy sold me this shirt for £5.
He pulled it from his satchel in shame: "I bought this shirt the day it came out - I loved it. Now two weeks on I think it's appalling".
At the time Umbro went for plain safe shirts. This away top for the Hoops was a major departure. I instantly loved it as it stood out so much.
At the time - 89 I think - Celtic fans loved this. Or did they? The call has gone to Hoops guru Paddy Hoey to confirm or deny.
My shirt is still in good nick. Bar a slight gash on the right shoulder.
A stray piece of ash from Hightown fireworks display 1991 to blame.
I bear no grudges tho. I wear this shirt with pride but to strange looks today. People must think me insane for draping this on for a trip to the shops.
My wife goes stoney silent when It adorns my nape.
I still love it. Hail hail!

Liverpool Adidas home 1990

2010-07-18T17:30:00.004+01:00

Commonly, and unfairly labelled "the bird shit shirt" 20 years ago.
Today, it's heralded as one of the greatest football shirts ever.
The fickle, fragile world of football fashion hey?
Loads of lads wouldn't touch this shirt two decades ago. Today they fetch £85-90 on E-bay.
This one pictured - a rather splendid 42-44 inch - fits me like a glove.
What people tend to forget is the reds wore this shirt when we last won the league.
Hansen, Whelan, Rosenthal and er Speedie.
I've kept nearly all my shirts since birth. Bar the 1984 Umbro red home I "gave away" in a moment of charitable madness. Oh and the 1995 "Stan Collymore" red home long sleever was sent to a good home this year too. (top Moz fan kev Kelly in Pub-lin and he did send some top Moz ties in return).
But other than those beauties that slipped thru the net, I have ever other shirt.
And what an investment they are when you see lfc fans going bid-tastic on E-bay.
I met a lad in Penrith last Christmas in a pub and he was wearing a lfc 1988 original Crown Paints home shirt! It cost him £100!
The moral to the story is - yes footy shirts are pricey. But get 2 each time a new version comes out.
Stick one in the loft for two decades then sell it.
When the team kicks off in a few weeks time I will dust down my 1992 red Centenary long sleever. It will be the envy of the Kop - well in my dreams it will be.
What was one fan's junk in 1990 is another's jewel in 2010.
Now I must dig out my 1995 ecru long sleever...

Mother Nature

2010-06-28T22:04:00.000+01:00

Loved a drive or two this week. Took this photo on the route through the Cairngorms from Aboyne to Pitlochry.
Bleak and beautiful.
We are Loving the Highlands. Crapping meself with some of the heights - and fears of toppling over the side of some ravine.
But face it - not much chance of that happening with my average speed of 22mph.
Anyway this pic reminds me of Suede's "sc-fi lullabies" album cover.
We drove through stunning scenery with Cast's underated Mother Nature album as the soundtrack.
Yes - Living The Dream big time.

Rafa - thanks for the memories!

2010-06-03T21:49:00.002+01:00

Especially Istanbul 2005!
Picture of me Kev Tony in Taksim Square on the day Rafa led us to the greatest night in our history...

Rafa Rafa Benitez, Xavi Alonso, Torres And Reina...

2010-06-03T21:26:00.001+01:00

...Or so the old song went merrilly along until Xavi went to Madrid.
Rafa's exit was confirmed today.
Sad but was always gonna happen someday. The most pressing matter is getting rid of the owners. As Gareth Roberts -editor of Well Red wrote tonight: "Getting rid of Rafa is like rearranging deckchairs on The Titanic".
True but it was time for rafa to move on. Best for him, best for us.
Anyone remember Rafa's first game in charge July 2004? where you there?
Wrexham away - pre season friendly.
That night in north Wales I never expected for one moment that this new manager would take us to the European Cup final - and win it in one of the greatest games of all time.
I never expected to be there to witness one of the most momentous nights in our history.
For that alone Rafa will be a legend, a hero, an immortal.
Rafa: Le Saluda Attentamente. YNWA.

How High!

2010-06-02T07:11:00.000+01:00

Top weekend in the city. Fabulous views from everywhere we went. Our debut at Liverpool's Panoramic bar was fun. "A bottle of champers please!" - well you only live once. So 34 floors up, tipsy, misty, watching the ferries a quarter of a mile below.
Slightly bizarre 70s vibe to the decor but it feels right. Almost like you are on a ship. Should've worn my flares and Kojak esqe jacket.
Dunno why the waitresses were dressed like airline trolley dollys from a bad eastern European airline.
Paniramic is high but not that high. I remember a pint at the Hyatt San Diego in 2003 where I was so far up in the sky I looked down on the helicopters whizzing about below.
But still thumbs up for Panoramic.
Hey, the blog has suddenly turned into a bar review.
No bad thing, one for the road anyone?

Waterloo Sunset

2010-05-15T21:26:00.000+01:00

Another day in paradise. Sunny in "Costa del Crosby". Freezing like, cold wind comin in off Liverpool Bay. Well you can't have everything. And it didn't stop me and me ma getting ice cream 99ers in.
Saw lots of houses down the front with roof conversions - huge sun decks - in L23. Classic. I guess you need to make the most of the views: The sea, the iron men, the ACL container ship headed to Philadelphia - or wherever.
I fancy one of those sun decks meself. Only issue is Felton Towers is "side on" to the sea.
So we could clutch our Pimms and stare out at the waves - if we er lean a lot to our left.
Lots of palm trees down here nowadays too. Merseyside on Med. My culinary feast tonight refected the air of sun and sea: Pasta, pesto, fresh toms, and Avacado.
Just on glass number one of Californian Rose. Mmmmmmmm here comes the sun.

Blue Thunder

2010-05-03T07:31:00.000+01:00

Damon and Naomi playing in an atmospheric church last night with their atmospheric sounds. What a night. A throw-back to 1990 and 2010.
Yes the music has the same vibe from that long-ago era but retains a fresh lovely chord in this world. Amazing.
And as patrons of the St Phillips church sat mesmerised me and colin were transfixed also: "we watched these 20 years and three months ago. And it still feels like yesterday."
Last song was a beautiful version of Galaxie 500 anthem "Blue Thunder". Which was as moving a rendition I've heard all decade.
It was a pleasure to be at the Sounds From Another City festival last night.
I'm now going up into my loft to dig out my old Galaxie vinyl. Blue Thunder/Ceremony 12 inch first on my hunt followed by This Is Our Music.
I think Galaxie 500 were the first band that encouraged me to pick up a guitar.
And 20 years three months on, they continue to inspire.

- Random tales from the road. And if there's anywhere we should be, it's "on the road".

A long time ago in a Galaxie far far away

2010-05-01T22:46:00.001+01:00

Twenty years ago I witnessed one of the greatest gigs of my life. The Sundays supported by American group Galaxie 500.
It was the first and last time I'd been on the very front row of a gig.
Me and pal Colin Stewart and a lad i only know as "woody" were mad into The Sundays.
Manchester University was the tiny venue. Rammed.
It was a cold February in 1990. I was 16 clumsy and shy. It was amazing.
Galaxie, dreamy simple sings with atmosphere and more atmosphere. Floating bass lines, totally mesmerising.
And tomorrow (Sunday) me and Colin roll back the years as two members of Galaxie play live again. Damon and Naomi play at Sounds From The Other City in Salford.
Will they recreate anything like the dreamy night from two decades ago?

Under slate grey victorian skies

2010-05-01T12:54:00.001+01:00

Greased tea, vintage charity shops, two wild ties for £5.99. Manchester Manchester Manchester. Sun trying to peep thru and sometimes succeeding. Haven't done this in ages. Piccadilly Records, The Cornerhouse, Manchester Art Gallery. City fans resplendent in sky blue and with hope. Clarets here too and enjoying cold beer ahead of Eastlands duel.

Just life but lovely.

London's a very big place...

2010-04-30T07:23:00.000+01:00

Savouring a cold pint of San Miguel after the excellent Museum Next conference in the big smoke.
Shattered after the late night watching LFC crash out of Europa League.
The loss of the game and loss of sleep coupled with the 5.30am alarm call means I'm pooped.
But I'm not done yet. A few cheeky ales then catching train to Manchester "so much to answer for".
Anyway this is my first effort at blogging on the go. Very serious photo - check out the bags under me eyes!

A Night Like This - The Cure New York City 2004

2010-04-24T21:04:00.003+01:00

Totally lost on deserted streets with only the Manhattan Bridge a recognisable landmark, Latta insisted we give up our search.
"The Cure would not be having an aftershow party around here. Let's go back to our hotel."
Then a light, a bar, a line of people.
Delancy's seemed an unlikely venue for an aftershow party by a band that had just played to 50,000 fans at New York City's Randall's Island.
Slightly beat-up, slightly dimly lit and standing room only.
Latta: "Are you sure we are in the right place?"
We looked like typical Brits abroad. Cargo shorts, tee shirts and sunburn.
Of course we weren't really meant to be at an aftershow party by The Cure at all.
We'd spent the day watching the likes of Muse, Interpol and Robert Smith's headliners
during a one day music festival in the Big Apple.
To get to Randalls Island involved a ferry trip up the East River.
After a day and night of music and Budweiser we jumped aboard the
ferry back to the bustling metropolis.
Amazingly aftershow passes suddenly appeared from Julie and pal who'd be working on the gig: "We can't make the aftershow party - why don't you guys go?"
So we'd marched into Delancy's quite confidently with our "Cure Catering" i d.
But as the Brooklyn Beer flowed no sign of the legendary group.
Until: "lads, with those passes you need to be up top".
We were led upstairs and out onto a rooftop terrace. Palm trees,decking, music industry types and me and Latta.
One NYC "it girl" seemed bemused by our passes and our identities:"You know it's very unusual for an English band to bring caterers over from England for one of their shows..."
Latta: "The Cure are very particular over their food and insisted we make the trip with them."
Moments later the band appeared.
Guitarist Perry Bamonte was chatty. Then Robert Smith himself appeared.
He was so friendly. We chatted for a bit and I recalled a Cure gig from 1991 at Liverpool Royal Court.
"You were part of one of the best days of my life. I'd watched Liverpool beat Manchester United to stop them winning the league and then I came into town to celebrate by watching The Cure play in my city.
"And when you walked on stage your first words were 'What a great result today'!
"And all these years I thought - wow Robert Smith is a Liverpool fan."
Robert Smith: "yes but I'm not a Liverpool fan."
Me: "what?" 15 years I'd been misleading myself.
Robert Smith: "No mate - I support Queens Park Rangers."
Me: "So why the 'What a great result today' comment?"
Robert Smith: "I just f@@@@@@ hate Manchester United!"
What a man.

The Rocky Road To Dublin 2001 - meeting Michael Stipe

2010-04-04T17:10:00.001+01:00

I know he looks visibly shaken. An encounter with me is an ordeal at the worst of times. And I had consumed a few more Guinness than I could hold - but still...
It's not every day that one of your heroes walks by. And you need to make the most of it when they do.
Dublin September 2001 and a lads' cheeky weekend in the emerald isle turns crazy.
Latta spotted him first from our perch in a boozer overlooking Temple Bar.
"I tell you what that fella walking past doesn't half look like Michael Stipe outta REM.
"Hang on...it is Michael Stipe!"
So I run out like a looney, pints crashing to the floor.
"Michael, excuse me, could I have a quick photo?"
Nice as pie he obliges.
Me: "I'm Dickie from Liverpool and just in Dublin for the weekend."
Michael Stipe: "I love Liverpool."
Me: "I love Country feedback. It's my favourite REM song."
Michael Stipe: "It's my favourite REM song too."
Sturggling to find an Irish punt note for him to sign, I pull out £20 sterling and clutching a biro the singer signs away.
Lovely. What a gentleman.
I spend the rest of the night recounting my momentous Michael Stipe meeting to anyone who'll listen.
Happy days.

Got any I-D?

2010-03-31T08:36:00.007+01:00

Those truly nice people at I-D Magazine have featured me and the book in May's edition. So there I am in the "Home is Where the Heart is" issue alongside Jedward, Mary J Blige, fashionistas, the 'face of now' Dree Hemmingway and Natalie Vodianova (pictured). Which er is exactly the place I should be!
I-D has everything: dresses by Stella McCartney, Ads by Gucci and Chanel and me dressed my 1991 vintage Morrissey tee with Sixty ripped jeans.
It's quite a hefty tome and in case it takes you a while to find my interview - it's on page 227.
Terribly nice words from editor Ben Reardon who likes me book - what a man. Ben writes: "The Day I Met Morrissey is a close encounter of the most intimate kind, where fans the world over recount their up close experiences.
"Hero worship, a hobby, an illness, an obsession, whatever you call it, you can be sure that after all, some lights never go out."
Quite.

We've made the top ten!

2010-03-05T11:51:00.004Z

Legendary Manchester record store Piccadilly Records lists "The Day I Met Morrissey" in
it's top 10 of top reads.
Quite proud! And er only just found out.
This follows a few Waterstones stores having our book in it's "most recommended" sections.
I love Piccadilly Records and Waterstones. Cheers guys.

www.piccadillyrecords.com/shop/feature.php?feature=637

The Day I Met Boz Boorer...

2010-02-28T20:58:00.015Z

Struggling to sup even an ounce more Guinness and with the clock edging towards 1am, it was time for me to call it a night. Boz Boorer, aimable as usual had been in great spirits but also succumbed to tiredness. After a thrilling show at Dublin's National Stadium the troops were flagging. The last European date of Morrissey's 2009 Swords tour had been a ball.

A tiny venue, more accustomed to bouts not bands, had witnessed an amazing gig. Good craic? Amazing craic. It had been my tenth and last Morrissey gig of the year. A dimly lit and very rowdy Bruxelles bar, tucked off Grafton Street, provided the scene for the post show nightcap. Boz told us how he would travel to the next date on the tour - Seattle - early. Moz and the rest of the band would follow him a day later. Boz, the model professional, wanted to get to Seattle asap: "to get over the jet-lag".

Other than watching Boz play live 70+ times I can't say that I actually "know him". But of course in nearly 20 years of concert going, accidental brushes with Morrissey's band have been regular.

The first December 1992 in the tiny pub next to the Manchester Apollo. Boz and Gary Day signed autographs and gave an impromptu fanzine interview just moments before appearing with Morrissey for the singer's first Manchester gig since The Smiths.

Boz appeared on stage that night in a dress.

In 1999 outside Liverpool Royal Court a playful Boz and Alain Whyte talked football with us and posed for pics (see above). What top guys.

The pair in absolute zero rush to go anywhere, laughed, joked and even read me and Ian Latta's copy of the Liverpool Echo.

In 2004 the Lowry Hotel Manchester - in the bar (is there a theme running here?) - was the scene for drinkies and chats with Boz et al.

The bespeckled guitarist resplendent in quiff and Converse teeshirt. Deano the drummer in fine form too and on the hunt for busy clippers: "Have you anything I can use to shave my head?"

The local hostelry is usually the best place to spot Boz pre gig. He seems to like Liverpool bars in particular.

In 2006 it was Hope Street's grand Philharmonic Pub (maybe he'd heard that the marble toilets in there are the finest in the country?). Then more recently in 2009 it was Dr Duncans before the Empire gig.

My fave Boz memory took place in a hotel bar (where else?). The Silver Birch Hotel Omagh, May 2009. Again late night drinks and all beaming after a super gig, assorted fans joined Boz and Jessie Tobias to chat and share tales until 4am. It was a spectacular session.

Oh ok, I am being a bit silly.

My best Boz moments absolutely always come in the concert halls.

He is one of the best songwriters and guitarists around. Live he is superb: intense, sometimes brooding, but most of the time a whole lot of fun.

And what songs he has written. A few of my personal faves: Jack The Ripper, Spring-Heeled Jim, The More You Ignore Me The Closer I Get, Reader Meet Author, Come Back to Camden, The World is Full of Crashing Bores, I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris.

Morrissey without Boz would not be Morrissey.

Mr Boorer: a music legend up there with 'J Maher' or whatever he's called...

Only stone and steel...

2010-02-16T13:08:00.008Z

The new era began with a burst water main and a flooded lift shaft.
Was this my once employers United Utilities trying to tell me something?
Not that I really minded the arduous 100 step climb to my new post.
It's a good workout, much cheaper than a gym membership. And when you
get to the top what views...
To the east: World Museum, Walker Art Gallery,St Georges Hall. To the west: Radio City Tower gives the Pool a Berliner feel while the Anglican Cathedral hovers in the distance.
On a clear day you can see all the way to Woolton (is that house sold yet? Yes and no).
My new office is sandwiched between two pubs. I told you it was a picturesque spot.
To our left the world famous Ship n Mitre. Fruli anyone? To our right
The Excelsior. Hey even our office used to be the headquarters for Higsons brewery. Ale ale everywhere and not a drop to drink. Once inside the new team are very friendly. Our den has a real newspaper office feel to it. They even have an old TV's Press Gang poster on the wall which is quite cute. I feel quite the Julia Sawalha editor-type-figure, minus the hair. Culture is everywhere.

And mistake me if I'm wrong but there are photos of some fella called Morrissey across the office. And it wasn't me that stuck them up. I seem to have walked into the Morrissey fan club National Museums Liverpool branch.
Seven days in and the job seems amazing. I've been to five of the museums and galleries so far. I do feel a bit like Ben Stiller in Night At The Museum. It's so exciting.
And last Tuesday was the peak. A staff sneak preview inside the new Museum of Liverpool. Like a mini Guggenheim the stone and steel gleams imposingly at the Pier Head. Once inside it seems massive with it's vast expanses ready to be fitted out.
It will be the biggest city museum to be built in 100 years. Opening in Spring 2011 it will tell the story of the city and it's people: The Beatles! Doddy! The Spion Kop! It makes you proud to be a Liverpudlian.

So there I was on Day Two clutching a glass of vino staring out from the new venue overlooking the River Mersey. Living the dream or what?

It's quite a thrill to be here, doing this, in this city surrounded by the grandeur.
And there is a New York type feel to liverpool these days. The noise! The buzz! It's like Manhattan on Mersey...
How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Have a nice day!

National Museums Liverpool...Day One!

2010-02-07T22:17:00.004Z

I start my new job tomorrow - in the city of my birth. Amazingly it's the first time I ever worked in my own city! (at the ECHO I was home based most of the time). So there. Yes very excited. Liverpool = Paradise. Especially after a Derby win.

Dickie Felton The Keep Britain Tidy Years...

2010-02-05T15:03:00.003Z

"There is a place in the sun for anyone who has the will to chase one and I think that I have found mine…”

I first arrive by rail in Wigan on a freezing February Friday. The steamy Station Café the scene for pre-interview prep and cheese omelette.

And what super sights greet: “The Way We Were” museum (closed), The Orwell pub (closed) and the 'famous' Wigan Pier ('is that it?'). First to negotiate is an insanely busy one way system.

My interrogators turn out to be two of the friendliest souls ever. But their questions pack a punch.

I try my best with answers to: “What’s your biggest weakness?“ while my good friend Ian Latta paces the Elizabeth House reception two floors below, eager to get us on our way…

For that very night we are due 150 miles away in Sunderland to watch Morrissey in the flesh. (Did I tell you I quite like this singer?)

The last candidate of a long day, I convince Ginette Unsworth and Ian Clayton that Dickie Felton is the man to drive Keep Britain Tidy’s PR dream.

The interview must have gone OK. As we depart Wigan for snowy Sunderland a mobile awoke. Gin offers me the job. We slam on the brakes in shock to pick up celebratory Tetleys and a curly wurly.

The drive up that night wasn’t easy. Latta edged carefully through snow and sleet, I edged carefully through my four pack. When we eventually make it to the Sunderland Empire Morrissey takes to the stage and changes lyrics of a Smiths song.

His cryptic wordplay includes a one-off lyric change about ‘high rise estates in Bootle’. It’s a secret message to yours truly. It means he likes my plans for a book that centres around his 48-year-old frame.

Once in post I was shocked to find everyone so friendly (believe me it’s rarer than a Liverpool FC Premiership title). My first pals include the then stores man Andrew Burns and fellow Scouser Natalie Forrester. Chris De Sa instantly shakes my hand and takes me to an upmarket eatery - the delights of the Old Mill Café.

Could things get any better? They could. Outside work, I’m married in the Palma sun www.hotel-migjorn.com and toasting a new wife and job. On my first day back at work we stick a 30 foot cigarette butt in Trafalgar Square. It is the start of a whirlwind two years at the PR helm of England’s anti-litter charity.

My boss Gin is cool - the best ever. When not offering encouragement at our latest PR whizz she's very understanding: “take time off to finish your book”. I get a new nickname - "Rupee". Louise Marsden pokes fun at my attire: “You look like you should be working for Virgin trains in that get-up” and on wearing tweed pants: “Look! it’s Toad of Toad Hall.”

FYI tonight I wear Versace/Paul Smith and the aroma is pure Comme des Garcons Incense Avignon Series 3 (http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/section/1/item/21900/brand/Comme_des_Garcons_Series_3:_Incense/Avignon.html)

I secretly begin to love Wigan and all its quirks. Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, Stores Joe’s Northern Soul obsession. The language intrigues: “All that caper” becomes a personal fave. It’s “all reet” a common greeting. People here are legends.

London trips were always a thrill: chauffeur driven to TV studios (BBC paying!) and sometimes a cheeky vino or three before the last train home. Thirsty Natalie Forrester always leading me astray.

I thought I’d do the odd radio interview. But what followed was dramatic and so much fun. National TV, GMTV! BBC! SKY! Sat in make-up with Jade Goody and that bloke out of Boyzone…

There was a great air of adventure as interviews followed with Nicky Campbell, John Humphreys, James Whale, George Galloway, Paul Ross, Penny Smith, Vanessa Feltz. Even John Craven – how could I forget? - my first proper TV appearance on a windswept Broadstairs Beach.

Sitting on the GMTV sofa I take quite a shine to the charming and extremely chatty Fiona Phillips. But did she take a shine to me? In my dreams her wink at the end of the interview says it all. Mrs Felton not impressed.

Things get better, Phil and Gin let me build a team. Like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley only the best would do.

Fiona Ashurst (nee Birkett) is the new Pepe Reina – dependable, loyal and partial to the odd run upfield to make big headlines. For six magic minutes on September 1st 2008 Fiona appears on BBC Breakfast and I appear on GMTV - simultaneously - a Keep Britain Tidy monopoly of the mainstream media.

Six months later Jill Partington believes in fate to get her date with our company. “Lady” Partington - a Stevie Gerrard-like motivator takes less than 60 seconds to feel at home and makes an instant impression. A busy day, a sudden phone call to the press office: Jill answers: "You're Kirstie who?", and then proceeds to almost faint: "Oh my God - I've got Kirstie Allsopp on the phone!"

New web writer Nic Peate is like Fernando Torres, young and unstoppable. She suddenly has a queue of people at her desk – most of them male. There is no silo working for Nic - she's doing work for almost everyone in the company. The dream team is complete.

Or is it? One more addition to team Felton…

Frankie John, a miracle baby if ever there was one, and he eventually shows up two weeks late. Weighing seven pounds seven he arrives in room seven. Mum and dad still can’t believe how lucky we are.

Another miracle occurs – my book “The Day I Met Morrissey” is well received by most people - even Morrissey. A big thrill when he asks for me by name and calls my work “very attractive”. Thanks to everyone who bought it. Karyn Fullerton bought the first, Mary Lyons bought three - one for her brother in Chicago and his exotic sounding friend Rocco (or something like that). But disaster, Mary informs me that her copy caught fire in the sun during a holiday trip. I told you it was hot stuff. John Marsh trudges slowly over wet sand and wins the tome (ahem the booby prize) at the Blackpool staff conference. FYI: Book still available in all bad bookshops and selected Waterstones, Amazon.co.uk and of course my website: www.thedayimetmorrissey.com.

Work continues apace. We have many successes in the media. We get some great coverage always with a smile on our face. Two gongs come our way at the CIPR awards.

Er, we won’t mention hiccups with temps, my poor performance in the Fantasy League, or the “L” word (ok, we will - Leeds Leeds Leeds!). But it all adds to the spice of life.

But like everything – nothing lasts forever. National Museums Liverpool calls, and for a Scouser like me – it’s a dream move. Sleepless nights over and over but I make up my mind. Telling Gin and then you all heartbreaking.

A Wednesday lunch with the trustees and so many great faces and suddenly my leaving is becoming very real. It was like “This is Your Life” with Gin Unsworth cast as Eammon Andrews. Or maybe a Big Brother eviction were Davina shows your best bits. To say I was moved and eternally grateful is an understatement.

And what amazing gifts. A Liverpool FC silver pen, engraved! My very own OK magazine cover, and tickets to see comedian Dave Gorman. I’m shocked and thrilled. I’d spent the last month or so reading Dave's book – highly recommended “America Unchained” - www.davegorman.com. He seems quite eccentric. I think I'd get on with him.

Thanks to everyone for being so thoughtful. I never quite worked out how or why I seemed to achieve such cult status here. Answers on a postcard please.

Please remember that my "Ok-style-beautiful-home" is keen to welcome visitors. We are always in - "Ours is a simples life".

Dickie takes a bow on a freezing February Friday. Who knows what the next years hold? Who knows what the next ten minutes hold?

With so much good wishes to so many nice people. I’m so humbled by your kindness.

Remember Tears are TV gold: At the end of a storm there’s always a golden sky.

Keep healthy and Keep Britain Tidy.

Wine For My Men We Ride At Dawn.

My face leaves town on the 20:24.

love always

Dickie
Wigan, February 2010.

dickiefelton@yahoo.com

My Last Day At Keep Britain Tidy

2010-02-05T13:48:00.002Z

My last day at Keep Britain Tidy !! ahh tears and hankies ! ! really gutted gonna miss them all so much x x

Just at my leaving lunch! Me and 8 gorgeous girls! It's a hard life! Clicky