We Could Be Heroes

                                          David Bowie 8th January 1947- 10th January 2016

It's hard to believe 5 years has passed since Bowie left us. Still hurts and still cant believe he has gone. As a mark of respect I will be watching the live stream of Lazarus on Friday. This is what I wrote 5 years ago..

In Memory of My Bond, James Bond

I remember my first ever outing to the cinema to watch Bond on the big screen. I remember every detail about that first experience. It wasn't like it was my first experience of Bond or even Roger Moore as Bond but your first ever cinema experience of 007 is important. John Glenn said that he thinks who you count as 'your' Bond is guided by who you first see on the big screen. So I queued up excitedly with my Dad at Bournemouth ABC cinema in the summer of 1985 and staring at the film poster. Dad and I always see new Bond films together and it is a tradition that we still honour today, but it started on that day. Roger Moore was fantastic, as always, sophisticated and wise cracking. There was no doubt in my mind that this was going to be the best Bond film ever. View To A Kill gripped me from its opening moments to the, now iconic end action sequence with Christopher Walken's chilling bad guy. I will never forget that moment and I owe it to Sir Roger Moore and his portrayal of my favourite spy of all time. I will be honest and say he isn't my favourite Bond but he will always be MY Bond.

So, I am saddened by today's news that Roger Moore has passed away and, even though he had long since re holstered his Walther PPK, Moore was always a strong and outspoken in regards to the need for future actors to keep to the character that Fleming himself created. I always found this ironic as the wise cracking Bond that Moore portrayed was somewhat removed to the Bond of the novels. What was Moore supposed to do? He couldn't out Connery, Sean could he? Moore was a talented actor with a huge range at his disposal and so his portrayal of the iconic Spy was always going to be radically different to what had gone before. Moore's portrayal of Bond reminded me very much of his role as The Saint in the TV series of the same name. I do recall watching re runs of The Saint but Moore was always Bond for me!

Roger Moore was a British Icon and embodied everything that is loved and respected from the British Film Industry of yesteryear. Well spoken, self effacing and with the sparkle in his eyes that will never ever be forgotten. Today, we learnt of the loss of an amazing actor who delivered many great film performances but for me, I have lost My Bond!

Sir Roger Moore 14th October 1927- 23rd May 2017

The Force Will Be With You Always

"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened."...

Que?? In Memory Of Andrew Sachs

Andrew Sachs was Manuel to me, as he was to countless other fans of the timeless comedy series Fawlty Towers. I fell in love with the loveable, if clueless, waiter since I was a small boy. I can still quote the episodes backwards, forwards and completely out of order. Sachs' astonishing tag teaming with John Cleese's bullish Manager was the backbone of the programs two series run. A consummate professional, Sachs would often tell of the moments where he would encourage Cleese to hit him harder so it looked believable. So many classic Manuel moments to enjoy but for me it has to be the wonderful episode with Manuel's pet hamster. "Cuddle that and you'll never play the guitar again" retorts Basil! I honestly couldn't tell you whether Sach's faltering Spanish was realistic but, for me, it was the source of much hilarity and provided a harmless and inoffensive humour which lends Fawlty Towers a timeless quality.

Sachs had been suffering from dementia and has finally lost his brave battle to the illness, aged 86. Dementia has now overtaken heart disease in the number of deaths it is responsible for and with media attention increasing, we must focus on a cure for this terrible thief of life. I join with the countless fans and admirers around the world who send their heart felt sympathies to Andrew's family, friends and those who had the privilege of working with him. Thank you for providing us with so many smiles and so much laughter.

Andrew Sachs 7th April 1930- 23rd November 2016

In Memory of Michael Massee

Sad news that Michael Massee passed away on October 20th 2016 aged only 61. Massee will be a known face to many television and film fans around the globe. I loved him as Ira Gaines in the 2002 series of 24 and as Charles Hoyt in Rizzoli and Isles. Many of you would be forgiven, on hearing his name, for not knowing who he was but you will have enjoyed his considerable acting skills. For me, Massee was one of those incredibly important actors who used his amazing talent not to gain huge celebrity status but to act and perform on a wide range of projects. Massee was a grafter who worked hard at whatever character he was asked to bring to life. Not all actors gain or even seek the so called celebrity status that seems so often to be what is used to measure success. I have far more respect for actors who focus on the quality of their performance and are reliable in delivering what was expected of them than those that feel the need to constantly self promote. Massee was the latter and yet he always had time and a smile for fans, whether meeting them at Cons or on the street.

The film industry needs more talented creatives like Massee and the world is a lesser place after he has left it. What has also riled me is that the so called big and glossy sites have chosen to focus on the only incident that Massee was present for but that had nothing to do with him. This incident will not get mentioned in any specific detail by me, a fan who also wants to respect his grieving family at this difficult time. Are we really living in a society that an accident which took the life of another actor is what we are using to remember someone by? Shame on you Variety and any other so called professional outlet that so belittles acting and talented people by reducing the body of their work to a byline compared to more sensational headlines. I choose to remember the many and varied roles so successfully brought to screen by an actor who tirelessly worked to provide entertainment for the public. Focusing on the positive contribution he made to an industry which is crying out for talented actors is something I will always be grateful for.

My little blog may not get as many reads as Variety does but I would like to think Massee will be remembered respectfully and with much tenderness by someone who really enjoyed his work.

Michael Massee: 16th August 1955 - 20th October 2016

In Memory- Caroline Aherne

Caroline Aherne passed away on Saturday 2nd July 2016 having battled lung cancer since 2014. 2016 is only half way through and is the worst in my memory for the loss of astounding talent...

In Memory- Prince

Prince June 7th 1958 - April 21st 2016

Purple Rain, remember when you first heard it? I do, it was one of those horrible school disco things. The ones that used to serve tepid coke and mars bars for 10p, proper sized mars bars not the excuses they sell now. It was 1984 and I was 9 and I remember not dancing, I didn't and still don't. but listening open mouthed to Purple Rain and thinking that it was unlike anything I had ever heard before. The now iconic guitar licks and that voice starts, this for me was the song Prince could never ever better. I liked When Doves Cry but I loved Purple Rain, for me it showcases everything I loved about Prince. Achingly vulnerable lyrics and a voice that you could recognise anywhere but the guitar work on the song and arrangement simply just doesn't age and is still just as magnificent.

I kind of lost track of Prince once he entered his odd 'Symbol' phase so I limit my adoration to pre Symbol albums. Sadly, I never got a chance to see him live but if you can, check out some of his performances and see how he holds the audience in his hand. Ultimate showman and talented musician. Prince's legacy will stand for all time alongside all of the greats, those that really produced something of worth and will never ever be forgotten. I'm sorry if this is a little disjointed but right now that's all I've got- I will end this with some words from the man himself......

Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today

2 get through this thing called life

Electric word life

It means forever and that's a mighty long time

But I'm here 2 tell u

There's something else

The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness

U can always see the sun, day or night

Good night my sweet.....

In Memory: Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas February 12, 1945 - April 13, 2016

Sad news today that Gareth Thomas, or Roj Blake as I've always known him, has died aged only 71...

In Memory Of Paul Daniels

My childhood memories have been under constant attack this year with the passing of many significant people...

In Memory - Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy

My memories of the iconic figure that was Leonard Nimoy and vows he will live long and prosper in our hearts and memories...

Alan Rickman

21st February 1946- 14th January 2016

Alan Rickman, died today and yet again no words seem good enough....

James Horner: Thank You For The Music

James Horner sadly lost his life in a plane accident yesterday, his contribution to film scores means that he will never be forgotten and neither will his work...

May Great A'Tuin Carry You To The Discworld In The Sky

David Martin remembers Terry Pratchett who moved on today to the great Discworld beyond...