FROM THE BASEMENT TO LONDON

It seems like I've known Suzanne and Rod forever. As proprietors of The Basement Discs (THE best record store on the planet - no discussion necessary, and yes, I've been to Amoeba!) in Melbourne since its inception in the early 90's, and before that at Discurio, they have provided me with much of my life's soundtrack to such an extent that I accept their recommendations unheard.

 So it was an unexpected pleasure early in the year when they wrote expressing a desire to visit London for the first time in over 20 years. Rod is an avid prog rock fan - isn't everybody? - and he had discovered that after a 32 year absence, the mighty KING CRIMSON (quite possibly Rod's very favourite band) were to play in London - and he had tickets!

And so Suzanne and Rod were the next to arrive at Terminal 3 on the 2nd September, and it was great to welcome them. During the course of their stay (split in half by a trip to Paris), music was high on the agenda. But best of all was that they became locals, heading off each day to explore the lesser published delights of London (e.g. Columbia Road Flower Market, Daunt Books, Cecil Sharp House spring readily to mind)

and settling into our home like family, and despite my (very mild) protests, Suzanne even cooked for us (and she's a whiz - even freezing some dishes for us before they left). (Editorial Note: sadly, I have very little in the way of photographs. We were burgled and all Don L's camera equipment was stolen whilst we all slept in the house. Most importantly though, nobody was hurt, and the images of Suzanne and Rod's visit are at least etched in our memories).

There were artists Suzanne also wished to see and we headed out to Guildford, to a tiny pub called The Keep (packed with less than 100 people),

where we saw a memorable concert by young American troubadour Ryley Walker and his band - yes, the very same Ryley who released my choice of Album Of The Year. He was fabulous and is not to be missed (he's touring Oz early in the new year and I understand will do an in-store at Basement Discs - be there!!).

On the Saturday we strolled through Portobello Road market, visiting the two legendary record stores there - Rough Trade and Honest Jon's, nibbled on the local delicacies and scoured the vintage clothing stores - I do believe Suzanne was successful!

Portobello Pizzeria

We enjoyed dinner that evening at The Grove, a gastro pub on Ealing Broadway.

Four nights later was the big event at the Hackney Empire. Rod left several hours earlier to take in everything (Don L had school pick-up!), and the theatre itself was stunning. After watching/listening to Robert Fripp lead his latest KC incarnation (including no less than 3 drummers!) through a 2 hour set of their greatest moments, it's fair to say that Rod was like a kid in a lolly shop, with a smile that would put a Cheshire cat to shame. It was a spectacularly good show.

A visit to the Tate Modern was followed by nibbling our way around Borough Market and procuring delicious 'happy hour' food. Some things just have to be done when visiting London, no matter how often you've been, and afternoon tea at one of the premier locations is a must. Suzanne booked and we strolled down Piccadilly to the renowned Wolseley, London's finest cafe designed in the grand European tradition - it wouldn't be hard for one to get used to this! A bottomless array of finger licking delicacies was eagerly consumed, making dinner that evening somewhat redundant.

What's under the lid?

England is the spiritual  home of pub food, and indeed pubs in general. With their hanging baskets and unusual names, they can be works of art. A leisurely 20 minute stroll from home is the Wheatsheaf, a lovely little pub whose dining room motto borrows from Oscar Wilde - "I can't resist anything except temptation". The food is scrumptious.

OMG - all that for one

How will I possibly eat it?

Of course...knife and fork

The night before the Paris trip, it was off to the Shepherd's Bush O2  for a ring-a-ding dose of Tex-Mex from the mighty Mavericks. The O2 is a standing venue (thank goodness) and the place was rockin'. They really are one of the very best 'feel good' bands on the planet, a 'no brainer' if they're playing near you.

Don Legsy helped out on bass for a few songs

After a week away visiting Jim Morrison's burial place, there were only a couple of nights left before the return to Block Place, and Dulcinea and I wanted to end it memorably for them. Suzanne and Rod, like us, love the music of the incomparable Richard Thompson, who just happened to be in town, touring his new album and playing 'electric' with his band. What better way for our friends to bid adieu than watching one of the globe's premier guitarist/songwriters peel the paint off the walls of the Royal Festival Hall. Now that's puttin' a cherry on top!!

The LegsyBoys have all loved having Suzanne and Rod stay, and too soon it was time for them to go, after all, vinyl doesn't sell itself you know! Don't panic, we all went to Paolo's for dinner and magic tricks on the last night. BUT WAIT....there's a twist. Robert Fripp was obviously pleased with the reception he received after 3 decades away, and has announced another KC European tour next year, starting with 2 shows (the only 2 in the UK!) at Friars Aylesbury (about an hour away)....and the 21st century schizoid men have got tickets to both nights!! So thanks for coming and see you next September Suzanne and Rod!!!!