Tribute to Mac on his birthday
Yesterday was the birthday of Ian ‘Mac’ McLagan and to celebrate here is a real treat from Rick Galusha who interviewed Ian for his podcast, This episode contains two phone interviews from March ’01 and December 03, Over to Rick to introduce the podcast…enjoy!
The phone rang, it was Mac.
“Rick, do you know what comes after two margaritas?” he asked.
“A phone call?”
“NO! Three margaritas! Har, har.”
Such was the lubricated wit of Ian McLagan (Small Faces, Faces: Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg). While we were never close friends, Ian made you feel like you were one of the gang and in on every joke. I was impressed by how unguarded and trusting he was.
During a showcase at SXSW, Mac was invited to meet noted New Orleans keyboard player Henry Butler. Seeing him go fan-boy made it obvious why he treated others so kindly: he knew what meeting someone you admired meant. Later, we drank beers and talked music – the difference of course he lived it and, clearly, Rod was just some guy he’d hired to sing in HIS band.
“Har har” he laughed, “Here, here, listen to this. It’s gwreat.” It was a phone message from Ron Wood and Rod Stewart. Clearly plastered, they had been listening to the four-CD Faces boxset that McLagan had just put together. Mac was ecstatic: it was obvious he adored Ronnie. Just a couple of lads, nice boys I’ve heard, when they’re asleep.
I hope you enjoy my interview. Ian’s charm and tolerance of my awkwardness were just another indication of his warmth and humanity. He was special. It was a great joy to meet him and feel like, if only for a brief moment, what it was like to be a part of London’s swinging music scene.
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/kiwrblues/episodes/2022-03-28T06_25_37-07_00
Happy 100th Birthday Maud
On Friday Rod helped Maud from Ashlyn Care Home in Harlow, Essex celebrate her 100th birthday over a coffee…Maud even got a peck on the cheek [Main Photo]
Maud is an active lady that likes to take trips into the local town and play an active part in her community. Whilst walking along the high street, Maud and team member, Toni spotted Sir Rod. They were both surprised and star-struck to see him but went over and asked if he would sit with Maud and have a cup of tea, as a belated birthday gift!
Rod happily said he would join Maud for a cup of tea outside a local coffee shop. Maud was overjoyed and couldn’t believe she was sharing a table with Rod Stewart! Rod was also delighted to hear about her recent birthday in April and gave her a signed picture as an extra treat.
Maud told SMILER this week “I felt very important and couldn’t believe the team helped this to come true. Rod was a very very nice man, we sat and chatted for about 30 minutes. We talked about music and Rod was asking how I was.
It brought back so many lovely memory’s as I’ve always loved his music and been interested in him as a person. I still can’t believe my luck and I have put copies of the photos he gave me up on my wall alongside other special photos of my family.”
Maud’s final words were, “I felt good what more can I say.”
This weeks Rod Art
This week we have a brilliant acrylic caricature of Rod titled ‘Rockin Rod’ by artist Phil Meatchem who is based in Sydney, Australia.
Phil told SMILER this week ‘Rockin Rod’ was part of an art exhibition of mine that featured stylized caricatures of all my favourite rock and roll icons. Naturally Rod was an important piece of that show.
To see more great artwork by Phil go to https://www.facebook.com/phil.meatchem/
Yve wins photo award
Congratulations to SMILER photographer Yve Paige who won the The Hailes Cup for photography for this superb close up shot of Rod.
Celtic win title
Celtic held Dundee United to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night, the result was all they needed to be crowned Scottish champions with a game left to play, Rod who had flown back to America through the week beamed with pride as he posted a picture on Instagram posing by a Beverly Hills sign. He wrote: “Celts are Champions again! @celticfc
Football For Change
Rod has become a patron of the Football for Change project, And this week he praised Jamie Carragher and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their significant involvement in the ‘Football For Change’ scheme.
Rod attended Football For Change inaugural gala dinner in November which raised £250,000 to support disadvantaged young people among the communities who face barriers unlocking their full potential.
Explaining why he is ‘proud’ to be a patron of the charity, Rod said: “The power of football to break down barriers and bring people together is exemplified through Football For Change. “This initiative has united some of the world’s biggest football names, celebrities and business leaders into a unique and powerful collaboration to change lives.
“Everyone involved, including myself, are bound together by a collective goal to give young people from communities affected by poverty and deprivation, the chance to build brighter futures. I am proud to be its patron. Massive credit to Jamie Carragher, Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold for launching this. What fantastic role models.”
Jamie Carragher, co-chair of the initiative, added: “To have Sir Rod Stewart involved in Football For Change is absolutely incredible. He already does amazing work with the Celtic Foundation and I have no doubt that will only continue with our charity to support disadvantaged young people across the UK.
“I am honoured he is our patron. It will help us drive Football For Change to new levels and help even more youngsters who face serious barriers to unlocking their full potential.”
Watch out for a special exclusive report on the gala dinner by Jamie’s mum Paula in Issue 101 of SMILER coming soon!!
Celebrating the life of Phil Chen
The Phil Chen Facebook page is holding a livestream of Phil’s Celebration of Life! they will be sharing the URL a week prior to the event so be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/PhilChenBass on the day!
Gary Barlow and Rod Stewart – Crooner Sessions
We came across this great video yesterday..The very talented comedic impressionist Stevie Riks has come up with this hilarious sketch based on the crooner sessions done by Gary Barlow in lockdown, We think he has got Gary off to a tee and we are sure Rod and Ronnie will love it! check out some of his other music impressions as well..Absolutely Incredible as Gary would say!
Well Done Stevie.
And finally …
To all fans who are lucky enough to be going to Vegas tonight or any other night on the latest residency, Have a fantastic time and don’t forget to let us know any news or gossip you come across or let us see any good pictures you take!
You might get to hear a couple of new songs as Rod told Entertainment Tonight’s Matt Cohen “I always have to give people what they want, so they want to hear the songs that made me famous. But we’ve added a few [new songs] and a couple of songs by other people,” revealing that he’ll [Or maybe the band?] be performing covers of Blondie’s “Call Me” and “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer.
See you next week.
4 replies on “This week’s news and gossip”
Mac is missed! Congratulations Yve, you are a gifted photographer…..nice update Mike, nice to see Rod spending some time with the grannies! Good on Maud, 100 strong! JD
Rod covering Blondie and Donna Summer? I honestly don’t understand him. He has written great songs that can be added to the show. “Lost in You “ would be a great opener. I was hoping this tour would be more rock n roll, but sounds like a Vegas show on steroids. We’ll see…….
I take it back. Just received a Vegas report. The girls sing Donna Summer and Blondie during the break.
Thank God.
But he could still add Lost in you 🙂