Hail Hail
In an interview with The Celtic Way ex Celtic star John Hughes remembered meeting Rod when he first signed for the hoops.
“Tommy [Burns] said I need a centre-half and I’m signing Yogi. He just did the deal there and then and he had to go back to Celtic Park and break the news to him. He told him that we would take our chances at a tribunal. That was that.
“On Saturday, Celtic were playing Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly and Bill was helping Rod Stewart who was coming to open the new stand. I was there in the morning and I passed my medical. Bill and I then jumped in a stretch limousine to the airport.
“This private jet flew in and Rod Stewart got off it and he introduced me to him. He told Rod, ‘This is Yogi Hughes and he has just signed for Celtic’.
“Rod wished me all the best and he told me that it was a lifelong dream of his to play for Celtic. It was magnificent but totally surreal. Then they both jumped back in the limousine and they kicked me out because there wasn’t enough room in the car for all of us. The photographer was going back to Celtic Park and I ended up having to get a lift back to the stadium with him!”
Celtic would eventually have to shell out £380,000 for his services.
The Big Yin
Billy Connolly’s autobiography Windswept and Interesting came out this week and includes a great story about Rod
“Rod Stewart and I once hitchhiked up the M4. We were going to a football match in Scotland. Rod had invited me and his uncle had picked us up in London and was driving us to Heathrow.
“But his van broke down, so we jumped out and tried to thumb a lift. Within seconds, a guy in a red Mini picked us up.
“He would soon regret his kindness, because just outside the airport there was a traffic jam, and Rod and I persuaded him to whizz us through on the hard shoulder. Unsurprisingly, police officers pulled him over just short of our terminal.
“We jumped out and scarpered to catch our plane, leaving the poor guy to fend for himself.”
Rest in peace my friend
Rod paid his condolences this week to songwriter Leslie Bricusse, who died aged 90. The composer was best known for writing the music and lyrics for films such as; Doctor Dolittle, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Goodbye Mr Chips.
Rod posted this picture and captioned the image: “Rest in peace my friend.”
Penny also left a touching tribute to the late star. On Instagram she used the same image of Leslie and his wife, Evie. She captioned the image: “Our hearts go out to Evie and family.
“So sad to hear of Leslie’s passing.
“An incredible artist, a devoted husband, the perfect host and wonderful friend to many.”
Penny added: “Rod and I will always treasure our happy times together, as neighbours in the South of France. God Bless.”
The Faces Live at the Marquee 1970 R&B82 LP
Out this month on 1960 RECORDS / RNB RECORDS
The bulk of this set is taken from an appearance at London’s Marquee recorded for German TV, and Wicked Messenger comes from the Faces first ever BBC radio appearance. To conclude they have included the selection of Christmas Carols recorded for John Peel.
Side One
1. Devotion
2. You’re My Girl
3. Flying
4. Too Much Woman
Side Two
1. Maybe I’m Amazed
2. Gasoline Alley/
3. Around The Plynth
4. Wicked Messenger
5. Carols
Meanwhile back in the court room…
A plea deal between Rod and Florida prosecutors fell through on Friday, meaning he and Sean are again scheduled to stand trial on charges they assaulted a security guard during a New Year’s Eve bash in 2020.
Neither Rod or Sean, were present when Judge August Bonavita announced that a hearing in which a deal was expected to be finalised had been canceled. The pair are now scheduled to stand trial on misdemeanor battery charges on January. 25.
This is at least the second time a deal has fallen through in the case, which has also been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Rod and Sean still face a maximum penalty of a year in jail, although such a lengthy term would be very unlikely.
Prosecutors declined comment. Defense attorney Guy Fronstin did not immediately respond to calls and emails.
And finally..
The first batch of SMILER calendars started to arrive this week and are going down a storm, comment of the week goes to Colin Baker who posted ‘The Best Calendar you can get for 2022… 😉’
Don’t miss out get your copy from