Quite a provocative title I know, and please allow me a couple of minutes to explain the reasoning behind the title. As some of you good readers may know, a while back (link here) I published a post regarding a couple of articles published on the Nottingham Evening Post’s website following the Panthers elimination from the challenge cup. As you may remember my main beef with that article was that the journalist (find journo’s name) said that with the Panthers out of the competition that left no ‘well supported’ clubs left. I then knocked up a post trying to explain why I felt that was a shocking and ignorant comment. No doubt many of you will have disagreed with it, some may agree with me but hey in the end who cares!
So have you a cup of tea and a biscuit ready? We shall begin…….
Today’s post stems from Mr Simms regular piece in the Powerplay magazine. Before we begin I must point out that this article has not just now convinced me of Mr Simms toolness. I have thought that he is a tool for many years now! There are other words I could use, but I want to keep this a family friendly blog, so Tool will have to suffice.
Those of you who read the magazine regularly will have noticed the comment but for those who don’t here it is:
‘Here is one for you. The top four. They are all nailed on now as being the top four. I don’t think the top four will be the final four in the playoff’s. I hope they are because that will make for a better finals weekend’
The operative bit being that last sentence, in my mind this is a prime example why the rest of the league despises this man and the top four. This coupled with the sentiments in the NEP a couple of months ago just re-enforce the view that those connected with the top 4 are ignorant. Ok so I guess you could argue that my beef really is with Shuff and the Panthers, I just think that with both teams, their long histories etc…they have an ingrained belief that they deserve to win everything.
As with my post regarding a ‘well supported’ team I would argue that having the top 4 at the finals in Nottingham would not produce a better finals weekend! Who remembers the Shuff games last year, they were hardly exciting! I include the final in that comment! Ok so last year we had the Giants/Shuff/Coventry and Cardiff (so 3 of the ‘big’ 4). I don’t, and im sure many other fans, remember that weekend as being a shining example of all that’s great about UK hockey. I remember that weekend for all us Phoenix fans having a laugh, chanting our own chants along with all the other teams fans who were not there! Who else loved all the mascots getting in fights at the stage end and being silly? It was a cracking weekend, but not because of what was on the ice!
I would even go so far as to say a finals weekend without the top 4 may produce better hockey! There has been comments on both the Cage Forum and Shuff forum, at times, saying this player is not putting effort in or that player needs to kick it up a gear. I get the feeling they expect to make the finals weekend and when there, expect to win! This does not get the best out of a player! But if you take any of the other 4 teams who will qualify, I can guarantee you those players will work their socks off, strain every sinew, give 120% to get to the finals weekend, and when there will give blood/sweat and tears for every second! In the end the top 4 will always win trophies, the other 6 won’t! So when the ‘other 4’ make the finals weekend they will give more for the win!
Its for this reason I think a finals weekend without the ‘top 4’ would produce better hockey, as It means more to those clubs.
Then there’s the usual argument that the ‘top 4’ clubs will bring more fans to the finals weekend, yes they do, and it is true that if their teams don’t make it not as many fans will come/ I do, however, genuinely believe any fans of the ‘top 4’ who don’t come can be replaced by fans of the other 6! Just look at this years event, both Manchester/Newcastle teams have been given far less tickets than the finals weekend in 2008. This is utter madness, Manchester sold out their allocation in a day, near as damn it! The Phoenix have had to go back to the league to get another block opened up!
Its this kind of attitude from EIHL towers that sickens me, what was wrong with the allocations used in 2008? Have Manchester/Newcastle suddenly lost hundreds of fans? Both clubs season ticket base could have sold out their allocations and then some! Add to this the Devils, they always bring a large support from Cardiff! I don’t claim to have, or know, the answer but a little fairness would be appreciated!
Anyway after all that I got a little diverted towards the end there! I hope you have read my little rant with an open mind! As with my post about the NEP articles your more than welcome to put my ravings down to ‘just another small club fan etc….’ but I honestly believe that the ‘other 6’ clubs in the league are not given the respect they deserve by some clubs, and those in power at EIHL towers!
Final word about Mr Simms, while I detest the man with my every being, I am big enough to know that there are few, in this sport, who work harder or do more things to promote hockey in this country! For this reason I respect the man, but he is still and ignorant tool!
Sorry if that got a bit rambling towards the end, but I hope it was an entetaining read!
p.s. On the topic of the Hockey Finals weekend, you must keep reading the blog and the others linked over on the right. There are things in the works between the various bloggers/fan sites to bring you the most comprehensive preview/game interviews and reviews never seen before in UK hockey!
The Angry Budgie aims to be part of it, and in the run up to finals weekend along with more information on the fan coverage ill put together my own weekend preview! So hope you enjoyed the read, and as ever, support your local club!
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Phoenix v Basingstoke 15th February Game Review
The second part of the Phoenix’ cup double header saw the Phoenix entertain the Bison at the Ice Dome Sunday night. A 15min delay caused by large que’s outside the Dome and one of the better away fan crowds made sure that this game was going to have a cracking atmosphere. A potentially tricky game, as with Hull Saturday night, games against the Bison have always be close affairs. However the Phoenix had the best start available to them, a 5-2 lead from the first leg. The prize to the winner would be their first ever final appearance against the Giants.
First Period: A tight opening period saw many chances, but some fine goal tending kept the game scoreless. That was until 5min 49sec when Mulherin was found on his own in the high slot and unleashed and absolute stonker of a shot that almost tore the net off its markings. This got the big crowd on its feet and singing! No more goals for the period but the Phoenix began to rain in the shots, if it was not for the superb Reiter the Phoenix could have been 4 or 5 up!
Second Period: The tie was more or less all said and done in the second period; with more and more Phoenix pressure it was only a matter of time before they increased their lead. It was down to the leagues leading scorer David Beauregard to get his first and second goals of the game at 30min 10sec and 37min 27sec respectively.
Third Period: As the result was a foregone conclusion the game by this point it opened up to produce some great end to end action. Sadly Murphy was denied his shutout when at 47min 25sec LeClair netted the Bisons only goal of the game. From memory it was this point when, for the second time in two nights both teams gave their back up netties some ice time. No consideration was taken and soon after Graeme Bird took to the Bison net Mulherin netted at 51min 06sec. David Beauregard increased his goal tally on 51min 31sec when he broke down the left wing, drove to the net and slid the puck under Bird’s legs. The scoring was completed at 54min 33sec when Bruce got his just rewards for a fine performance.
Verdict: The second tricky game of the weekend negotiated successfully and the Phoenix advancing to their first ever final. A great crowd in the Dome too, many first timers due to a recent local radio push. What a game to come to as well! This is what we need to do, lots of local promotions tied to a great game, I bet many of those first timers will come again after this game! A big shout must go to the travelling Bison fans, realistically they must not have expected to go through, but none the less made lots of noise and contributed to the great atmosphere!
Attendance: Including the great travelling support, one of the best crowds in the Dome this season. I would guess around 1,700 in Sunday night.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
MEN Article for the game.
p.s. Those of you who read the Powerplay magazine may also have read Dave Simms regular piece at the end. There is a comment contained within that piece that has annoyed me somewhat! So much so Im preparing my own little reply that should appear tomorrow!
First Period: A tight opening period saw many chances, but some fine goal tending kept the game scoreless. That was until 5min 49sec when Mulherin was found on his own in the high slot and unleashed and absolute stonker of a shot that almost tore the net off its markings. This got the big crowd on its feet and singing! No more goals for the period but the Phoenix began to rain in the shots, if it was not for the superb Reiter the Phoenix could have been 4 or 5 up!
Second Period: The tie was more or less all said and done in the second period; with more and more Phoenix pressure it was only a matter of time before they increased their lead. It was down to the leagues leading scorer David Beauregard to get his first and second goals of the game at 30min 10sec and 37min 27sec respectively.
Third Period: As the result was a foregone conclusion the game by this point it opened up to produce some great end to end action. Sadly Murphy was denied his shutout when at 47min 25sec LeClair netted the Bisons only goal of the game. From memory it was this point when, for the second time in two nights both teams gave their back up netties some ice time. No consideration was taken and soon after Graeme Bird took to the Bison net Mulherin netted at 51min 06sec. David Beauregard increased his goal tally on 51min 31sec when he broke down the left wing, drove to the net and slid the puck under Bird’s legs. The scoring was completed at 54min 33sec when Bruce got his just rewards for a fine performance.
Verdict: The second tricky game of the weekend negotiated successfully and the Phoenix advancing to their first ever final. A great crowd in the Dome too, many first timers due to a recent local radio push. What a game to come to as well! This is what we need to do, lots of local promotions tied to a great game, I bet many of those first timers will come again after this game! A big shout must go to the travelling Bison fans, realistically they must not have expected to go through, but none the less made lots of noise and contributed to the great atmosphere!
Attendance: Including the great travelling support, one of the best crowds in the Dome this season. I would guess around 1,700 in Sunday night.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
MEN Article for the game.
p.s. Those of you who read the Powerplay magazine may also have read Dave Simms regular piece at the end. There is a comment contained within that piece that has annoyed me somewhat! So much so Im preparing my own little reply that should appear tomorrow!
Monday, 16 February 2009
Hull v Phoenix 14th February Valentines Day Special, Game Review
This game was the second leg of our Knockout Cup quarter final against the Stingrays, so on the ‘most’ romantic of days what could be better than a trip across the M62 to Hull! With a 4-0 lead from the first leg most of the 50-60 travelling Phoenix fans will have been in confident mood. I was of the opinion that if we scored first we should win! However Hull are no pushover and, depending on what mood Cruickshank, was in it could be difficult.
First Period: In the end we need’nt have worried, the Phoenix controlled the game from the first period, limiting the chances the Stingray’s had on Smurf. The Phoenix got on the board first at 13min 49sec when Kyle Bruce slammed the puck home. The Phoenix faithful were on their feet again less than two minutes later when our captain Kenton Smith doubled the lead at 15min 24sec to make it 0-6 on aggregate. The Phoenix closed out the period in control and leaving the Phoenix travelling support in fine voice.
Second Period: More of the same this period, the only difference being we missed out any action in the far corner due to the sight lines from the away block. Though I cant really comment as the Dome is not the shining beacon of rink design! More control from the Phoenix, more noise from the fans though none from the home support. I know the team was 0-6 down but come on sing for your team? Anyway the lead was extended at 25min 52sec when Fulgham lit the light. The Stingrays finally got on the board at 32min 20sec when Kalmikov (who was the Rays best player of the night!) netted.
Third Period: I may be wrong but I think at the start of the third, or near the start both teams replaced their starting net minders. With Andrew Jaszczyk replacing the excellent Cruickshank and Adam Summerfield coming in for the Phoenix. The next goal came at 52min 48sec when Beauregard rounded Jaszczyk to score the Phoenix 4th goal. The Stingrays were not to be outdone and in a minutes spell brought the score line a bit more respectability. Firstly Glowa at 57min 49sec and 58min 42sec saw Mitchell bring the Stingrays to within one on the night.
Verdict: A potentially tricky encounter on Humberside, thankfully the Phoenix controlled the game from start to finish, with the added bonus of Summerfield getting decent run out in the net. Great turn out from the Phoenix fans who were in full voice from start to finish.
Attendance: Probably around 500 in the Ice Arena Saturday night. With 50-60 of those being the travelling Phoenix support.
MEN article.
Am still working on my game review for the Basingstoke game from last night (sunday) that should appear, hopefully, tomorrow evening!
First Period: In the end we need’nt have worried, the Phoenix controlled the game from the first period, limiting the chances the Stingray’s had on Smurf. The Phoenix got on the board first at 13min 49sec when Kyle Bruce slammed the puck home. The Phoenix faithful were on their feet again less than two minutes later when our captain Kenton Smith doubled the lead at 15min 24sec to make it 0-6 on aggregate. The Phoenix closed out the period in control and leaving the Phoenix travelling support in fine voice.
Second Period: More of the same this period, the only difference being we missed out any action in the far corner due to the sight lines from the away block. Though I cant really comment as the Dome is not the shining beacon of rink design! More control from the Phoenix, more noise from the fans though none from the home support. I know the team was 0-6 down but come on sing for your team? Anyway the lead was extended at 25min 52sec when Fulgham lit the light. The Stingrays finally got on the board at 32min 20sec when Kalmikov (who was the Rays best player of the night!) netted.
Third Period: I may be wrong but I think at the start of the third, or near the start both teams replaced their starting net minders. With Andrew Jaszczyk replacing the excellent Cruickshank and Adam Summerfield coming in for the Phoenix. The next goal came at 52min 48sec when Beauregard rounded Jaszczyk to score the Phoenix 4th goal. The Stingrays were not to be outdone and in a minutes spell brought the score line a bit more respectability. Firstly Glowa at 57min 49sec and 58min 42sec saw Mitchell bring the Stingrays to within one on the night.
Verdict: A potentially tricky encounter on Humberside, thankfully the Phoenix controlled the game from start to finish, with the added bonus of Summerfield getting decent run out in the net. Great turn out from the Phoenix fans who were in full voice from start to finish.
Attendance: Probably around 500 in the Ice Arena Saturday night. With 50-60 of those being the travelling Phoenix support.
MEN article.
Am still working on my game review for the Basingstoke game from last night (sunday) that should appear, hopefully, tomorrow evening!
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Big weekend ahead!
I wanted to do a blog post all about this coming weekend’s fixtures for the Manchester Phoenix. On Saturday we make the trip along the M62 to Hull, for the second leg of our British Knockout Cup game, which the Phoenix are currently leading 4-0. The Sunday game sees the visit of the Herd to the Ice Dome, for another second leg game, this time in the Challenge Cup. The Phoenix also led this tie by a score of 5-2.
The reason I think this is a big weekend for the Phoenix is simple; we have more of a chance of winning silverware through knockout competitions than the league. While I would dearly love hockey in Manchester to see another league triumph, after seeing the Manchester Storm lift the ISL title back in 1999, I just don’t think we have the resources to sustain a league challenge.
We could possibly break the top 4, but to mount a challenge for the summit I think is beyond us! It could happen, never say never, but I fear it would spell the end of hockey in Manchester. Our current fan base could not generate the money needed to win a league title, with out the backing of a major sponsor, and in today’s climate I doubt we could get it! I could be completely wrong but I don’t see it happening!
Anyway on to the weekends games:
Saturday 14th February – Hull v Phoenix – Knockout Cup 2nd Leg
As mentioned the Phoenix lead this tie 4-0, and the reward is the first final reached for the Manchester Phoenix, and Hull for that matter (if they win!). The winner will meet the Newcastle Vipers in the two-legged quarter final. I have to say the first leg (game review linked here) was pretty one sided, the Phoenix dominated and had it not been an excellent display by Cruickshank in goal the score could have been more. Even so, 4-0 is a good lead to take into the second leg. The family/gf and I will be making the trip across to Hull Saturday night, as will many Phoenix fans, in the hope the Phoenix can book its place in the final. I think this game depends on two things, Cruickshank and what mood he is in, and more importantly, what mood the Phoenix are in. In the grand scheme of things we should beat the Stingray’s, even in their barn! But its always tricky away in Hull, add to that the biggest carrot for both teams, the aforementioned final, Hull will be up for this as will their fans!
Calm heads will be needed on the Phoenix bench, strong leadership needed from Kenton and good tactics by Tony should see the Phoenix through. I see this game being very tight and the first goal will be crucial, the Phoenix must stay out of the sin bin too! We need to get Beauregard into the game and firing on all cylinders, we need Kyle Bruce to get in Stingray faces and we need the Cloots line to get in the corners and grind out the puck.
If we do all those things and deal with the main Stingray threats – Kalmikov/Kostadine and Glowa we should win through and see the Vipers in the quarter final. So a 4-0 lead and a visit to the rink with the best chips in the league, where else would you want to spend Valentines day with your girlfriend!
Sunday 15th February – Phoenx v Basingstoke – Challenge Cup 2nd Leg
After, hopefully, a good night in Hull the Phoenix return to action in the Ice Dome Sunday night. This sees the visit of the Basingstoke Bison and the second leg of our Challenge Cup tie. In the first leg the Phoenix raced to an early 4-1 lead, however it seemed we sat back and let the Bison back into the game. In the end the Phoenix won 5-3 and a lead is a lead! With a home leg, and the backing of a (becoming) notoriously noisy Ice Dome behind them I like our chances in this game! Games against the Herd have always been tough; the Bison are physical and annoy your players. They are quite capable of turning us over so are not to be taken lightly. This game will go much like the previous night, the result will depend on the mood of each team.
For the Bison I see their success depending on the excellent Kevin Reiter between the pipes. Each time I have seen the Bison in the Ice Dome, he has stood out as a star player, and numerous games could have seen double figures had it not been for Reiter standing on his head! Other than the big man between the pipes we have the impressive Eric Braff on D, hes got a cracking shot! Then there’s the, as always, annoying little git, Jeremy Cornish. Finally the main attacking threat, in my opinion, for the Bison comes from Greg Chambers. If the Phoenix can shut him down we should be ok!
Again this game is a biggie for each team, as again both teams see this as their best chance of silverware this season. The first goal, again, will be crucial! While the Phoenix have a lead it is only two goals. But if we come out flying from the 1st second and keep it going for 60 minutes we should be too strong for the Bison!
This is going to be a cracker of a game, a pumped up Ice Dome should create the most hostile environment for the Bison, bring it on!
So that’s it, my take on this weekends games for the Phoenix! I think we will win both games, but they will be tough! Check back next week for a double edition of my usual game review.
Come on Phoenix!
The reason I think this is a big weekend for the Phoenix is simple; we have more of a chance of winning silverware through knockout competitions than the league. While I would dearly love hockey in Manchester to see another league triumph, after seeing the Manchester Storm lift the ISL title back in 1999, I just don’t think we have the resources to sustain a league challenge.
We could possibly break the top 4, but to mount a challenge for the summit I think is beyond us! It could happen, never say never, but I fear it would spell the end of hockey in Manchester. Our current fan base could not generate the money needed to win a league title, with out the backing of a major sponsor, and in today’s climate I doubt we could get it! I could be completely wrong but I don’t see it happening!
Anyway on to the weekends games:
Saturday 14th February – Hull v Phoenix – Knockout Cup 2nd Leg
As mentioned the Phoenix lead this tie 4-0, and the reward is the first final reached for the Manchester Phoenix, and Hull for that matter (if they win!). The winner will meet the Newcastle Vipers in the two-legged quarter final. I have to say the first leg (game review linked here) was pretty one sided, the Phoenix dominated and had it not been an excellent display by Cruickshank in goal the score could have been more. Even so, 4-0 is a good lead to take into the second leg. The family/gf and I will be making the trip across to Hull Saturday night, as will many Phoenix fans, in the hope the Phoenix can book its place in the final. I think this game depends on two things, Cruickshank and what mood he is in, and more importantly, what mood the Phoenix are in. In the grand scheme of things we should beat the Stingray’s, even in their barn! But its always tricky away in Hull, add to that the biggest carrot for both teams, the aforementioned final, Hull will be up for this as will their fans!
Calm heads will be needed on the Phoenix bench, strong leadership needed from Kenton and good tactics by Tony should see the Phoenix through. I see this game being very tight and the first goal will be crucial, the Phoenix must stay out of the sin bin too! We need to get Beauregard into the game and firing on all cylinders, we need Kyle Bruce to get in Stingray faces and we need the Cloots line to get in the corners and grind out the puck.
If we do all those things and deal with the main Stingray threats – Kalmikov/Kostadine and Glowa we should win through and see the Vipers in the quarter final. So a 4-0 lead and a visit to the rink with the best chips in the league, where else would you want to spend Valentines day with your girlfriend!
Sunday 15th February – Phoenx v Basingstoke – Challenge Cup 2nd Leg
After, hopefully, a good night in Hull the Phoenix return to action in the Ice Dome Sunday night. This sees the visit of the Basingstoke Bison and the second leg of our Challenge Cup tie. In the first leg the Phoenix raced to an early 4-1 lead, however it seemed we sat back and let the Bison back into the game. In the end the Phoenix won 5-3 and a lead is a lead! With a home leg, and the backing of a (becoming) notoriously noisy Ice Dome behind them I like our chances in this game! Games against the Herd have always been tough; the Bison are physical and annoy your players. They are quite capable of turning us over so are not to be taken lightly. This game will go much like the previous night, the result will depend on the mood of each team.
For the Bison I see their success depending on the excellent Kevin Reiter between the pipes. Each time I have seen the Bison in the Ice Dome, he has stood out as a star player, and numerous games could have seen double figures had it not been for Reiter standing on his head! Other than the big man between the pipes we have the impressive Eric Braff on D, hes got a cracking shot! Then there’s the, as always, annoying little git, Jeremy Cornish. Finally the main attacking threat, in my opinion, for the Bison comes from Greg Chambers. If the Phoenix can shut him down we should be ok!
Again this game is a biggie for each team, as again both teams see this as their best chance of silverware this season. The first goal, again, will be crucial! While the Phoenix have a lead it is only two goals. But if we come out flying from the 1st second and keep it going for 60 minutes we should be too strong for the Bison!
This is going to be a cracker of a game, a pumped up Ice Dome should create the most hostile environment for the Bison, bring it on!
So that’s it, my take on this weekends games for the Phoenix! I think we will win both games, but they will be tough! Check back next week for a double edition of my usual game review.
Come on Phoenix!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Phoenix v Coventry 07th February Game Review
As mentioned last week this will not be my usual game review, I spent the weekend in Norfolk visiting my Grandma so was unable to attend. Even that was not easy, originally we set off for Bournemouth for a funeral, but 10 hours later and much snow we made it to Norfolk!
By all accounts this was a game the Phoenix turned up to play, most of my review is based on IH update. It seemed like the Phoenix had the better of the first two periods leading 2-0 after the first and 3-1 after the second. Needless to say, im sure there were a few nervous fans going into the third. Given the Phoenix’ recent ability to throw away a two goal lead. So it proved, with two unanswered goals in the third the Blaze fought back to take it into overtime. Im sure there was a lot of anxiety in the stands and ‘oh no here we go again!’ But reading through Matski's review over at Five Minute Major, it just seems like Coventry camped out in the Phoenix zone. So well done lads for hanging in there!
Thankfully there came a different outcome, step up Kenton our captain. Who fired home at 61min 03sec to give the Phoenix the extra point.
So finally the Phoenix get a win over the Blaze, but im still worried about our ability to hold a lead!
Manchester Evening News article here.
Highlights:
Onto this weekend which will see the Phoenix play two second legs, in two different cup competitions. This is a big week for our club, as the cups are our most realistic chance of silverware. The Phoenix are well placed to proceed in both cup competitions, but it’s the same situation for the Stingrays and Bison so they will be two tough games! So for me and the gf it looks like Valentines day in Hull! Bring it on!
By all accounts this was a game the Phoenix turned up to play, most of my review is based on IH update. It seemed like the Phoenix had the better of the first two periods leading 2-0 after the first and 3-1 after the second. Needless to say, im sure there were a few nervous fans going into the third. Given the Phoenix’ recent ability to throw away a two goal lead. So it proved, with two unanswered goals in the third the Blaze fought back to take it into overtime. Im sure there was a lot of anxiety in the stands and ‘oh no here we go again!’ But reading through Matski's review over at Five Minute Major, it just seems like Coventry camped out in the Phoenix zone. So well done lads for hanging in there!
Thankfully there came a different outcome, step up Kenton our captain. Who fired home at 61min 03sec to give the Phoenix the extra point.
So finally the Phoenix get a win over the Blaze, but im still worried about our ability to hold a lead!
Manchester Evening News article here.
Highlights:
Onto this weekend which will see the Phoenix play two second legs, in two different cup competitions. This is a big week for our club, as the cups are our most realistic chance of silverware. The Phoenix are well placed to proceed in both cup competitions, but it’s the same situation for the Stingrays and Bison so they will be two tough games! So for me and the gf it looks like Valentines day in Hull! Bring it on!
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Gig Review - Russel Brand, Manchester Apollo 05th February
As promised, although a little later than planed, here is my gig review for Russell Brand. Now ill say this at the start, I am a fan of his! I don’t care what you think but he is funny, has an amazing way with words and a great entertainer. This was a date at the Manchester Apollo, sold out of course, amongst a nationwide tour. We actually had pretty good seats on the floor so had a good view of the stage.
As with previous shows I have seen of his, his warm up act was Mr Gee. As with Mr Brand himself Mr Gee has a great control of vocab. Throw in a couple of well written poems and you have a truly great performer in the making!
So onto the main act, its clear they have had a fair bit of money to spend on this show, over head projectors, lights and a big screen! Needless to say much of the show revolved around the media storm of Nov/Dec. His intro was a two minute piece made up of headline news stories across various media. Let me make my thoughts on this clear, I believe what Mr Ross and Mr Brand did was wrong, clearly! Give them a fine, and suspend them yes, but did it really warrant to be the top news story for two weeks? Lets also realise that the young lady at the centre of it all is hardly whiter than white! I instantly lost any spec of respect for her the moment she went and sold her story to the Sun! Having said that, it was a private encounter and should not have been aired! The second thing for me is that fact that there were only two complaints during the show, ok two is more than what should be acceptable, but it was only after the Daily Mail got wind and got on its high moral horse that 39,998 more complaints came in! Seriously people do you not have anything better to do with your time?
Anyway, onto the show, most of it did revolve around the media storm of last year. The main gist of the show dealt with the extensive media coverage and that, if they had realised the best way to bring Mr Brand down a peg or two would have been to ignore him! Instead all the major news channels devoted hours of coverage to him, talk about inflating an ego!
But as ever a very good time was had, I do like Mr Brand, im not ashamed to say it! He always puts on a good show and I would say, keep an open mind and go see him! You wont be disappointed!
As with previous shows I have seen of his, his warm up act was Mr Gee. As with Mr Brand himself Mr Gee has a great control of vocab. Throw in a couple of well written poems and you have a truly great performer in the making!
So onto the main act, its clear they have had a fair bit of money to spend on this show, over head projectors, lights and a big screen! Needless to say much of the show revolved around the media storm of Nov/Dec. His intro was a two minute piece made up of headline news stories across various media. Let me make my thoughts on this clear, I believe what Mr Ross and Mr Brand did was wrong, clearly! Give them a fine, and suspend them yes, but did it really warrant to be the top news story for two weeks? Lets also realise that the young lady at the centre of it all is hardly whiter than white! I instantly lost any spec of respect for her the moment she went and sold her story to the Sun! Having said that, it was a private encounter and should not have been aired! The second thing for me is that fact that there were only two complaints during the show, ok two is more than what should be acceptable, but it was only after the Daily Mail got wind and got on its high moral horse that 39,998 more complaints came in! Seriously people do you not have anything better to do with your time?
Anyway, onto the show, most of it did revolve around the media storm of last year. The main gist of the show dealt with the extensive media coverage and that, if they had realised the best way to bring Mr Brand down a peg or two would have been to ignore him! Instead all the major news channels devoted hours of coverage to him, talk about inflating an ego!
But as ever a very good time was had, I do like Mr Brand, im not ashamed to say it! He always puts on a good show and I would say, keep an open mind and go see him! You wont be disappointed!
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Few things for the weekend......! pt2
As promised there will be a couple of posts next week covering the events of this weekend. Am home now, but after an epic journey friday im absolutely knackered!
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