Sunday, October 11, 2009


If you’re in Glasgow, or visiting, then you have to check out the new Trongate 103 facility. They did a great job of creating a base for every facet of the arts. With the exception of a “music” space maybe but the city has plenty of those already. Street Level Photoworks, Project Ability and the Transmission Gallery are just three of the spaces that exist within this newly opened complex.

With the demise of “The Lighthouse”, it was interesting to even feel how much more welcoming T103 is compared with there. I always felt like an invader the few times I went in there.

The event itself was very well attended and brought home to me how much I’m interested in dialogue where culture is concerned these days. Joe Boyd has been affiliated with many happening artists, no more so than The Incredible String Band, who I never got and don’t to this day. That said, it’s great to hear discussion about how such an act affected those who did find an in to appreciate them. And how the influence bleeds into what is happening now. Bruce Findlay’s recollection of the old shop and his first two customers was priceless. All the more so because the gentlemen concerned were there, maybe you can take a guess at their identities?

Another discussion with Jim Haynes, Barry Miles and Jenny Fabian is scheduled for next Saturday between 2pm and 5pm.

And in the wee hours of this morning, insomnia provided a window to watch this great David Simon interview that JD King flagged up a week or two ago. If you haven’t had the chance to catch him in person anyplace, then this is the next best thing.

It’s just gotten light and 'tis therefore time to go get some supplies. The plans I’ve been hatching for today since 5am are already becoming psychologically unravelled but let’s see what happens... Eddie and the Hot Rods tonight is set in stone though. The former ISB labelmates are at Behind The Wall in Falkirk, not a venue synonymous with yer rock'n'roll but just 3 earth miles from The Bunker.