"I think Pink Floyd had their share of daft Spinal Tap moments..." - Storm Thorgerson

In the same week that his exhibition opens at gallery@Oxo in London, Storm Thorgerson is the subject of a six page, illustrated interview in the UK's Record Collector (June 2009 issue). Ostensibly conducted with the aim for Storm to talk about Taken By Storm, and in particular the very limited, and rather lavish, Genesis Publications box set version, Storm soon veers off onto other subjects.

Covering teenage years in Cambridge with Roger and Syd, the growth of the Floyd as Hipgnosis also grew in stature (providing covers for others such as Led Zep, Peter Gabriel and 10CC), and his thoughts on some of the Floyd's more iconic cover art, the interview is as ever, fascinating and illuminating.

The magazine is in all good UK stores now, and will be available as an import in selected international outlets. Alternatively, you can order it online worldwide from www.RecordCollectorMag.com.

As many of you will recall, back in February Phil Manzanera played three consecutive shows at London's legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, in the heart of Soho. And, adding to the absorbing performance each evening at the historic venue, the second night saw a guest appearance by his friend David Gilmour.

Phil, Roxy Music guitarist, writer, and producer, took the stage with the Firebird V11 band - Charles Hayward, Yaron Stavi (also part of Harry Waters current band) and Leszek Mozdzer, the incredible Polish pianist who, like Phil, also participated on David Gilmour's On An Island and Gdansk projects.

The shows proved so successful that Phil has decided to do some more, and presumably to save Leszek some travelling, has arranged them for Poland. As we know we have a fair number of Polish regulars, we're sure that this news is going to be welcome.

In the current issue of Mojo Magazine (in UK stores now), Jeff Beck makes some very interesting comments as part of an article on the great guitarist.

First, he reveals how he was very close to being asked to join Pink Floyd as Syd Barrett was about to leave. Nick Mason talks - briefly - about this in his own book, "Inside Out", noting that "[Beck] would have been an interesting (and spectacular) experiment. I don't think any of us would have had the courage to make the phone call at the time".

Back in November 2008, and February 2009, the UK's Multiple Sclerosis Society was beneficiary of a pair of special comedy nights held at the 20th Century Theatre, in London's Notting Hill area. The evening, "Notting Good Taste", was hosted by Guy Pratt, of whom the organisers point out that his twenty-five odd years spent living in the area seem to make him think he has the right to front something like this! Guy of course has impressed audiences in the UK and Australia with his hilarious stand-up show, "My Bass and Other Animals" (book reviewed here), when he hasn't been performing bass guitar duties for the likes of Bryan Ferry and David Gilmour.

The success of these evenings has prompted a third to help raise even more money, which will be held at the same venue, on Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm. The success of the event is helping to draw ever bigger stars onto the bill, with Phill Jupitus headlining the show that Guy hosts. Joining Guy and Phill are Elvis McGonagall, Alan Francis, and The Stillhouse Orchestra.

Tickets (available on the door or at www.wegottickets.com) are £15 (in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Society), and includes a "free cocktail" hour sponsored by Martin Miller’s Gin between 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Should be a great evening...