Richard's Christmas Message 2007
Well give the man a hand! I got it from a second-hand shop, etc.
With thanks to Trinity College Student Union Orchestra and the Salvation Army.
Christmas Eve in Watford..
Hi, I'm a highly successful music manager, you may have seen me on tv. No? Well anyway, how would you like to be the next Girls Aloud?
Before we proceed, would you mind just placing these boxes of Nerds on your friend's tights?
Almost immediately, a pack of rival pop svengalis start a bidding war.
Richard laments the fickle nature of the record industry.
2007: A Disgraceful Oddity
I thought I'd do one of those round-ups of the year.
For brevity though, let's start at the beginning of the financial year in May, with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the equipment and support team I use to make DeDomenici Blog:
Thanks chaps. You make it look effortless.
July: Psy Ops:
Anti-Social International Live Artists in Late Night East Anglian Suburban Rampage:
Crime & Punishment:
Before we continue, you may need to refresh the page a little if some of the videos (particularly the sound) don't play properly. This next one is supposed to be very dark.
Tales of the Unexpected:
September: Backstage with the Wau Wau Sisters in Hyde Park:
Ham Sandwich:
Foreign Muck - Bristol Rehearsal:
The Pitfalls of Being on Tour:
Will You Please Stop Applauding the Marathon, I'm Trying to Sleep:
An Afternoon at Reading East Services:
The Tiniest Lift in Brighton:
Touching a Pregnant in Hastings:
October: Brick Lane Alienation:
Karaoke Mash-Up:
Very Brief Extract from Forthcoming Richard DeDomenici's Power of Art #4:
November: Arial Bombardment of London Disappointing, Says Richard:
Sonny in Durham:
Surface Tension in Brockley:
Petey the Domestic Rabbit and his Performance Protest in Solidarity with Fellow House Arrest Detainee Aung San Suu Kyi:
December: Richard fails to recreate the magic of Invisible Sand Dog in Bethnal Green:
The Mystery Ingredient was Whisky:
Early Test of my New Performance in which I Sing 99 Red Balloons in German Whilst Inhaling Helium From a Red Balloon:
There.
I'll remember 2007 as the year of insomnia, fluffy animals, and tits.
If you've made it through all 23 videos, give yourself a kiss on the lips.
What, if anything, will you remember 2007 for?
Have a little think, and leave your responses below.
For brevity though, let's start at the beginning of the financial year in May, with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the equipment and support team I use to make DeDomenici Blog:
Thanks chaps. You make it look effortless.
July: Psy Ops:
Anti-Social International Live Artists in Late Night East Anglian Suburban Rampage:
Crime & Punishment:
Before we continue, you may need to refresh the page a little if some of the videos (particularly the sound) don't play properly. This next one is supposed to be very dark.
Tales of the Unexpected:
September: Backstage with the Wau Wau Sisters in Hyde Park:
Ham Sandwich:
Foreign Muck - Bristol Rehearsal:
The Pitfalls of Being on Tour:
Will You Please Stop Applauding the Marathon, I'm Trying to Sleep:
An Afternoon at Reading East Services:
The Tiniest Lift in Brighton:
Touching a Pregnant in Hastings:
October: Brick Lane Alienation:
Karaoke Mash-Up:
Very Brief Extract from Forthcoming Richard DeDomenici's Power of Art #4:
November: Arial Bombardment of London Disappointing, Says Richard:
Sonny in Durham:
Surface Tension in Brockley:
Petey the Domestic Rabbit and his Performance Protest in Solidarity with Fellow House Arrest Detainee Aung San Suu Kyi:
December: Richard fails to recreate the magic of Invisible Sand Dog in Bethnal Green:
The Mystery Ingredient was Whisky:
Early Test of my New Performance in which I Sing 99 Red Balloons in German Whilst Inhaling Helium From a Red Balloon:
There.
I'll remember 2007 as the year of insomnia, fluffy animals, and tits.
If you've made it through all 23 videos, give yourself a kiss on the lips.
What, if anything, will you remember 2007 for?
Have a little think, and leave your responses below.
Out Now!
Richard DeDomenici
The DVD
Only £10.00 each
Purchase Here
Order by noon Monday 17th Dec 2007 to ensure Christmas delivery.
Foreign Muck - Interview
I know some members of the band have threatened to sue over this article, but at the time of writing it has yet to be removed by the lawyers.
My Most Boring Blog Entry Yet
I am delighted to announce that I have finally managed to move my 265kg vending machine from the corridor where it was incorrectly delivered six months ago, into the nook in my studio - a distance of just two metres, as the crow flies.
(Click to Enlarge)
Initially I thought I was going to have to hire a hand pallet truck to shift it, which would have cost over sixty quid (including delivery and VAT).
But then I found a rubber-topped double-dolly in the HSS catalogue, which weighed just 15kg - light enough to collect from Stepney Green on the bus - and with a lifting capacity of 750kg.
Not only did it cost under a tenner to rent, but I managed to relocate the machine *by myself* at no point crushing myself to death. Here's the dolly in the gap where the vending machine used to be.
(Click to Enlarge)
God bless that HSS Catalogue! I take back everything I said about you in 2003.*
*In my 2003 Edinburgh lecture Sexed-Up I accused the HSS Catalogue of being 'a one-stop international terrorist shop'.
(Click to Enlarge)
Initially I thought I was going to have to hire a hand pallet truck to shift it, which would have cost over sixty quid (including delivery and VAT).
But then I found a rubber-topped double-dolly in the HSS catalogue, which weighed just 15kg - light enough to collect from Stepney Green on the bus - and with a lifting capacity of 750kg.
Not only did it cost under a tenner to rent, but I managed to relocate the machine *by myself* at no point crushing myself to death. Here's the dolly in the gap where the vending machine used to be.
(Click to Enlarge)
God bless that HSS Catalogue! I take back everything I said about you in 2003.*
*In my 2003 Edinburgh lecture Sexed-Up I accused the HSS Catalogue of being 'a one-stop international terrorist shop'.
Middle-Aged Spread
I've asked around, and the general consensus is that my six performances at the Great Eastern Hotel last weekend may not be remembered as my best work. Here is a clip.
Perhaps it's true that I've been spreading myself too thin.
For instance, just two hours after my final performance at the GEH, I was down the road at the New Work Network AGM doing another brand new performance entitled Richard DeDomenici's Caipirinha/Crap Karaoke Club Challenge. Here is some copy:
The district of Liberdade in Sao Paulo has the largest Japanese community - outside of Japan - in the world. Richard would like to visit, but is too worried about his carbon footprint. Hence, in an attempt to recreate a similar spirit of internationalism, Richard invites guests to sing a song using his homebrew karaoke kit, in exchange for which they will receive a free Caipirinha - the national drink of Brazil - which Richard will prepare inbetween the songs.
Here is a picture of Liberdade:
And here I am giving Tom Marshman a Caipirinha in exchange for his inspired performance of You're So Vain by Carly Simon:
Then I went to Ruth Pickett's engagement party:
Which had been gatecrashed by a busload of pissed-up Etonian toffs, one of whom was the son of the bar owner, apparently. Thus the 50's aesthetic that Ruth and Nick had been going for was ruined somewhat:
In an attempt to make them feel better I gave them some bespoke banknote confetti:
(Available by special request from Richard DeDomenici products)
The next day I travelled to Brighton for Fran and Richard's Wedding Party.
I had been asked to be the official photographer, a job title which involved the following:
Let's have a look now at some of the key images of the evening:
Richard and Fran and customised bus.
Bride in repose.
One guest rudely upstages bride by arriving at party with slightly larger mouth. Other guest upset by this.
To make bride feel better, I give her some bespoke banknote confetti.
This is Sarah. Sarah works for Endemol.
Philippa to friend: "Dye your hair a bit and we can form an excellent Bacarra tribute act".
This man makes music videos for Eminem.
This chap used to be in the Navy
Someone remarks that I look like the man on the box of the Mastermind Board Game.
I personally don't see the resemblance.
'I demand a refund!' exclaims Richard, as all the buttons inconveniently fall off his shirt.
We all fall down.
More images coming soon!
Perhaps it's true that I've been spreading myself too thin.
For instance, just two hours after my final performance at the GEH, I was down the road at the New Work Network AGM doing another brand new performance entitled Richard DeDomenici's Caipirinha/Crap Karaoke Club Challenge. Here is some copy:
The district of Liberdade in Sao Paulo has the largest Japanese community - outside of Japan - in the world. Richard would like to visit, but is too worried about his carbon footprint. Hence, in an attempt to recreate a similar spirit of internationalism, Richard invites guests to sing a song using his homebrew karaoke kit, in exchange for which they will receive a free Caipirinha - the national drink of Brazil - which Richard will prepare inbetween the songs.
Here is a picture of Liberdade:
And here I am giving Tom Marshman a Caipirinha in exchange for his inspired performance of You're So Vain by Carly Simon:
Then I went to Ruth Pickett's engagement party:
Which had been gatecrashed by a busload of pissed-up Etonian toffs, one of whom was the son of the bar owner, apparently. Thus the 50's aesthetic that Ruth and Nick had been going for was ruined somewhat:
In an attempt to make them feel better I gave them some bespoke banknote confetti:
(Available by special request from Richard DeDomenici products)
The next day I travelled to Brighton for Fran and Richard's Wedding Party.
I had been asked to be the official photographer, a job title which involved the following:
Let's have a look now at some of the key images of the evening:
Richard and Fran and customised bus.
Bride in repose.
One guest rudely upstages bride by arriving at party with slightly larger mouth. Other guest upset by this.
To make bride feel better, I give her some bespoke banknote confetti.
This is Sarah. Sarah works for Endemol.
Philippa to friend: "Dye your hair a bit and we can form an excellent Bacarra tribute act".
This man makes music videos for Eminem.
This chap used to be in the Navy
Someone remarks that I look like the man on the box of the Mastermind Board Game.
I personally don't see the resemblance.
'I demand a refund!' exclaims Richard, as all the buttons inconveniently fall off his shirt.
We all fall down.
More images coming soon!
Foreign Muck
When Anthony Roberts asked me in Edinburgh if I'd join his band, I thought it was just another one of his ridiculous hypothetical conversation starters - especially since he knows full well that I don't play any musical instruments.
Turns out though that he was deadly serious.
So it was that last night I ended up fronting his 'live art supergroup' Foreign Muck at a gig at Arnolfini in Bristol. Here we are doing 'Temptation' by The Velvet Underground:
Can't view video? Click Here. Documentation: Tanuja Amarasuriya
Unfortunately, the memory on the camera ran out before the end of the song, so you'll just have to imagine the rapturous applause that ensued.
Our next scheduled tour date is in 2009, by which time the line-up may well differ from the following:
Anthony Roberts - Guitar / Vocals
Dulcie Wood - Drums
Duncan Speakman - Drums
Elaine Cordys - Bass Guitar
Gemma Paintin - Drums / Vocals
Jon Bentley - Drums
Julian Hutton - Guitar
Philip Roberts - Bass Guitar
Richard DeDomenici - Vocals
Robin Deacon - Guitar
Turns out though that he was deadly serious.
So it was that last night I ended up fronting his 'live art supergroup' Foreign Muck at a gig at Arnolfini in Bristol. Here we are doing 'Temptation' by The Velvet Underground:
Can't view video? Click Here. Documentation: Tanuja Amarasuriya
Unfortunately, the memory on the camera ran out before the end of the song, so you'll just have to imagine the rapturous applause that ensued.
Our next scheduled tour date is in 2009, by which time the line-up may well differ from the following:
Anthony Roberts - Guitar / Vocals
Dulcie Wood - Drums
Duncan Speakman - Drums
Elaine Cordys - Bass Guitar
Gemma Paintin - Drums / Vocals
Jon Bentley - Drums
Julian Hutton - Guitar
Philip Roberts - Bass Guitar
Richard DeDomenici - Vocals
Robin Deacon - Guitar
Edinburgh Medley
Many thanks and/or apologies to all involved.
I also did a show (see previous post).
But more on that later.
In other news, thanks to Owen for forwarding me this link. I want to be you too, Trout.
Fame Asylum Fallout
My Channel Four documentary about the formation of an asylum seeker boyband continues to polorise audiences far and wide.
On one hand, it has recently been put forward for consideration for both a Royal Television Society award, and an Amnesty International award.
Conversely, the project has clearly upset the Austrians:
In a weird coincidence, I was in Austria recently to do a residency at the Performing Rights Vienna festival.
My lecture was slightly delayed, so I had time to take some publicity photos.
One for theatre listings:
And one for comedy:
On one hand, it has recently been put forward for consideration for both a Royal Television Society award, and an Amnesty International award.
Conversely, the project has clearly upset the Austrians:
In a weird coincidence, I was in Austria recently to do a residency at the Performing Rights Vienna festival.
My lecture was slightly delayed, so I had time to take some publicity photos.
One for theatre listings:
And one for comedy:
Body from Baywatch, face from Crimewatch.
At St. Paul's Cathedral I saw a man openly attempting to push over a tree.
Do these hooligans have no shame?
Richard DeDomenici: Stamping Down on Anti-Social Behaviour.
Do these hooligans have no shame?
Richard DeDomenici: Stamping Down on Anti-Social Behaviour.
Subway Meatball Marinara Sandwich
How is one expected to eat this?
(Click to enlarge)
Please compare this with the promotional image:
This growing disparity between actual convenience food and the ideal being displayed in the popular media is obviously directly responsible for the increase in sandwiches reportedly suffering from "Bready Dysmorphic Disorder".
Little joke there about mental health.
(Click to enlarge)
Please compare this with the promotional image:
This growing disparity between actual convenience food and the ideal being displayed in the popular media is obviously directly responsible for the increase in sandwiches reportedly suffering from "Bready Dysmorphic Disorder".
Little joke there about mental health.
Discrimination
I've got a solo gallery show coming up at the Pump House Gallery in Battersea Park, London this April.
Many people I've told about it have said:
"Ohhhh! The Pump House Gallery! I've never actually been to the Pump House Gallery!"
And is it any wonder, when National Rail are blatantly trying to discourage people from getting off at the train station?
(Click to enlarge)
I know they've got timetables to keep to, but this is ridiculous.
I feel a complaint letter coming on..
Many people I've told about it have said:
"Ohhhh! The Pump House Gallery! I've never actually been to the Pump House Gallery!"
And is it any wonder, when National Rail are blatantly trying to discourage people from getting off at the train station?
(Click to enlarge)
I know they've got timetables to keep to, but this is ridiculous.
I feel a complaint letter coming on..
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