Music, music everywhere.....or, it's only rock n roll

        As a music fan from way back, I have seen some changes. Even though now, I am not such an avid follower of bands as I once was, I still love all kinds of music. I mean all kinds, from classical, to country, and western, to heavy rock, and easy listening. There are even bits of rap, I can listen to. Way back, I began by being a fan of Praying Mantis, and the Troy brothers, Tino, and Cris, along with my brother Pete Moore, who, together, started the band. It was when they went to Furniture college in London, not far from the City. Those long haired teenagers, were full of enthusiasm, and energy. It was the seventies, and an exciting time.

         I was so lucky to have a younger brother who was, and still is a musician. I loved the fact that they practiced at the hall, at my Dads work, and often came to sit at my place. Strumming away, with me pretending to learn the notes, and chords. No, honestly, I did fancy I could learn to play like him. I never did master the guitar, but I loved music! The excitement, the energy. I never much Iiked to listen to droopy music. I liked it upbeat, and going somewhere, you know. As for being a musician, well, I hated the piano, and the guitar defeated me, or maybe I surrendered. I should have gone into singing perhaps. Except by then I already had a family, and needed to earn a living. I stayed, as I had to, firmly on the sidelines. My other brother wished he was musical too, instead, he became a part time roadie, for a band, when we all lived in the country.

         Of course, I loved all the bands of the times, the Stones, the Beatles, the Beach boys, the Eagles, even Elvis. There were so many, the Mammas, and the Papas, Bruce Springfield, Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry, I could go on. You see many of them around, even today. It's an era that lasted, and lasted. It was something special. The Music scene began every week with The Top of the Pops. Keeping you up to date with all the latest music. I remember vowing then, never to let my need, and love for music fade from my life. But, of course I did. I had family to feed, and, a busy life, paying the bills.

           My daughter is the same now, so sure she will be bopping around for ever. Like all  the wise old mothers in the world, I smile, and think, we'll see. Oh it doesn't go away, it just changes. I still love live music, and have learned a fair bit over the the years. Enough, to spot something in the wrong key, or a bum note. I am the top judge on all the talent shows! Not that my criticisms over the years are always welcome....but I can appreciate a great singer. Take Andrea Bocelli, or Rufus Wainwright, even Gin, has the elusive quality of tone, and voice. That something different, with perfect pitch, and magic. Just like the latest young singer out, barely started, but he has it too...watch out for, James Arthur.

          I followed my brothers band in their early days. They played at The Marque in London, a happening music venu of the day. They did student gigs, and all sorts, got a manager, and were doing well. They played with the heavy rock band, Status Quo, and were definitely heavy metal. But it was a crazy time for them... .studying, playing, getting girlfriends. Ahh it gets complicated. I still think they could have made it. They had the usual change of singer, change of manager, but were keeping it together. A few new songs, and they would have been away, says the faithful sister. 

         I even got them a backing gig, with Dire Straits. Through the lead, Mark Knopfler. I knew Mark in a roundabout way, on the education scene. When he taught at Barnett college, and lived not far from me in London. I was in London Bridge, he in Deptford. They were great guys too. They had a weekly gig in Covent Garden, London, which I never missed. I, and a boyfriend at the time, we met mark for a drink, the night he signed his first big recording contract. I remember he was very pleased with the terms, but then, he was an intelligent guy, he knew what he was doing.

          It didn't happen for my bro though. He got married, moved to New Zealand, and, of course, set up another band,as he says now, Mark Four. He is still an excellent guitarist, and writing songs again too. He is a muso, and no mistake, thats who he is.

         We are late starters in our family, in almost every department. With the magic of the Internet, who's to say what may still happen. Even though we are both a bit long in the tooth.

          I guess I will never be a singer, but I am a writer..

           As long as you guys keep reading...