“What are they in it for, these old hoodlums, these layabouts in lace?”
Just one of countless laughs from Python Terry Jones who passed away today. Along with Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam, Idle and Palin; the absurdist British humor was infectious.
“Pension day’s the worst – they go mad. As soon as they get their hands on their money they blow it all on milk, bread, tea, tin of meat for the cat.“
Let’s Roll! More future cop adventures. This time drawn in the impeccable line work of artist Brian Bolland. Mark 1 Lawmasters aimed directly for the viewer. Blocks loom under a moody sky in the background.
First Spread | Prog 2 March 5 1977. This is when Judge Dredd burst out of the page on his Lawmaster. Fine illustration by the unmatchable Carlos Ezquerra, who created the original look of the Judge’s, though the remainder of the strips pages were drawn by Mick McMahon who was to further refine the Dredd look over the following couple of years.
Skydog | supremo guitarist Duane Allman picking away on his ’59 Cherry Sunburst Gibson Les Paul. He looks to be in another zone altogether. Cool t-shirt.
Adventure Percussionist | Rush drummer Neil Peart recently passed away. His contribution to music is legendary. He was also an avid long distance motorcyclist covering countless miles between concerts and later journeys of introspective exploration. His autobiography Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road a haunting memoir of self rediscovery.
Neil Peart (1952-2020)
The Future Was Here | The imaginative illustrations of Syd Mead spoke of a streamlined and slick world of cool architecture and knife-sharp cars. This Honda 3000 has hints of Kaneda’s bike from ’89 Manga animation Akira. Mead developed the feel of dystopian Blade Runner and the computer integration of Tron. Syd passed away yesterday at the age of 86.
LEGO | someone knows their studded block assembly with this model of an early 70’s Triumph Bonneville. Plenty of tricky parts to get the engine looking somewhat realistic. Growing up LEGO was my favorite building toy.
2000AD | Forty years ago I got this annual for Christmas. Classic sci-fi comic that began in the seventies, which is still going strong. Technical cover by art droid Kevin O’Neill who later went on to create Nemesis the Warlock. We’re visiting my folks in Blighty where this book was stacked upon a shelf.
Percy Tait (1929-2019) – when it comes to the history of Triumph motorcycles one man is noted in the very foundation of that company. Beginning his career with Triumph as a 21-year-old factory worker he quickly rising in the ranks and started racing for the works team on the latest machines. It is reckoned he amassed over 1,000,000 miles test riding cutting edge motorcycles under the engineering eye of Doug Hele. As well as Grand Prix races he took part successfully in Isle of Man TT competitions. 750cc triple Slippery Sam is one bike that is forever connected with Percy. In his later career he went on to develop the 500cc Suzuki GP bikes for Barry sheen. In retirement he became a champion sheepsheet breeder. A giant of the history of British motorcycling, Percy Tait sadly passed away last weekend. at the age of 90.
F Stop | The Original celebrity photographer Terry O’Neill passed away yesterday. His portraits of the spotlight denizens from the sixties through to the eighties are considered iconic. Clockwise from upper left: Robert Redford, Julie Andrews, Steve McQueen and Mickey Rourke.
Herding Cat | Today is playwright Sam Shepard’s birthday. Born in 1943 he acted in, wrote, directed and won numerous awards for dozens of plays. I remember him for his role in The Right Stuff as iconic supersonic pilot Chuck Yeager. Shepard died in 2017 aged 73
Brothers in Arms | 80’s supergroup Dire Straits was fronted by guitarist maestro Mark Knopfler. As well as a love of the creation of music he has also had a lifelong keen interest in motorcycles. This black Honda VFR is a smart looking steed.
Factory Floor | journalistic photograph from the mid-seventies on the assembly line at Meriden. This was when the workers had a sit-in and production ground to a halt. A guttering flame.
Vintage Spin | the heated Dog Days aren’t my favorite but a little roadward breeze can help cool proceedings. I took the old Bonnie out to ruffle its feathers. She can certainly put a smile on your face.
Unfinished but Complete | Loose sketch study of vintage Triumph by accomplished artist and graphic designer Camille Meehan. Soft pencil lines describe form and volume in simple execution.
