RIP Mr David Jones

"Sons of the Silent Age, they never die...they just go to sleep one day"

A legend...gone from our lives but NEVER our hearts. Everything suddenly seems out of synch and off kilter. A powerhouse of creativity and imagination he carried generation after generation of musicians upon his genius...witness the outpouring of universal grief today, lest there be any doubt.

Simon Pegg phrased it well: "To all the broken hearts today, consider this: This planet is over 4 billion years old...and yet you managed to be born in the same era as David Bowie. Take joy from that."

I include my original tribute below:

"In this green and pleasant land we have been blessed, throughout the years, by an abundance of musical genius. It goes in stages, and fads come and go, but we do crank 'em out. 

For me one man stands alone (above Mercury, Lennon and Jagger) for his Burroughs-esque command of language, his unique visual stylings and his pure theatre. 

There is a timeless beauty about him, and his music, that will be studied, debated and loved for as long as their are inquisitive minds, open hearts and rebellious souls.

He is the one classic artist that, as we speak, could revisit ANY of the many characters he has been and re-inhabit them with effortless style, ineffable grace and cool to burn...and that's how i've featured him, reacquainting himself with Aladdin Sane.

Mr Jones, I am not worthy!

Excelsior Out!"

And all the tears in the Universe will never be enough...

Excelsior's Savage Pencil

Ladies and gents, i'll be brief (for once)...it is my intention to self publish a coffee table book containing the work on this site, in addition to a number of new pieces. Above is the proposed cover image for this "weighty" tome, containing a caricature of yours truly.

"Excelsior's Savage Pencil" will be a comprehensive, irreverent and frankly goofy journey through the dimly lit recesses of my "so called" mind. I'm looking for feedback, from as many of you as possible, as to the viability of this idea. 

Feel absolutely free to leave comments here but, please keep them clean as this is a family blog!

To the many hundreds of folk who have viewed (and are viewing) this site I say thank you. It is my distinct pleasure to do it and, I hope, the work makes you smile at the very least.

Excelsior Out!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Available to buy as print, and other stuff, at: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Star-Wars-Episode-Vii-A-New-Hip-359062130

With Disney's mind boggling purchase of Lucasfilm (and all it's attendant goodies) and the sense-shattering announcement of "Star Wars. Episode 7,8 & 9"; i've been stirred to create the above, affectionate, spoof...or is it?

It's no secret I didn't care for George's prequels. For all his protestation that "they were aimed at children" even a casual analysis reveals George's personal hubris. Eschewing offers of help from Lawrence Kasdan, Frank Darabont et al; he went his own way and produced limp, confused, nonsense aimed at no one in particular. He "forced" into life a back story that was intriguing enough as one line in the original; but dragged out across three movies it felt tedious, thinly sketched and unforgivably hackneyed. By his own admission he's not a good screenwriter, leading to characters that failed to engage and dialogue that curled toes the world over. But I come to celebrate George not bury him.

His imagination gave birth to a universe of possibility that, given the right talent, could go on to rewrite cinema history. Oscar winner Michael Arndt is hard at work on Episode 7, with Lawrence Kasdan (oh, the irony) and Simon Kinberg waiting with baited breath to crack on with Episodes 8 & 9. Which signals a good start for Disney, all they need do now is pick the right megaphone and we're laughing!

Update: There has been an AWAKENING!!

Excelsior Out...oh, and..."May The Force Be With You"

Bill and Don's Excellent Adventure

Bill Maher has spent the last 18 years trying to persuade Donald Trump to appear on his show "Real Time"...with no success. 

I'd give up Bill because this is how I think that "meaningful exchange of political views" might go.

Excelsior Out!

A Beautiful British Comedian

A little nod to one of the finest comic creations these shores have ever seen...The Pub Landlord, personified in the wondrous Al Murray. Playing beautifully with audience expectations Al's shows are a masterpiece of understated intellect. 

His routine with the inflatable globe reduced me to a quivering, tear stained wreck. I'm proud to add the great man to my series of Great British Stand-Up's, soon to be featured on The British Comedy Guide website.

Excelsior Out!

Open a new Tin of Peep Show...soon.

Thought I'd post a little tribute to one of the funniest, and most innovative, comedy shows around "Peep Show".

David Mitchell (no relation) and Robert Webb are compellingly, aching funny throughout. All support turns are stellar, my favourite being Matt King's deadpan Super Hans, the louche, drug addled musician so beloved of Robert's Jez.

The new series kicks off soon and this illustration will, hopefully, feature on "The British Comedy Guide" website soon.

Excelsior Out!

Mr Obama goes to Washington

Next Tuesday a race will be decided, the result of which will resonate far beyond it's initial parameters. For cares own sake we must hope that wise heads, sturdy hearts and calm nerves prevail for, if they do not, then heaven help us all.

I've nailed my colours to the mast with the above contribution. Good luck Mr President...i hope you won't need it.

Excelsior Out!