DIARY 30/11/09
Portugal. Five days in the sun. Walking on the sand, the ever-present notebook and pen in pocket. Lyrics to complete. Comes to mind that while I was writing The Coast Of Amalfi and a couple of other songs for The Quality Of Mercy, I travelled to – wait for it – Amalfi. Believed at the time that I was on a research trip. So I researched. Crossed to Ischia and trekked up to Pompeii. Sailed the bay to Positano, so I could know what these places felt like, how they smelt, what gave them life. Got that 5 minutes song from those excursions. Gathered inspiration for much of Journey’s End and The Last Goodbye, too.
Authors travel to research if their new book involves getting it right about a place. They claim their travel costs against tax. Of course, they do. They go there for their work. Writing a book based in Egypt, the author goes to Egypt to explore. Could be Mozambique, could be Bolivia. It might be sunnier, warmer, drier and prettier than where they live in the UK, that’s always possible, though not always the case, but either way they go there for the work, the inspiration. They want to get it right. So I went on a research trip then to Italy and sent the receipts to my accountant. But two years later we learned from a tax inspector that I was not on a research trip at all, but was on holiday. That’s what the inspector told my accountant: “He was on holiday.” I went alone. Took recording equipment and guitar and wrote. Some holiday. So in spite of my trip to the Algarve being mostly one in hope of inspiration (and it came), I shan’t bother claiming the costs (considerable) against tax, even though I took guitar, recording equipment and spent most of the time writing. The tax inspector can call you guilty until you prove your innocence. And there’s little you can do. But I know when I am on holiday. And I wasn’t. But, hey, listen to Woody Allen: “Life isn’t perfect; plus, it is short”.
And I can’t remember playing Muriel The Actor live on stage since the old Queen died, not since 1973, anyway. But since it’s being put-up, apparently by several fans, as one for the 2010 dates, let’s agree it might well come alive again. I’m enjoying what I see of this new website. Interactive, Andy said it would be. I like that. I’ll get one of the crew to film again in the studio next week, as we record backing vocals, say. And we’ll get it to Andy for uploading. Interactive. The internet is cool. Dangerous, but cool. Pace my Algarve sojourn, with the tax inspector in mind, here’s Woody again: “I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics exam: I looked into the soul of the boy sitting next to me.” Stranger comes to town, searching for inspiration.
SH
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written by Drew McAdam , November 30, 2009
Perhaps next time you could get your inspiration from Helmand Province. Tax inspector is unlikely to describe THAT as a holiday.
written by Stella Day , December 01, 2009
I was in Portugal this weekend, Steve. The glimpse of winter sun was a welcome tonic indeed. I have never been to the Algarve. I stay with my sister and her husband who live in Oeiras on the Atlantic Coast which I believe is a little wilder. It's nicest to stay with "locals" who know where the best seafood can be found (often tucked away down a side-street over-looking the railway), who can show you where the best queijadas are sold in Sintra and who can also take you to breath taking sights such as the Boca do Inferno in Cascais.
Best of all.....they speak the lingo!!
But tell me Steve why is it that when I walk barefoot on the sand all I can think of are the lyrics to "I Wanna Be Free" and yet you are inspired?
Hmmm. I guess that's why you're a poet and I'm sitting here at one o'clock in the morning writing drivel......
written by richard , December 01, 2009
Milton Keynes. Where Mum spent her last UK years. Came here to be with family until she passed away in March. Going back next year to visit her friends. May be a little sad but to catch a glimpse of the band after being away for 30 odd years is inspiration enough for the journey.
written by stewart griffin , December 01, 2009
Muriel opened the set at Crystal Palce in 75.
but what's a couple of years amongst friends?
written by David Rolfe , December 09, 2009
Hi Steve
My wife and I went to Sorrento last May to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. All because of 'Coast of Amalfi' I love that song and so does she. Didn't get to Ishia but did the rest. FAntastic time, cosr a fortune but what the heck. Must go back. Have to be thankful her favourite song wasn't Elton John's 'Grimsby'!
Dave
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