December 26, 2016

 

In 84, ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’

at No.1 for Dead Or Alive,

and this song back in the charts in 06 –

God rest Pete Burns, and his struggle to survive.

 

Best known for his chart hits of 61,

like ‘Run To Him’ and ‘Rubber Ball’,

and in 63, ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’

ensured Bobby Vee remembered by all.

 

Canada’s own Leonard Cohen,

this year, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations –

sadly bowing out, aged 82.

 

America’s Colonel Abrams (died aged 67) –

The acclaimed 80’s House Dance pioneer.

His gold selling hit in the charts for 23 weeks –

‘Trapped’, deservingly well worth a cheer.

 

Leon Russell, the renowned rock musician/writer,

who’s talent knew no bounds,

featured on many great albums,

including The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds’.

 

His collaboration with Elton John,

on the album, ‘The Union’ came in 2010,

and also known for penning ‘A Song For You’ –

his work will live on – Amen.

 

Kay Starr, a popular singer of the 50’s  –

‘Wheel Of Fortune & ‘Rock & Roll Waltz’, No.1 hits.

Whether singing Jazz, Pop or Country,

Her fans simply loved her to bits.

 

Rod Temperton, the British songwriter

behind ‘Thriller’ died aged 66  – a loss to us all.

His other songs include ‘Rock With You’,

‘Boogie Nights’ and of course ‘Off The Wall’.

 

In 66 ‘California Dreamin’ & ‘Monday Monday’ –

Mamas & Papas hits we’ll never forget.

And in 67 ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’

an apt song for 3 members we lost with regret.

 

Lovely Cass Elliott leaving us in 74,

and John Philips in 2001.

And Denny Doherty followed in 2007 –

may their memory and music live on.

 

With ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’,

in 77 making No.2.

It is with the greatest sadness

Greg Lake, we say farewell to you.

 

‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’

in 68, first set our hearts aglow.

This group having the most chart singles,

can only mean – Status Quo.

 

But ‘The Party Ain’t Over Yet’, for you –

Rick Parfitt – your act was sublime.

And tonight fans will toast your life,

singing in one voice – ‘Margarita Time’.

 

With effortless ease and brilliance,

George Michael’s music won so many hearts,

And ‘Faith’ in him, we had in abundance,

though ‘Older’, too early he departs.

 

‘Last Christmas’ – our favourite Video,

and ‘Careless Whisper’ another heartfelt song.

But this Christmas, will forever be remembered –

for a singer who kept us all strong..  

 

His ‘December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)’,

so apt now his loss, fans struggle to endure.

But of one thing you can be certain,

George Michael, ‘You Have Been Loved’ for sure.

 

Losing Pop Legends isn’t easy,

when they’ve been part of our DNA.

We all think of them as immortal,

and near to our hearts they stay.

 

But each one that goes on before us,

is simply finding ‘A Different Corner’ to rest.

So sleep peacefully in your ‘Freedom’

‘Spinning The Wheel’ with some of the best.

 

December 10, 2016

 

 

In 73, Diana Ross was in the Top 10,

with this poignant farewell song.

‘Touch Me In The Morning’

proving ‘now’ – no-one can prolong.

 

‘Now That We Found Love’,

a 78 Top 10 hit for Third World.

In 77, ‘When I Need You’ by Leo Sayer,

ensured every lover’s toe curled.

 

‘When You Get Right Down To It’,

a Top 20 hit for Ronnie Dyson in 71.

‘I Saw Her Again’ from Mamas & Papas,

one of their hits proving love lingers on.

 

In 79, ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ came from

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band.

‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’,

in 96, Celine Dion did command.

 

In 80, at 23 in the charts,

‘Too Hot’ from Kool and the Gang’

and ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’,

in 75, Esther Philips sang.

 

In 06, with ‘Crazy’, Gnarls Barkley,

at No.1, rightly did sit,

and in 94 ‘Now & Forever’,

gave Richard Marx a Top 20 hit.

 

In 67, ‘A Place In The Sun’, from

Stevie Wonder, we thought a dream,

and In 74, The Love Unlimited Orchestra,

had a Top 10 with ‘Love’s Theme’

 

Memories can last a lifetime,

and at times bitter-sweet they feel,

but ‘Now’ is happening constantly,

and ‘Now’ always will be the real deal. 

 

 

December 6, 2016

 

Tune in to

Tony’s Time Machine

Wednesday  7th December 2016

11 am – 1pm

(with repeats on

Thurs  at 8 am

Friday at 1 am

Saturday at 6pm)

 

Tony’s Guest for

the Christmas Special

will be Safreen Khan

who will also be reading the poem

‘For The Love Of Youth’

written by Harriet Blackbury.

 

 

 

It’s only me – I’m not stopping,

I really have loads to do.

I shouldn’t even be calling,

but this duty visit I owe to you.

 

So tell me – how are you doing?

Crickey, is it that time so soon?

I’ll drop in again next weekend,

for ten minutes sometime around noon.

 

Just text me if you need something,

as my ‘phone’s always on silent mode.

and I’ll get back to you presently,

when I’ve dealt with my work overload.

 

‘Well thanks for popping in darling;

it’s good to get a glimpse of your face,

Now clear off,  if you don’t mind –

I’m about to watch Bradley on The Chase.

 

 

 

 

 

Our hearts as normal,

ticked away,

as we awoke,

at break of day.

 

A regular day

like any other,

until the phone call –

God help us Mother!

 

Fast forward goes

a beating heart;

the mind a jumble –

where to start?

 

So much to do,

now doesn’t matter.

Alarm bells loud,

disturb the chatter.

 

The laughter that

was yesterday,

replaced by thoughts

in disarray.

 

Then to the appointment,

unexpected.

What had the test

results detected?

 

With baited breath

hands clasped together;

through thick and thin this pair,

seen off bad weather.

 

Then joy of joy –

the gods align.

No need for panic –

all would be fine.

 

Though the call to see

the Doctor  a s a p,

nearly was the death,

of he and me.