Off Road Moments…

Now these could get really hazy, and maybe inaccurate. However, it has oft been said that I was the best at remembering this stuff so my version goes.

Unless someone has proof otherwise…

Watching a movie with Big George was always an “experience”. I’m pretty sure that he invented the concept of the commentary track well before DVD’s were even thought of. This was augmented by the “one more time” feature..whereby a favourite moment would be replayed at least once.

I had seen The Last Waltz once before, but never saw it “properly” until an after gig gathering at a house I know not where. We were, shall we say, well oiled and fun was being had. George then spotted a copy of said movie and it was put on, duly complying with the “Play This Film LOUD” instruction. George was quite the musicologist throughout, and I even noticed how good Neil Diamond was when in the right place at the right time.

One fella wasn’t interested though and decided to sit in a corner, don a pair of headphones and listen to a Monty Python album. Cue lots of short bursts of laughter that didn’t quite go with the movie.

There is now a DVD of The Last Waltz that has three different commentaries, but none are quite as good.

By far the best nights were hosted by good friend of the band, Susan Coleman. If I ever got a phone call from George containing the words “Saturday Night Special”, a fantastic night would be guaranteed.

Susan seemed to have magic wine glasses which would never be less than full, no matter how small a sip you took. The entertainment was always top notch as well, with many a fine jam session with George and various other musos. The acoustic guitar and fiddle version of Purple Rain with Fraser Neill was a particular highlight. Have a look for him on Facebook, he’s in Denmark these days but still gigging.

Susan also had a cool trick involving a bull whip and a willing volunteer with cigarette in mouth. She would always say “It’s OK if I’m drunk. It works better when I’m drunk.”

There would always be a point in the evening when Susan would ask for a volunteer to take her dog Queenie for a walk. She was a lovely animal, but by God she took the piss out of me. I can’t remember how many times she ran off and didn’t come back until I was sure I would have to return without her. Her

timing was always excellent!

Susan lived nearby, so it was always easy to walk/stagger/crawl home.

One more to end with…although I only heard about this one.

BGB went back to Montreal for the World Scottish Festival. There was a fairly posh reception which George attended. After a while, a tall African American chap arrived clad in a kilt.

“You’ll be the Black Watch then?” says George, to the sound of dropping jaws around the table.

The kilted fella thought it was a hoot!