Merry Hipsters,
Since the great Wrighta brought this to our attention, I'd been looking forward to listening to it and having just done that, I have to say I'm more than a little disappointed.
I have nothing against Johnnie Walker per say but truthfully he "Slept Walked" through this and the lack of planning and preparation of any remotely interesting questions was glaring.
In one hour he started with TJA question, covered some of our hero's career up to Avalon and then jumped forward to TJA.
Frankly it was a huge missed opportunity and only of interest to a debutant Ferryista.
Why oh why can't we have something decent?
There is so much to ask this guy about music, fashion and art, not to mention his phenomenal live performances, if these old hands aren't prepared to put the work in they should move over and let somebody else have a go.
Sorry to be negative but it was just such a let down.
Regards,
Windswept

When has there ever been an interview in the last 10 years that has any interesting new angles ??? I've noticed that recently the air attack disaster seems to be getting added into the mix but generally it's all the same old scene chat wise - whether he's asked anything controversial or not ....However , I do absolutely love " The jazz age " - it makes me feel refreshed and really happy .....but once you've explained what it is.... there's not much else to say really !

Merry Gardner,
You are right, there is a lot of "The Same Old Scene" out there but it could be very different.
For example, a delectable lady called Virginia did an absolutely fabulous interview with our hero when he was down under in 2011. It's on youtube and she did it for the Artscape programme.
It is informed, dynamic, well constructed and she got more out of Ferry in 28" than friend Johnnie might manage in 28 years.
For me, it's not about trying to peer into his private life, it's about interrogating the music, the shows and the style and God knows, after 40 years there's plenty to go at.
Sorry but Walker sat in front of one of the most important artists of his generation and blew it - I want my licence fee back!
I'm sure the contributors to this hallowed cyber hall would come up with some great questions and if the supposed professionals can't hack it they should pass the batton.
Regards,
Windswept

Anyone think that JW is bothered?

Merry Gary,
Yes - I do.
Regards,
Windswept

Well BF did suggest that the reason that "In The Midnight Hour" appeared on "Flesh + Blood" may have been due to a shortage of material, but that's hardly earth-shattering news. The fact that this track was played in preference to anything from "Stranded" says it all as a verdict on the programme for me.

It may well be that BF only does these interviews as long as he sets the agenda as most politicans do these days. What was interesting was that when JW asked him if the rest of Roxy minded him doing a solo album he answered with an abrupt "don't know, can't remember" and when asked about one Bry(i)an too many after FYP he completely ignored the question and went on to mention recording TFT.

Hmmm. It is perfectly within BF's power to say interesting things in an interview, no matter how familiar/routine the questions might be. Could it be that BF just isn't that interesting any more? I know that that is heresy among those who worship at the alter of The Great Man but golly, maybe it's true!

I also note The Big Change recently announced for the Autumn 2013 Tour: now the the festivities will commence a mere 300 days from now (Oct 25) rather than the previously announced 301 days (Oct 25). Whew. I hope that doesn't cause problems in arranging for the catering, etc. necessary to start the tour off right. You know if you rush such things it can prove disastrous.

I have an interview on cassette somewhere of an interview Paul Gambuccini did with Bryan just before they broadcast the Wembley 1980 show on BBC radio around December 1980. When asked about doing the 2 covers BF said and I quote "It wasn't because we were running out of material" There was a bootleg a few years ago with some demos from that period and if I remember right there were a few unfinished tracks that could have been worked up as additional material for the album instead of the covers.

In The Midnight our was recorded for Kenny Everett's New year show and then included on the subsequent album Flesh + Blood. As far as I remember BF said at the time that Eight Miles High was to appeal to the American market as the previous album 'Manifesto' had been their highest chart placing in USA and they wanted to continue that momentum.

J.O'B.