SPARKS

[Andy M]

The current issue of VLR includes a four-page feature on KMH; a very quick skim through reveals it's largely through the lens of Martin Gordon.

[waterloosunset]

[SteveBoyce]

That‘s the guy! Is he still complaining he never got a credit for the bass intro to Barbecutie? I always thought, he should be happy he‘s not the guy who got paid 25 quid for the sax line in Baker Street!

[Andy M]

Have read the article now and - yes, still bitter after all these years (those who bought the recent KMH tribute LP will have read much similar in the liner notes).

My take on the situation is this. R&R were strangers in a strange land, young men responsible for the first time for hiring & firing their fellow band members. Inevitably they would have not handled man-management issues as well as more experienced people. But MG appears to have been incredibly difficult - though he seems not to see that himself. For instance, being miffed at something in rehearsal: "To show my displeasure, I decided to read the newspaper while we were playing." He got sacked. I'm not surprised, though he appears to have been.

[waterloosunset]

[Alex Robertson]

If you ever get the chance to meet Martin Gordon , you’ll find him a witty and entertaining man. Yes he still bears that old grudge and airs it like a duelling scar…even if the association with Sparks has served him well over the years…he can still raise a laugh if it’s cast up to him as a joke.
The cruellest thing said about him, by a so-called friend (in jest)was, ‘If you have an UNSIGNED album by Martin, hang onto it as they are so rare, they’ll be worth a bomb someday!’

[aussie]

Things happen in life, now I am starting to get a bit older [65]
you should never hold a grudge it will eat away at you, move on and enjoy life
_________________
-------------------

I HAVE WON LOTTO [again]

[miss sparks]

Good thing that came out of MG leaving Sparks, the bands Jet & Radio Stars.

[leslie hanagan]

I've finally got round to reading the article.
I agree with Alex which doesn't happen very often :) that MG is a very amusing and witty man. Yes, he still has very strong views about his time in the group and if anybody asks him, he's going to let them know that. As for the Mael's man-management aspect, that should have been John Hewlett's role. There was certainly a degree of petulance on both sides, but I think he should have stepped in and done his job.

[waterloosunset]

Leslie, which issue of VLR is the article in (who is on the cover?) Thanks.
_________________
better drop the requirement that everything be great

[leslie hanagan]

Issue number 113. The cover title is 'Sounds Of The Apocalypse. How GBH & Discharge Changed The Face Of Punk Forever.'

[SteveBoyce]

[leslie hanagan]

It was Chris Townson who punched Russell in the mouth, and I think it was Adrian Fisher who actually saw him go into a cupboard and couldn't get out.

[bryan_davey]

i followed martin g, after his departure from sparks, loved jet and radio stars, and after that i stopped i did listen but never followed, for me he lost his spark.... he went too monty python for me !! the maels wouldnt of sacked him if he hadnt played up to them !!!! he obviously made bad decisions like reading the paper whilst playing and acting bored! martins attitude got him sacked, i bet if he could kick himself for his actions and the outcome would of been alot nicer

[SteveBoyce]