On Cornucopea — or — Just Like Safesurfer…

So, did you have a good time last weekend??? Family commitments meant that I could not be there all the time on either night (that was Tim Drummond doing the Head Heritage merchandise), but I did get there in time for the end of the Queen Elizabeth set on Saturday night. The sight of 3 Thighpaulsandras nearly sent me running back to Wiltshire! I really enjoyed what I saw of the QE performance and am pleased to report that the emails we have received all give the thumbs up. From all reports, Julian was excellent in the Foyer – I was particularly sorry to miss “Waylands Smithy Has Wings”. Everyone also seems to have enjoyed Skyray, the Groundhogs and the Panzies – haven’t heard much feedback on Anal or Kid Strange. Which leads me to…

Brain Donor Photos

Brain Donor! For most of you, it was either the highlight of the evening, or the low point. Well, all I can say to those of you that didn’t dig it is… I remember the reaction to Safesurfer when it was first performed! So, five years down the line, you might well be changing your minds… As for me, well I can’t really see how anyone can diss the Stooges with Edward Van Halen on lead guitar. But, to each his own, and that to me sums up the first night of Cornucopea: it was such an eclectic mix that there was very little chance of pleasing everyone all of the time. But the overall feeling seems to be that it was a brilliant and ambitious evening, with a wonderful atmosphere throughout.

I arrived at the end of Coil’s set on Sunday night, and thought they looked and sounded totally far out. Would love to have seen more… (and I’ve heard that they had some pretty impressive merchandise!). Julian’s performance was one of my favourite solo sets I’ve ever seen him do. The highlights for me were “Silbury Moon” and Paul Simpson’s appearance for “Sleeping Gas”. We’ve had lots of “why didn’t he play longer” emails… all I can say is that this was never a straightforward Julian gig. This was a two-day festival! There were other artists on the bill, and the RFH has a pretty strict curfew. So, Julian was limited to one hour.

We’ve had a lot of emails too about Ash Ra Tempel’s performance. Most of you thought it was wonderful, especially the last 20 minutes, and I would agree with that. When Manuel Gottsching stood up and played that guitar, the whole thing took off! It was such a thrill to see two totally legendary artists. Lots of you are asking if Klaus and Manuel will be doing anything else together now, and it is my understanding that there could be a new CD soon (this from Dorian, who is high as a kite after meeting her beloved Manuel).

Again, Sunday night was another mixed bag of very different music. The audience was far more varied than Saturday night’s – you could almost look around and see who one had come to see, and I was very impressed by the appreciation and magnanimity shown to each act.

We’ve already had so much positive feedback about the free CD programme. Julian was determined to give something special to everyone who came, and spent weeks of his time ensuring that this CD looked and sounded amazing. Your appreciation means a lot to him, and all of us here at HH – so, thanks for the thanks.

I didn’t get the opportunity to meet too many of you, but both Julian and Dorian are full of beans about everyone they got to speak with (Julian enjoyed his brief “Meet and Greet” session on Saturday night). I interact with many of you quite often, so I know how nice you are – and so it was great for the Copes to get the chance to see for themselves.

The two most frequent questions we’re receiving: will there be another Cornucopea? Julian is still so tired that he didn’t even acknowledge me when I asked him that. But I for one certainly hope so!

And – when will Floored Genius 3 be available? In about 2 weeks — as soon as it is, we’ll get it on to the Merchandiser. And it’s a real gem. 

As for Julian’s thoughts on the weekend, check out his new Address Drudion.

JoAnne