I've been into The Who longer than anything else. And anyone who knows anything about the '60s Mod scene The Who came out of knows there is a special thing about Londoners going down to Brighton on the coast for the day and getting it on. That's what Pete Townshend was getting at in Pinball Wizard with the line; "From Soho down to Brighton...". And also it's the background of the Quadrophenia album and the movie that followed.

So when I heard that Forum user The_Nutter had recently moved to Brighton a trip seemed in order.

From Soho down to Brighton... Here is Carnaby Street in London's Soho area. Back in the day this was filled with small rag trade outlets and became a center for hip clothing. These days it still is, albeit in a cleaned up, tourist friendly version:


For the Brighton run we definitely need a hint of Mod to our togs, and there is no brand more Moddish than Ben Sherman, who's shop is in Carnaby Street. I popped in to picked up the inevitable target T-shirt, a Ben Sherman polo - and a Ted Baker shawl collar sweater seemed the right flavor too. Some Jam badges and such and we're set:


Properly attired, off to the station: it is extremely Quadrophenia to do this trip by train. OK, I didn't take the 5:15, but...:


It is England in the autumn so obviously it's raining, as we pass the Pink Floyd landmarks:


5:15 on the iPod and Pinball Wizard on the phone's GPS - if you see what I'm getting at:


Any Mod-type experimentation with the "medicinals" was a long, long time ago for some of us. But we can still pass the time. Apple vodka? Strangely nice:


And here we are on Brighton beach, not famous for it's sandiness:


Ah, Brighton, ladies and gentlemen. If you don't know it, how to describe the dazzle of the bright lights, the non-stop fiesta, the pretty girls and prettier women dancing in the street clad in little more than eau de cologne (anyone spotting all the Who references?) - all together the unspeakable glamour of the place? Why, these people are such party animals they built two piers so that when they accidentally burnt one down during a wild shindig they could move straight over to the other and carry right on:




(Damn, it was cold!)

Anyhow. Met Mr Nutter: a very charming, amusing and frighteningly tall gentleman, so appropriate beer drinking was done in the pub and then we moved on for grub, more booze and geeky pickup wiring discussions in a suitable eatery. Here he is, and what we've heard is true; his eyebrows really do meet in the middle:


One more thing. People with improbably good memories might remember The_Nutter and me having a very detailed conversation about cheese here on the Forum a while ago, so we found ourselves on a silly search for some in small late night convenience stores - but without much success. In this next photo just note the wayward, vaguely hippy hairdo. And take my word that he really is very tall so that small lump of cheddar looks even tinier in his huge hands:


Which all goes to confirm John Lennon's famous remark: "These beatniks are bigger than cheeses."

...Is there anyone here who doesn't get that joke and needs it explaining to them?

Cheers - C

What Would Cheeses Do.........A fine pair of lads........... Mike

_________________
The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Awesome pics Ceri. Looks like you lads had some fun.

_________________
Deyr fé
Deyja frændr
Deyr sjálfr ið sama
En orðstír
Deyr aldregi
Hveim er sér góðan getr

Wow! With all those quality pictures and descriptions it's just like being there. Very cool when members get to meet. Thanks Ceri (and Nutter)!!

Thanks Ceri, thats quite a travel log... Looks like you guys had a ton of fun

Bill

_________________
Hey, Boy Blue is back!

That clinches it,I just have to visit the land of my forebears who come from the south coast of England,Devon,Cornwall and Dorset.The photos of the countryside were beautiful.Some day I'll get to my "homeland" and hopefully met forum members and members of my extended family I've contacted one geneology sites.Hope you guys had a great time-it certainly looks like you did.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thanks guys!

guitslinger, it so happens I inherited my grandparents' place in Devon and go there regularly, so if you ever come by you'll be very welcome!

Cheers - C

very cool, looks like you guys had a good time

_________________
riley

Gosh, I am tall!
I'm even bigger than cheeses!
(but don't tell the press!)
Thanks Ceri, NOW I get what you were aiming for with that cheese! I love wordplays! Well done mate!

Wow. That is quite some travel log! As you can see, meticulous preparation on Ceri's part had taken place. And all I have to show is a few lines of writing, since the photo-optical part of the documentation was supervised by our own Sir Ceri, a gentleman in every best sense of the word, and a man bursting with ingenuity, creativity and humour; a man who has travelled the worlds and has many a fascinating story to tell. I'm truly honoured and pleased he took the time to meet me and down a few *hickup* drinks with me!

What I should mention is that our dear forum member Andybighair was also scheduled for the day, unfortunately, and due to heavy winds of over 39 mph, his responsibilities forced him to stay away from this get-together; however we had a quick chat on the phone and so Andy and Ceri have at least met in this fashion. I'm sure that a proper meeting will commence in the near future. Andy, hope you're well my Big Haired friend!

So, my forum friends, should you ever have the opportunity to meet Ceri, rest assured: He's a great guy! (not that I believe anyone doubted that in the first place!).

For those who think it's a gizzly place, Brighton: Yep it can be. Just as any other place.



But it can also be nice, as this 'ere photo shows:



So should you ever visit: give it a chance! If I'm around, I'll do my best to show you around! There's more than just the Sea to see!

Cheers,

-Nutter

What Bill said!

_________________
You dig?

BTW Ceri, you never told me about that vodka! Did you bury it on the beach for that guy with the metal detector?




-Nutter

_________________
I started out with nothing, and still have most of it.

Ceri, you are the top Bro! I so enjoy reading your posts and threads ( like the Ian Fleming of Fender ) and getting to see those wonderful pics! Nutter, Bro, so tall, a hit with the ladies you must be!

Thanks Bros!

_________________
you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

SBLS, I agree on the first part of your message! Ceri is probably Ian's heir... The second part of your message... well. I couldn't possibly comment!

Should you ever venture into these parts, drop in, I'm sure you would enjoy the sights!

-Nutter

Do so, Nevin! We'll save some cheese for you!

-Nutter

Good stuff chaps!

Brighton Rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUKi3_QntE

I hope the Big Hairy egit who recommended the venues did Brighton justice.

Andy

_________________
Pending Greatness