Business as usual
Normally I'm a positive person. I have a positive outlook on life in general and pride myself in adopting a positive approach in the face of adversity. Most people have said I remain calm and grounded in a crisis. I guess you could say my positivity works out 90% of the time. Even in the face of difficulties with Parkinson's
The exception, up to a point, was in my last blog titled "I was very reluctant to write this", when the events last weekend overwhelmed me and the battle to sink or swim most certainly left me gasping for air!
I've moved on from that quite quickly and with good reason. I consider myself generally quite fortunate. Since leaving the 'rate race' almost 20 years ago to set up a record label Rocksector Records, the milestones are evident, the hard yards have been put in but I've also had that little bit of luck along the way... necessary in most walks of life and even though I'm probably a workaholic, I am also grateful for the chunks of almost essential good fortune I've had.
The bounce back from last weekend's difficulties has been bolstered most definitely by some wonderful news for the bands/artists I manage... Blaze Bayley and Absolva. A very brief summary for those who don't know...
After joining his first band, Wolfsbane, Blaze was poached by arguably the biggest rock/metal band on the planet for a stint as lead singer that worked out from 1994 to 1999... Iron Maiden. He released two albums with them, toured the world, then the previous singer returned and Blaze went on to a solo career with some severe peaks and troughs both professionally and personally speaking. In 2013/2014 I was lucky enough to be appointed tour manager of Blaze, and the members of Absolva are Blaze's band for live concerts and recording also. I then went on to be his general manager in 2016 and continuing to this day. I run his own record label Blaze Bayley Recording and we've had good times steadily helping to build his career to higher levels, when compared with a difficult time he had in the years just before that. Well, two things occurred this week which are a combination of luck and hard work...
1/ Blaze has been added to the list of Iron Maiden members/ex-members nominated for induction to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's not known yet if Maiden will be the final choice for induction but it's a solid credit to all involved that Blaze has been included as a nominee.
2/ Iron Maiden have invited Blaze and his band (Absolva including my two sons Chris and Luke) to headline the second stage at Eddfest - Maiden's inaugural own festival set for 10th and 11th July 2026 at the famous scene of some colossal festivals in by-gone years - Knebworth.
That's two announcements that definitely warm the cockles of my heart! And for my/our team, not least Blaze himself, recognition x
There's 150,000 people in the UK who have Parkinson's and let's say a guestimate of a million people who are carers, healthcare professionals and family/support/friends of someone with the illness. I bring no preaching here and my message today is just this... I wish you all the opportunity to enjoy some positivity even in the face of adversity. Peace, love and the best wellness that you can possibly achieve x