Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

At the end of 2008, I was lucky to have a second (and final) opportunity to visit the London Astoria. At the time, I didn't think too much of it, but shortly afterwards, I was informed that the vague plans to destroy the venue were now final. At first I wasn't surprised - it just justified my general opinion of the UK. But it didn't take long for it to break my heart.



I barely remember my first venture to the London Astoria, in early 2006 to see Simple Minds. A comfortable, informal and astmospheric venue that brings audiences closer to the artists without being cramped or confined. Even the green lights on the upper walls seemed special.

December 12th 2008. Apocalyptica at the London Astoria. Having grown up a little bit since the last time, I appreciated the venue more. Recalling it makes me slow down.

Transport is not a valid excuse for tearing down an historic and influential music venue. For decades it has held host to a number of performances by future-stars and held fond memories for many people. Why does this country seem intent on removing anything cultural or educational? Not long prior, I discovered that a Planetarium in London had been converted for Madame Tussauds. I mean, WHY?

Especially in the current state of affairs, the youths of this country in particular need something to turn to. Music is open, varied, creative and social. It encourages unity and expression and going to live concerts can be an outlet for any pent up anger or energy. Why take one of very few decent venues away from us?

On another personal note, the best picture I have taken so far happens to be of Apocalyptica at the Astoria. I'm pleased with it anyway, especially as this was just BEFORE I considered concert photography.


Where words fail, music speaks. Music will keep this venue very much alive, in essence and memory if not physically.

In The Beginning There Was...

Who knows? But for now here's my very first blog post. Firstly, welcome to my noosphere! Secondly, I should just explain WHY I decided to do this, having previously decided I did not like a majority of blogs already out there...

WELL - I, without sounding too vain, feel I have something to say. A lot to say, actually. I am very opinionated, and I mean VERY. I hate such a lot, which at 18 I suppose I would, but in contrast the few things I do like, I love with great passion. And to be fair, there are only a couple of things: Music, and The Universe. Everything else? Well, I just rant. So far, I have been keeping it all locked up (I'm quiet and shy in person...) and only vent to my poor friends via Messenger or Facebook, which is unfair on them really. By doing a blog, only those who give a damn will read it, if anyone (*sarcastic laugh*) and all will be well... (*another sarcastic laugh*).

Basically, I'm troubled as well, so this is also a way to organise my head. I am mixed up about life and my future, and I feel my last resort is something in the music industry, as it's all that's left that means anything. I am thinking... music promoter? Music photographer? Something like that. So, actively, I can post reviews to all the gigs I go to, my "better" photographs, and any new bands I think deserve some attention.

Also, I can rant on here about the things I need to rant about. I don't mean, what happened to me today, my latest argument or anything pathetic like that, I mean, random issues that spark affection or irritation within me. These may range from religion, something on the news or the like, or it may be something like labels within music, the gender divide or perhaps an issue with a particular band!

I reckon this will be a fusion of formal and informal, love and hate, peace and conflict, calm and chaos, right or wrong, highs and lows. Hope you find my words/thoughts in any way meaningful. Whether you agree or disagree is fine by me, we all have our opinions, we just need the freedom to express them without causing too much offence (*yet another sarcastic laugh* in-joke with myself...)

FINALLY - "Black Holes of the Noosphere" in case you wondered, I am USELESS at coming up with titles etc, but this was the only thing that suited me. I love the whole concept of black holes, and information being lost, but having no idea what happens to it, if anything... and a noosphere is like the realm of human thought. So I put these notions together to form a human mind where information gets lost.. or does it?

Something like that.