The PA Happy Birthday Thread

Rocketsandbluelights joined our never walk alone throng on 29 October 2013, and stayed with us for a whole 8 minutes before disappearing without a trace and without bothering to even state how much he loved his local footie team. He celebrates his 31st birthday in the wonderful city of York today.

Before we discuss the wondrous legacy that our dearly departed brother left to us, let us consider York. Firstly, and paramount in our deliberations, it is the home of our extremely lovely and well regarded friend on the forum, Mr Hercules. It is also the home city of the mighty Mostly Autumn, and Tony is extremely familiar with these titans of prog folk.

It is home to all sorts of wondrous things. The Minster, the wonderful Choo Choo Museum, the exceptional Jorvik Viking attraction, and all manner of things, including some of the finest boozers on earthdom. Mr Laz spent a wonderful week’s holiday there back in the day when he was a single misspent yoof, and loved every minute, and recommends it highly to any of you considering a holiday venue in Blighty this year (note to any York councillors - all cheques payable to Mr Lazland c/o Worshipful Society of Sheep Shaggers. Ta!). Here is the city website, where you can read the council’s response to the Public Interest Report into the. “Exit Package”, aka Brown Envelope Time with excessive used notes, to their former Chief Executive. Nice work if you can get it! City of York Council website home page – City of York Council

J Cridford when he registered listed his occupation as an administrator/journalist. Just how sexy all of this is we shall find out shortly. His interests were stated as music, art, literature, theatre, tennis, and vintage fashion, which is an eclectic mix to be sure. Here is his tweety pie page, where you are able for the first time to witness just what a gloriously hairy and beautiful specimen today’s hero is; https://twitter.com/home Father Cridmas (geddit?) hasn’t posted there for a wee while, and a search for The Milton Insider got this, where he is an author on the UK’s National B2B Media Company Insider Media Ltd - The UK's National B2B Media Company Here is his InstantFameOGram page, where we have even more opportunity to ogle at this hirsute warrior’s utter loveliness, including clues as to his very sharp taste in music https://www.instagram.com/jcridford/ He also has a blog, which is decidedly handy for a wordsmith Blogger: User Profile: J Cridford There is not much on here,  but what is there is of pretty decent quality.

So! Given this level of academic hairyness, you would expect that Our Jonathon must be a really senior administrator, up there with our sadly departed Chief Executive of York Council. Well, not quite. Jonathon is the Visitor Services Manager at........The Yorkshire Arboretum. Yes indeedy! Now for those of you who do not have the classical education required to speak in the language Young Master Caesar got his backside whipped for for not conjugating his verbs correctly back in the day, an arboretum is a botanical garden. Yes, and this is personally very exciting for Mr and Mrs Laz, as we are members of the National Botanical Gardens of Wales, which is a very lovely 15 minute walk from the hallowed residence we call home! Here he is Jonathan Cridford - Visitor Services Manager - The Yorkshire Arboretum | Business Profile | Apollo.io, and here is the said wonderful carbon footprint reducing wonder Yorkshire Arboretum So! Should any of you visit this wonderful customer centric experience, please do seek out Jonathon and tell him that you are a huge fan of his work, and it is all down to his legendary appearance in that bed of roses, The PABT!

This is not, though, all. It is not the end of our legendary brother’s talents, for he is on Discogs! ElectricLash90 and what about his band? Well, they have a 

Wikipoopoo page The Society (ex Danse Society) - Wikipedia And here they, 

and he, are in all their glory at The Snooty Fox pub in Wakefield! https://youtu.be/GhyhEm-vg5w I think that you will agree with me that, in spite of the awful racket, Jonathon especially rates a full 5 stars on the cool shagability barometer!

So! We wish a very happy birthday to one of the finest recruits to our Temple of Prog Immortality! Happy birthday, sir! Give us one of those sultry looks whilst flicking that beautiful head!

Elsewhere in Proggerland, it is a pleasure to wish our very dear friend, RaphaelT, or Zbigniew Dudek a very happy 44th birthday. Zbigniew has been a regular contributor hereabouts since 2005! Happy birthday, sir!

In addition, we also send our deep love and felicitations to Jazz_Fusion_Guy, who has been hanging around here even longer, since 2004! Here is his homepage SourceCodeX Listen and enjoy! Happy birthday, sir! 

In the end, I plumped for a teacher from Canada, which is quite easily the PABT’s favourite country north of Yankeeland. 

MGR.I.O registered with our happy throng in December 2008, and didn’t bother the masses with his opinion on anything in the 16 days he spent with us. Michel Gendron, although this is not the correct spelling of his name, which suggests to me that Mychal, who celebrates his 59th birthday today, may have had a few too many of the old Molson Export when he registered, rather like the yoofful chaps vomiting in JDs historic post last night.

He gave his occupation as a teacher, and his interests, usefully enough for a music website, as music. This interest will also help Mychal greatly in his chosen occupation. He is a guitar teacher and teacher trainer, and features as his chosen corporate to teach as Suzuki Mychal Gendron | Member Directory | Suzuki Association of the AmericasNow, I knew that Suzuki made motorbikes. I also knew that they make cars, albeit only because Mrs Laz drives one of them. But not guitars, and here is their website where you can choose your new best friend which will be a part of your life for years to come (as I said last night, I really should be paid for all this) Suzuki Guitars, Amplifiers, and Guitar Accessories 

What caught my eye whilst looking at our dear brother Mychal was the fact that he toured Brazil under the aegis of Partners of the Americas. Being an ever so slightly ignorant British chappy incapable of quoting beardy philosophers and speaking Latin, I must confess that I had never heard of this, and my first thought was that this was a band. But no! Here is their website, detailing this non-profit, non-partisan doer of good works inspired by President Kennedy, although horizontal jogging sessions with attractive blond bombshell actresses does not appear to be amongst their activities, sadly. Seriously, a pretty impressive bunch Partners of the Americas | 

And, even more excitingly, our dear departed brother has his very own GoggleTube page, and I implore you to subscribe and add to the extraordinarily loyal 38 subscribers. Here is our hero, at a Guitar Faculty Performance at the appropriately named for a disciple of JFK Beaver Creek in 2013. Nice playing, if you can get past the cries of an obviously rather impatient youngster in the audience https://youtu.be/EVJEvKgfpRs For those of you wishing for a little bit more special than Hark The Herald Angels Sing at Yuletide, you can purchase Mychal’s carols for flute and guitar here https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/christmas-carols-for-flute-guitar-sheet-music/4800805He has also published quite a few ebooks, so it is safe to say that Mychal’s decision not to contribute to our stringed masses on PA was most definitely our loss.

It does not, though, stop us from wishing this multi-talented chap a very happy birthday! Try and stay sober, sir! 

Elsewhere in Proggerland, today is a very special day, and I don’t just mean the end of parental rumpy pumpy JFK inspired activities. For today, we send our very best wishes to Aussie Byrd Brother, or Michael as his parents named him 45 years ago today appropriately enough in Convictland. Mike is an SC on the Italian Symphonic Prog team, and has been an exceptional contributor hereabouts for nearly 10 years now. Happy birthday, Sir! 

There was, in fact, quite a choice of registering to flog stuff to the masses to choose from today. However, I settled on wondering at the wisdom of an advertising campaign which involves an Indian chappy, whose real name is regrettably lost to history, but who celebrates his 32nd birthday in Hyderabad today, registering on a progressive rock forum on 5 August 2011, staying for the briefest of minutes, simply to give a link to the company he works for, and the name of said company as his signature, and not even posting to notify us of said company. Thus, I give you seotrafficspider. Having said that, I suppose that you could argue that this hungry young executive anticipated the creation of the PABT, recently voted the most popular Progressive Rock birthday thread for 2021, and that at least a couple of hundred souls would click on the site of his employer, thus potentially opening up all sorts of corporate activity. I mean, really, how many would have clicked on this at the time of registration?

So, here is the link. http://seotrafficspider.com/ And what do our capitalist friends offer to the eager prog masses? Well, it doesn’t drive traffic, it drives conversations, which is always nice when you want somebody to talk to. Basically, they will help you with your website, digital writing, Google ad words, consulting services, content marketing, the full monty. Very exciting, and they emphasise that the content of your website is the key, so I have already taken the step of providing our Indian friends with Max’s email address. And, more excitingly, they have two awards to their name, which are Google AdWords Certification and Expert Author Certification from Ezine Articles, and these really are the clincher for me. They can transform your ideas into reality, and writing all this down, I really do think that the least the buggers could do is send me a cheque for the free advertising I am giving them. It could be my second job! Such things are all the rage in Blighty at the moment!

Elsewhere, I am extremely pleased that the PABT continues to keep up with the hottest topics in progdom, and I provide a service here which nicely dovetails with a thread commenced by that grandest of PABT patrons, Mr Steve G, namely nationalism. Indeedy, because today we can celebrate the 61st birthday of a real Red, White, and Blue patriot, one Jay Beerster (nice name, sir!), who joined our nationalistic throng in January 2020, and hung around for three months. 

When he joined, Jay declared his love for all things RIO, and attracted the attention of all right minded pan-heads on the site. In fact, the finest contribution to this discussion was by our exceptionally wise and distinguished admin, Mr Logan, who provided our Jay with this utter classic as an example of his love for RIO; https://youtu.be/nTizYn3-QN0

And that was it. Jay disappeared, without being seen hereabouts again. Which is a bit of a shame, because I have no doubt at all that he would have been all over Steve’s nationalism thread. You see, when he registered, he listed his interests as Music, Dogs, Guns, woodworking, women in no particular order. But it is when you examine Jay’s intertit activities that he really comes into his own. Take a look at his comments in reaction to some beardy sociology professor which, amongst other gems, alleges that Coronavirus is not a Chinese buggy wuggy, but the creation of those evil Yankee imperialists! Yes, really! Campus Reform | Professor quoted as saying on 'terrorist entity' TV network that US made coronavirus Our Jay performs a couple of truly magnificent rants calling for the deportation of all leftie teachers and taking true blue American schools back! Or how about this utter gem, literally hot off of the presses three days ago, discussing that altogether lovely and hot UFC fighter Rose Namajunas, who is rather hot under the collar about the Red Stain otherwise known in diplomatic circles as China? Female UFC fighter — ‘Better dead than red’… – CITIZEN FREE PRESS Here is the post from Jay; “Anyone know if this fight will be televised or pay per view ? Would really like to watch her kick some chinese butt since the Traitor Biden won’t.” You get the impression that Jay would not altogether welcome his local Democrat Party geezer knocking at the door advertising the virtues of Uncle Joe Stalin. Indeed, he would have a magnificent choice between blasting him with some Henry Cow or the AK47, getting Rover to bite his left testicle, or locking him his newly built book cupboard with last night’s female conquest. The possibilities are endless!

Further research confirms that Jay hails from Nevada, and here he is offering his full support to Governor Steve Sisolak trying to, erm, not entirely respect the popular vote https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/sisolak-vetoes-bill-that-would-pledge-nevadas-support-to-winner-of-national-popular-vote-reject-electoral-college

There is more available in the same vein. So! We wish a very happy birthday to our patriotic friend, Jay! As Herr Grocklegrubber once said, “besser tot als rot” und andere solche Blödsinn.

Elsewhere, no present collab happy days to report, with the parental locking of the golden gates well and truly carrying on. 

guitarrero joined our hairy throng in April 2011, and hung around for a few months only. He did post a few times, and not always to promote his band. He celebrates his 40th birthday in Fuerth, Germany, or Fürth as some of our more Germanic brethren would no doubt call it. Regrettably, owing to the fact that Mr Laz is not particularly conversant in German, I am unable to bring you the essential Northern Bavarian garbage and recycling collection news, but I am very pleased to report that for all you lovers of the beef patty, there is on the town’s website an essential bürger service portal, which is a truly wonderful thing for the town to provide to its hungry citizenry Das offizielle Internetportal der Stadt Fürth - Internetportal der Stadt Fürth

Dave Mola is/was the guitarist and mellotron player with Effloresce, who were added to the Temple of Prog by that bastion of progressive knowledge, Mr Olav Windhawk. Here is their entry EFFLORESCE discography and reviews As you will note, they have only released the one full album, namely Coma Ghosts, in 2012, which was pretty well received by the hairy masses hereabouts. There has been nothing since, but it is noted that our exalted Kev Rowland did track down the lead singer Nicki Weber in 2018 who stated that it is hoped that a second album will follow. It is unclear whether Our Kev made the point to our German Hairies that this level of activity plonks them very firmly in the Peter Gabriel camp of recording activity.

Here is the band’s website, and one is instantly struck by the suitably metal hairy poses of the protagonists Effloresce – official site of german progressive metal band

So! Are they any good? If you pop on over to the “discography” part of their site, you can have a listen, and as I write this post, I am banging my head along to Crib. After a gentle intro, the track bursts into hairy life, and we are treated to Nicki’s dulcet tones. You must, though, take a listen to Spectre Pt. 1: Zorya’s Dawn. This is a belter of a track, clocking in at over 10 minutes long and very innovative with some wonderful proggy (including a gorgeous flute solo) and  heavier moments, including the growl, and what a growl this lovely lady has within her! Opeth? Who they? Highly recommended, folks! When do we get Part The Second?

On the live part of the site, they have played with some heavyweights of the genre, including IQ and Dave Kerzner, but nothing since 2016. Here is Swimming Through Deserts live on GoggleBox https://youtu.be/ElybO1CYMig Mighty guitar solo there from our departed brother!

So, what is Dave up to now? Well, in order to be able to afford the bürgers and fritters on offer from the municipality, he is employed in marketing at Musikhaus Thomann. This, you will be glad to know, is not just any old boring corporate gig, but said firm are, in fact, Europe’s biggest music store. Really! Take a look at all the drool inducing goodies on offer on their website Welcome – Thomann UK Our Dave is also still active musically. He plays bass and acoustic guitar with Between The Waves and guitar with Time Shift Accident. I can’t see anything for the former band, but Time Shift Accident are also entries in the Pantheon of Prog TIME SHIFT ACCIDENT discography and reviews and, again, their one album has attracted a couple of decent reviews. You can listen to Chronosthesia on their BrandyCamp page, and this is a million miles away from hairy thrashing, being more of the fusion thing, but Our Dave has some great licks in this ▶︎ Chronosthesia | Time Shift Accident | Generation Prog Records

So! We wish a very Alles Gute zum Geburtstag to Dave! Keep riffing along! Give us part two of Zorya, please!

Elsewhere in progland, no present collab news to report. 

How did we arrive at this situation, a very exciting first at PABT?

Well, Tonymooremanila joined our happy throng in December 2018, and hung around for an entire 12 minutes before disappearing into the ether not to be heard from again. His homepage link is not live, although I will provide the correct one as we go on. He gave his location as San Diego and his birthday as 14 April 1991. Not one bit of this is correct, although Tony Moore is, in fact, a wee bit of a celeb, and is someone who our more ‘eadbanging brethren will wet themselves over.

What caught my eye, and led me to finding out precisely who Tony is, was his signature, which reads thus; “Tony Moore is a singer/songwriter/manager producer/promoter and Director of Music, Art and Development for the legendary Bedford in Balham.” You see, The Bedford in Balham has as much in common with San Diego as I have with Marilyn Monroe. It is a boozer in London, and one I have frequented more than once when visiting our glorious capital city when there on business. Here it is;  The Bedford – iconic bar, restaurant and live music venue with hotel rooms You will note that a little known singer with big glasses by the name of Ed Sheehan has played there. And have a guess who arranged this particular gig? Yep, you got it. Our brother Tony! Wait now, it gets even more exciting!

For Tony plays there himself! Have a look see from September 2020, and scroll down for some even more exciting revelations LIVE AT THE BEDFORD - The Bedford Pub London Yes, all you hairy brethren, be still your beating hearts. For Our Tony was only an original member of Iron Maiden, playing keyboards with that exalted outfit. Here is an interview with Power of Metal, including a photo of Tony and the boys in all their yoofful glory Interview with TONY MOORE (ex-Iron Maiden) » Power Of Metal.dk

You will note from this that our dear brother subsequently went on to join a prog band called England, and the Blighty Brigade are in The Temple of Prog! Here is their page; ENGLAND discography and reviews You will note from this some pretty complementary comments from our exalted collab reviewers, including a five star effort from that font of all prog knowledge, Mr Psycho Paul! 

Here is the actual site for Moore in Manila on MePolaroid; tony moore manila by tonymooremanila on YouPic and here is the blurb for the song in question We invite Tony Moore in Manila Philippines - New Song: I Believe in You - tonymooreuk.over-blog.com Actually, I Believe In You is really rather good in a sentimental sort of way, bless.

Here is his official website where you can groove to far more Moore stuff NEWS - Tony Moore, and also here is his WikiDoDo page where you can also read about his time with Cutting Crew if that takes your fancy Tony Moore (musician) - Wikipedia

Last, but by no means least, our multi-talented brother also does a wee bit of radio presenting with Soho Radio, Soho being that area of London traditionally associated with ladies of questionable repute Tony Moore (@tonymoore1) / Twitter and here is Soho Radio’s site where you can groove along to all sorts of music for Da Yoof Home - Soho Radio

To return to the start of this historical post, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever why our very good friend Tony put down an incorrect birthday. In all honesty, unless one of our Roving Reporters can unearth this, it is one of those strange life thingies which will remain forever a mystery until the end of civilisation as we know it.

However! We wish a very happy non-birthday to Tony! Keep on rocking, sir! Don’t expect another mention in October, mind!

In present collab news, we send our very best wishes to our dear friend, Imperial Zeppelin. Nasir, who hails from that hotbed of prog, erm Kuwait, joined our beastly throng in 2013, and has happily contributed wonderfully ever since. Happy birthday, sir!

Also, we should also provide an honourable mention to MRR, formerly powerofprog. Nick Katona is the CEO of Melodic Revolution Records, and often posts here to provide the masses with the latest grooves from that exalted entity. Happy birthday, sir! Sign Tony Moore, please!