I would actually try and steer clear of q's about Pulp to be honest. Maybe slip one in at the end. I'm trying to think of a question; what about asking him(Russell) his thoughts on the recent news that the old NUM HQ in Sheffield is going to be turned into a casino.

Not a question, but there's a musical about Miner's showing in Newcastle right now, don't know if you can take anything from it:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/entertainment-in-newcastle/theatre/2012/04/20/review-close-the-coalhouse-door-northern-stage-72703-30802471/

Yeah, I went to see Close The Coalhouse Door (which was first performed in 68 i think), it was absolutely fantastic and I was thinking that it's surely an influence on what Russell is doing.

It would be interesting in the light of some of the parallels between the economic situations then and now and the levels of unhappiness amongst many towards those with economic and political power (think bankers, Occupy and such like today) if hindsight has given him any ideas about engage with such issues, clearly simply standing up to power as the miners did in the 80s didn't get them anywhere at the time, though the whole affair obviuosly stands as one of the most memorable events of the decade, hence the play. Could they have done things differently then or was the balance of power and Maggie's political motivations just too strong?

On the Pulp connection front, rather than interrogating him or otherwise annoying him talking about something he's not there to talk about, maybe you could pass on best wishes for the success of the play from the forum and let him know that we appreciated his taking time out from it last summer, something like that.

Hmm, Google news isn't always what you hoped for, no fanzine articles:

There's the Russell Senior Center in Kentucky.

http://www.lanereport.com/3738/2012/04/gov-beshear-awards-500000-grant-to-city-of-russell-for-new-senior-citizens-center/

And there's Gordon Russell, senior winemaker.

http://www.businesscornwall.co.uk/news-by-industry/digital-industries/superfast-wine-tasting-123

Russell senior loves to ham it up.

http://www.brandonsun.com/breaking-news/russell-senior-loves-to-ham-it-up-147560335.html?thx=y

etc.

"The interview is in our next issue which i am picking up from the printers either tomorrow or friday. It'll probs only be distributed in Wakefield and Leeds initially as im going on holiday on Saturday, but after that, further affield. Keep an eye on our Facebook, should keep that updated: http://www.facebook.com/groups/5287159707/ "

(I sent them an email asking about when it would be posted)

Jazza wrote:

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"The interview is in our next issue which i am picking up from the printers either tomorrow or friday. It'll probs only be distributed in Wakefield and Leeds initially as im going on holiday on Saturday, but after that, further affield. Keep an eye on our Facebook, should keep that updated: http://www.facebook.com/groups/5287159707/ "

(I sent them an email asking about when it would be posted)

---

 

Jaysus, what a tease. 

I think the Rhubarb Bomb guy did the interview late last year? I think he said it was due for release February, but it got pushed back. Surely it will give some answers as to Russel's departure and maybe more good info.

legohairjordan wrote:

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I think the Rhubarb Bomb guy did the interview late last year? I think he said it was due for release February, but it got pushed back. Surely it will give some answers as to Russel's departure and maybe more good info.

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Apparently it's just back from the printers...

why do you keep calling me Tricia??  

Does wearing badges make one look like a fanzine writer?  Curious what kinds of questions he (they) would expect from a fanzine.  I haven't looked at one in probably 15 years...previously I would have said one could assume the questions would range from very flippant to frighteningly well-informed, but maybe these days fanzines are mostly serious.  Very exciting that you're giving us a peek inside this whole process.  If I can formulate anything intelligent (unlikely) I will pm you.

Apologies, Twiggy. I see the 't' and I've been presuming 'tricia the tree'. Sorry! I'll try harder :)

I'm not sure what a fanzine writer does look like. It's just that Russell seemed quite nice to the fanzine writer who interviewed him last year, and some of that seems to be to do with how he looked.

I think they'll probably expect questions similar to ones they've had already from the other publications they've been interviewed for.

And yes, I think that music, and the scene surrounding it, has lost a lot of humour since Russell's pop hey-day.

Saw, but perhaps a 'Young Conservatives' one might make for a more memorable interview?