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August 31, 2008
STORMY WEATHER
So that was pretty strange. Hurricane Gustav ripped through the Caribbean and wasted a chunk of Jamaica, Haiti, some Cayman Islands and a bit of Cuba - God knows what it will do to the States although predictions seem to be that its force will have lessened by the time it hits. Cozumel did ok - just wind and rain, although check out the pics of the clouds and the lightning. We put our feet up on the balcony and watched it all fly through. And then it was back to blistering sunshine and blue skies as if nothing had happened! My prayers are now for the Gulf Coast people.
I have had a great time out here, but my head is now turning to the coming week, and work. Too much of a good thing always fucked me up, so its time to head back to LA - one more day tomorrow of diving and chilling and I am on a plane outta here. I land Tuesday night, just in time to unpack, repack, and get on the morning flight to New York. A day of meetings on Thursday, fly back to LA on Friday, fly to Vegas on Sat for a DJ gig at Wasted Space at The Hard Rock, and then fly back to LA on Sunday for another DJ gig on Sunday night. Wow!! I'm gonna need a vacation after that lot!!!Hahaha!! Its all good - I cant wait to get started again, and can't wait to get stuck into more Camp Freddy, the next movie and some CFR. Also I need to get the solo music finished and plan something around that. Lots to do, and as you can see the mind is now racing again.
I'll be back at you from New York during the week, so hit me with any questions and I'll get to them in my hotel room. Till then ..... adios amigos.
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 06:21 PM | Comments (12)
August 28, 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
So I need all you lot to cross yer fingers, say a prayer, light a candle....or whatever else you choose to do.....for the islands in the Caribbean, not least the beautiful island of Cozumel. We are here on vacation and it is absolutely gorgeous - its still blue skies and crystal clear ocean. But the hurricane has been tearing up the islands and we are in its path here, so we will be hunkering down and hoping that this fabulous island and its reef systems dont get too battered by the wind and the rain. I hear its scheduled to hit at the weekend, so I'll have the camera out for that shit! All is very zen-like and calm in the Morrison camp. Diving every day, sea turtles, black tip reef sharks, huge grouper and parrotfish, and amazing coral swim throughs and caves.
Wanted to update this post and throw a few more pics up here. Went for a wander through the pretty much deserted streets of the town today - when there are no cruise ships here (and none of them are coming right now because of the Hurricane) this place is a ghost town! I mean we get four waiters attending to us when we sit down to eat in a restaurant that is 100% empty! Most of the time we are the ONLY people eating. Very weird. But anyway, if ANYONE could sniff this place out, its Billy Morrison!! Nike Dunks in Cozumel - who woulda thought that. Might pick up this really nice green and black pair before the rains hit tomorrow. Can't let them go unpurchased, now can I....??
And I had to throw this one up - to show that I cant even go Scuba Diving without color co-ordinating the outfit! Sometimes I worry about myself!! Thats the shorty suit from ONeil and my new Mares Icon BCD. Of course, Scuba is another thing in my life that requires lots of equipment, the latest technology and a whole host of add-ons, extras and bits and pieces. Just the thing to keep this addict head of mine busy and obsessing on something!! Todays dives were a little more exhaustive as the swell is starting to pick up, but the wreck we dived the other day ranks as one of the top ten dives I have done. Thinking of jamming another couple of tanks in before we come back in a couple of days. Thats if the storm comes and goes pretty quickly. Dunno what the news in America is reporting, but its getting pretty hectic down here. Gotta dash - another mango smoothie is calling my name. We even found a killer Italian restaurant with proper coffee. Thats it. I'm staying, hurricane or no hurricane!
See ya (hopefully)
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 12:40 PM | Comments (15)
August 24, 2008
DA PLANE, BOSS.....DA PLANE!!
That's what keeps coming into mind as I stroll down the completely deserted beach here in Cozumel. The sand is pure white, the ocean is a ridiculous shade of blue, and there is literally no one here! I mean we maybe run into two other people on the beach as we walk. This place is paradise. And the diving.....has to be the best tropical dive I have ever done so far today. HUGE Grouper, hundreds of multi-colored Parrotfish, a few Barracuda, baby Jellyfish all over the place, and the most awesome coral structures and swim-throughs I've ever seen. And all while drifting along in a current that sweeps you past everything without any effort at all.
The first picture is the view from the balcony at the hotel. Its just after 8.00am and it looks like THAT. And the picture at the bottom is of the wonderful sunset that happens every night. You cannot beat a Carribean Sunset. Some of the best in the world. And the middle pic? Me, looking relaxed and wandering around down town, in search of a good coffee (one of the only things missing here!) - Eventually I found a great Italian restaurant and got a good strong espresso or two out of them. Pinkberry? None on the island!! So withdrawls are kicking in already. I swear they put opium in that shit or something...
I gotta say - all thoughts of making music, writing movies, producing TV shows and hosting radio shows are GONE!!! At least for a while. This is exactly what we both needed - to recharge the creative juices. I know that the day after I get back to LA, I am on a plane to New York for some meetings. Then I fly to Vegas for a DJ gig at Wasted Space. Then.....oh Fuck It. Who cares right now. I can't think of all that. There's a sunset to watch. I know that I'll be into it all as soon as I get back - but thats a while away yet. So it can all wait. See ya!!
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 07:01 PM | Comments (12)
August 21, 2008
Q+A
So my folks have left, and we get to take our vacation today.... But I wanted to get to all your questions before I leave, because I doubt I'll be thinking too much for the next couple of weeks! Although I expect a tropical post or two once I settle in and chill out. For now, here's what I got for you all: -
Robin - I am afraid that I travel to the Big Apple the first week in Sept and I am only there for one day! So the Cult show will not be part of the schedule!
Sue - Writing a book would be fun, and has always been part of the plan. BUT.....recent developments in both film and TV worlds might make that pointless. We'll see, but one way or another the sordid details will eventually see the light of day!!
Beth - I am afraid I have no idea what culinery location you refer to...!
Mike - 'Real' football, or soccer (as they call it here) never really got me the way it gets some english guys. I had a small period of time (when I was a teenager) when I fancied myself as a hooligan, but getting smashed in the face a few times kinda sorted that out!! Liverpool and Chelsea were the two teams that I said I supported....but I really dont care that much about it all.
Syed - Overcoming a relationship break-up was never my strong point!! My own personal solution was to never actually break up!! Trouble is, that eventually you end up with 11 different girlfriends all in the same club in London, and none of them know about the others. Ask Billy Duffy.....he witnessed that particular night in my sordid past!!
Tigga - I did my first Scuba dives without any certification in Thailand, and loved it. So I decided to do it properly, and got certified over a period of a year, to advanced level. Now I do around 15 - 20 dives a year, and so far my favorite place has been Molokini, just off the coast of Maui. Although I am hoping that after a swift day of traveling today, Cozumel will be my new favorite!
Mary - I absolutely would do Circus Diablo round two, whenever Ricky and Billy were ready. The three of us wrote the first round of tunes, and when the stars align in the same way as they did on album number one, I would do it again. I am very proud of that album.
Ambersonian - I always recommend any of the restaurants on the Sunset Plaza. The vibe is cool, calm and relaxed - very European sidewalk cafe - and the choices are many.....so just hit the Plaza and go into any of the places up there. Wonderful dining experience.
Danni - I am ashamed to say that I missed ALL the huge summer movies. I have been working way too hard, right? So they are ALL gonna have to be seen as Blu-Rays on my big TV.....the next best thing.
Jay - The 'full time' band scenario would definately appeal to me if I was asked by the right band! I mean, if a band that I loved needed a rhythm guitarist and I fitted their requirements, then of course I would do that. I am primarily a guitarist and love music. I think that Camp Freddy fills a musical role in my life, Circus Diablo is a vehicle for me to be creatively fulfilled in a musical sense, and the writing and acting fill the rest of the creative need. But joining a band as a member and touring is always a possibility - so hopefully Liam and Noel will call!! Haha!! See you guys....I am off to see the fishes.
Peace
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 07:05 AM | Comments (8)
August 15, 2008
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
I have to admit that my mind is firmly under the water. And regulars here will know that I mean that literally!! I am off on my official vacation next week (although I have a little Vegas coming my way on Sunday for a day or two) and I can't wait to get on the plane, leave the country and get diving in warm water. So I have not been posting nearly as much as usual - although I have to say I miss everyones comments! I figured I'd get a post in before tomorrows CFR - another live show with Matt at 6.00pm West Coast time. And I also wanted to share a few new pics with you all - some nice Roxy/HOB ones coming through recently - thank you to everyone involved. And I hear that Mr Todd Newman over at the Spread organization has got a wonderful Camp Freddy Live video for everyone that he's put together. At 17 minutes long, we'll probably break it into a couple of segments and put it up for everyone to see. I'll get it from him as soon as I can. Thanks Todd.
There is SO much going on behind the scenes right now that its almost too much to itemize here! Freddy shows being fixed up, not only for Los Angeles and Vegas but also some other places....I will obviously give you details when stuff is confirmed, but its very exciting. A movie or two happening for me as well - one I am acting in, and one that I am a little more involved in, but both coming together very nicely. Some DJ gigs in Vegas and LA for me as well, along with a very brief NYC trip for a couple of business meetings. And all of that lot somehow getting fitted in the moment I get back from holiday. So I better make sure I enjoy that beach!! I am loaded up with Season 4 of Nip/Tuck, State Of Play (a UK drama), Season 1 of Californication (getting into it finally) and a bunch of random movies.
Still looking after the family here in LA right now so I think its time to sign off and go get some sushi. Nothing like a spicy tuna roll on a balmy friday night. Thats it - a quick check in. Back after the weekend - and I love that a few of you have asked some questions...I will answer all of them in the next post for sure. Thanks for all the well wishes and shout outs.
Peace
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 06:24 PM | Comments (20)
August 09, 2008
EARTH TO MORRISON.......
To be honest, I have kept my head down this last week and pretty much enjoyed the high from last weeks House Of Blues show. That gig went straight into the all time top three shows of Camp Freddy's six year existance - doing 'Would' with Jerry, Mike and William was amazing. Finally playing The Cars "Just What I Needed", EMI with Naveen, and of course, rocking those three songs with Ozzy. It was one of those magical shows that just happen, and are gone all too soon. I love what we have created with Camp Freddy and its continuance is testament to the amount of fun we always have when we get together and play. I know there are a few things in the pipeline and I am greatful for that - its always nice to know that we will jam again soon.
Me? Well, I am involved in a couple of projects that are taking up quite a bit of my time - one film and one television. Ideas that were born over a year ago are finally surfacing and becoming real, and I am putting my energies there for a while. And I am also planning the Evergreen EP release - waiting to see a first cut edit of the video that Michael shot, and once I have seen it, I'll have more of an idea of how, when, where etc. If I am perfectly honest, our vacation is at the forefront of my mind - Jennifer and I both need to sit on a beach and do nothing for a while. So thats exactly what we are gonna do.....and if anyone deserves that, she does!! So a few more days of work and I am outta here.
Jay - I would LOVE to do "Prime Mover" but unfortunately I think that song would be just a little too obscure for Freddy. We like to try and keep it a little more known than that.
Kevin - Hair??? Really? Thats your question? I have absolutely no idea!! I have dyed, straightened, bleached, abused and manipulated my mop since I was 14 years old!! So I have no idea why its still there.....but I ain't complaining!
Well I finally seem to have come back into Earths orbit after floating around on a musical high for a week. Its an early morning here in LA for me - a bit of Scuba this morning and then a CFR with Matt tonight. In fact, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, that show is now up on the Podcasts page. Enjoy. I have to say that I am feeling extremely humble and greatful for my life this morning. I know my story is the same as tons of others, but coming from the dark place that I used to call home, and shoving needles into my feet ten times a day to try and get a hit, to the life that I am given today.....its been a fucking long journey and its one that I still travel. I'll be back after the weekend and I promise to try and throw some more video up here from the HOB show. I know I know - I say that all the time. See ya then.
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 05:58 AM | Comments (11)
August 04, 2008
CAMP FREDDY VIDEOS
OZZY OSBOURNE ROCKS WITH CAMP FREDDY: Camp Freddy August 2008
COURTESY OF SPREAD TV: Camp Freddy's 'EMI' (Live)
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Posted by vivelerock at 09:33 PM | Comments (6)
August 02, 2008
OZZY ROCKS CAMP FREDDY
OK – so normally I get home from a show and collapse into my bed with a large Pinkberry and a movie. The review of the show can wait. But tonight, something magical happened and I wanted to share it with you guys before I hit the sack. Tonight, we were joined onstage by none other than The Prince Of Darkness himself, Mr Ozzy Osbourne. Yeah – that’s right – Ozzy just blew the roof off the House Of Blues, and we got to play three songs with him to close out a great Camp Freddy gig. Crazy Train, Iron Man and Paranoid were undoubtedly some of the coolest moments so far in the Camp Freddy story. I am absolutely shattered and the Pinkberry is waiting……so I will do the full round up (including some KILLER video) tomorrow. For now, I wanna say a huge thank you to all the artists who played with us tonight and a big hug to Sharon and Ozzy for now being a part of the extended Camp Freddy family. A fucking great time was had by all.
See ya
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 02:25 AM | Comments (12)
August 01, 2008
CAMP FREDDY HITS THE BLUES
Its a quick check in this morning - I got a long day ahead of me....and the primary piece of news in the Morrison household is that I finally get my wife back! She has officially finished being 'in education' now, and gets to relax, kick back and enjoy her life! I have the upmost respect for her, cos I started doing that at 15 years old!! So its the start of a new chapter for her, and the start of a big show day for Camp Freddy. The private event at the House Of Blues is tonight and all I can say is I cannot wait. Its one of the best sets we have put together in a while, and let me tell you, its a VERY cool line up!! Went to the Sunset Marquis/Gibson party on Wednesday night and had a fabulous time. Seemed like everyone was there, and I hung out at a table with Scott P and Billy Duffy and his girl AJ. My friend Jed Leiber performed with a few peeps like John Oates and Billy Gibbons, and then Stevie Wonder jammed a couple of tunes solo - what an amazing talent that man is.....truly unique. They have opened up a whole new section of the hotel and the place looks incredible, including the new Presidential suite which runs at a cool $7000 a night. I'll take it for the week!! Thanks to Jenny at Gibson and Jed for the invite and thanks to the hotel for being, well, not only the coolest rock and roll hotel in LA but also the place that I got married! I'm outta here.
Billy
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Posted by vivelerock at 08:24 AM | Comments (6)