Living in the Fast Lane
So, after all the excitement of discussing my career as a writer, and hopefully, helping you to get a foot in the door, if you wish to take up a new writing sideline, we now move on to the world of rock and roll! As promised, and by popular demand, I thought I would share the other side to my life. There are some parallels to WA, so I hope you don't think this is totally irrelevant!
Alice Cooper!
Just as background, I have always loved rock and heavy metal, ever since I discovered Alice Cooper, and my first record purchase was "School's Out" - I was merely eight years old, but music became a life-long passion. I went to my first gig at the age of 16, the renowned Monsters of Rock festival, and since then have attended hundreds of concerts.
A Humdrum Life
My life was pretty average during the 80s and 90s (other than being a competition standard bodybuilder and weightlifter, but that's a story for another day!) I had a responsible job with the UK government, got married, had a gorgeous daughter (who is also a tattooed, pierced rock chick!) and life just ambled on, in a pleasant but not exciting way.
New Beginnings
Everything changed when my husband and I split up after 20 years together, and I went to live on my own. Times were hard, and I hit the bottle pretty heavily. Eight months later, I bumped into a guy I worked with, but wasn't particularly close to, and we went for a drink. Yes, you've guessed it - this was Tony, my soon-to-be rock star boyfriend! Our shared love of heavy metal brought us closer together and I moved to a different town to live with him.
Sparta - the Most Underrated Band in the World!
Tony is a guitarist and songwriter and has formed several bands with varying levels of success, his most famous of which is Sparta, on the go since 1979. At the time we met, the band were not really doing anything. They had an unloved Facebook page, a back catalogue of records, unsold merchandise and were no longer performing live. Knowing how talented they were, I took matters into my own hands and helped to transform their fortunes! This is how I discovered that I enjoy promotion and marketing.
Next time, I move on to how the band secured a new record deal, were invited to play at a prestigious festival, and the ups and downs of life on the road!
Recent Comments
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Your post made me stretch my eyes wide. I have frequently seen your name crop up and I am a follower of yours, but I would never have put you down as a body-building rocker. Ever. More of a bookish, scholarly lady who could be a librarian. Even - dare I say it, twin-set and pearls.
Yours aye.
Hi - that made me laugh! Actually, I am quite "bookish" as well, but more denim and leather than twin-set and pearls!
Sounds like you have led an interesting life Diane. I have a grandson that lives at Folkstone in England with his partner and young daughter (our great granddaughter), he's also into heavy metal style music. I can't remember his bands name at the moment, but when I do remember I'll let you know. Jim
Diane - With all these gigs and jobs, I don't know how you were able to find time to LIVE. You have a fantastic work history and seemed to be able to adjust to any situation. I would say that I hope you find your happy work home, but maybe that's not what you want. In any case, I wish you the very best and find what you are looking for. thanks so much for the share.
Hi - I am one of those people who needs very little sleep, no more than 5 hours. Therefore, I have plenty of time to work hard, enjoy music, look after my grandson occasionally, cook all my meals from scratch, and help a few people here at WA! I am the happiest I have ever been, and loving life right now!
That is really great and I am happy for you. I kind of felt that it might have been something like that because of all shares of a gold mine of information that you are posting. I wish and you deserve the best. Thank You.
Fascinating background on your life Diane, I would have never thunk it. It has always amazed me how people from different walks of life got through life and made a difference in the lives of others.
Thanks for sharing.
Ray
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Wow, Diane what a coincidence my name is Tony who was also in a Heavey Metal Band " AXIS" New Yorks Uncontrollable Rock and Roll back in the '80s. What fond memories you have restored in this cobwebbed old mind of mine, another reason to write my autobiography adventures........... Thank you
daydreaming in Texas,
Tony
Keep on rocking, Tony! Were you a guitarist?
I was the Lead Vocalist and Lyricist also played some flute. Now sometimes the guitarist would tune a guitar for me so It would play one cord so I could bar the frets and keep a rhythm for them hahahaha boy did I look talented :)