What-ho Frosties, a few items of parish news, most of which is largely bad I'm afraid...
First off, Vice Admiral Jowitt is leaving our shores to pastures new. He's been super busy setting up his new business this year and having to play bass and tour manage Frost*, IQ and generally be a prog rock god in addition to his commitments to his new venture has taken it's toll on the poor thing so he needs to go and sit in a darkened room with a hot compress and a copy of Tatler until further notice. He's brought a country ton of goodness, enthusiasm and order to Frost* over the years and I, we, them and me want to say a big thank you to him and wish him extremely well for the future.
A Mr J Jowitt, 24, of Stourbridge writes –
"Blimey, has it been over three years?! I'm as proud as Punch to have been involved in Frost*, but it's time to move on to other things. As well as my new business in real life, which is taking up a lot of my time at the moment, I've been talking about doing something myself for
ages - it's high time I did it. Or else how am I ever going to get back to RoSFest next year..? Thanks to Jem, John, Dec Andy and everyone involved in the band for a great ride, and I look forward to see where the band goes next. Anywhere it blooming well wants to, I reckon.
Oh, and a big thank you and goodbye too from The Lovely Deb. There is no truth in the rumour that we're running off together, honest..."
Obviously this puts a dampener on the DVD I was planning so for the time being, that idea is has been put in a box marked "To Do", but it will happen at some point, it's too good an idea (in my humble opinion) for it not to see the light of day.
Replacing JJ for the 2 UK Dream Theater shows will be the lithe and finely detailed Mr Nathan King, son of the 80's pop band King who had a number 2 hit in 1985 with "Love and Pride".
Some of you will know Nathan from his role as stunt double for Lee Pomeroy in It Bites of late so I'm sure you'll join me in throwing welcoming biscuits at him at the earliest opportunity and also join me in welcoming back Andy Edwards into our moist live crevice. It'll be good to have him back.
The other bit of bad news is that we've had to cancel our planned appearances with Dream Theater in Lisbon and Munich. Partly down to tour manager issues (i.e. we haven't got one any more and I haven't got time to start being one) and also because Alex Thomas (our replacement TBE for these 2 shows) is very busy with Squarepusher commitments and preparations for Glastonbury throughout June. Add that to my already fairly intense work commitments also in June and it was becoming clear that meaningful rehearsals and effective gig co-ordination were not going to be possible. Andy can't do the shows, Nick D'Virigilo can, but he lives 6,000 miles away and flying him all that way to play for 40 minutes seemed a little impractical not to mention cost prohibitive. I couldn't face teaching a fourth drummer how to play the set and so it seemed the writing was on the wall.
I do sincerely and truly apologise to any Frosties that were planning on coming to see us and for the short notice of this cancellation. I'm gutted we won't be able to make it out to play for you and that I won't get to see Lisbon or Munich after all.
Obviously Dream Theater will still be appearing and the gigs will still be going ahead without us.
On a more positive note, the live album recorded at RoSFest is now finished and sounding jolly good so that should be out in the next couple of months, record companies permitting.
Well that's all for now, I'm very sorry I couldn't be the bearer of better news, but we seem due for our yearly dose of misfortune once again. :(
Take care out there.
Jxx
Damn... :?
All the best, JJ!!
So does Nathan King look as good in stockings as dear JJ?
Very sad news :( Best of luck JJ, don't forget us! Keep us updated on what you're up to, you've made plenty of friends over this last couple of years :)
Still, In Jem We Trust! I guess this could play with your plans a bit but well excited to see what you have planned to get around it.
Worse things happen at sea boys :)
Oh, I forgot to say: welcome back, Andy (in case this German got this part right...)!!
That is terrible news indeed. I sincerely hope you're all able to get out of this rut and continue to RAWK! Best of luck to JJ!
Where would this world be without any Frost*? I don't (want) to know... :P
As for the live album: woohoo! That's a very bright spot on the dark horizon. :)
So, following in the footsteps of our own Cosmic Lawnmower, another Islander gets to play with Frost*. Welcome to Nathan, and a very big welcome back to Andy.
Oh dear, bad news indeed. Sorry to see Mr JJ go, but secretly glad the UK Dream Theater gigs are still go. My best to all!
Quote from: "ich_bin_besser"Oh, I forgot to say: welcome back, Andy (in case this German got this part right...)!!
WEll, I believe he is only coming back to play those two UK Dream Theater gigs right? AFter that we'll eventually get to see Mr. Alex Thomas with Frost* at some point in the distant future.
Well, my heart goes out to the Munich and Lisbon gig-goers who now won't see it, that is a real shame.
As for JJ's move, I wouldn't go so far as to declare it bad/terrible news but it is definitely a source of deep sadness for me as a fan. Besides the obvious bass-genius, JJ brings so much to the show in terms of audience interaction and flat-out fun and he has clearly been a driving force in the Frost*ie merch department too. He's such a nice bloke.
I have been very lucky in terms of the number of times I have witnessed JJ in Frost* formation so perhaps this makes it a little easier to accept his moving onwards and hopefully upwards?
I'm rather keen to know more about what he is moving on to do but, of course, that is up to him to divulge if he wants to. I just add my best wishes for success in whatever it is.
Of course, you can take the man out of Frost* but you can never take Frost* out of the man!
Looking forward to thoroughly enjoying the Leeds gig even more now and happy to get the chance to say "So long JJ, and thanks for all the Bass"! :)
Very, very, verrrry sorry to see JJJJJJJJJ of Jshire depart our beloved Frost*. My very best regards to Mr. Jowitt for being quite the underrated bassist, behind the scenes miracle worker and a top gent. And, of course, best wishes for his future plans, whatever they may be. A huge loss. I believe the proper Brit term is "gutted." Thank you, JJ!!
Glad to see TBE picking up sticks for the good ship once again, albeit temporarily. WB, Andy!
I do hope for some solid evidence that Alex is actually in this band, eventually. ;)
As for this hiccup/hiccough in Jem's plans, I liken Frost* to the Black Knight...
Arthur: Your arm's off.
Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch.
Wounded, but not out of the game. As long as Jem can continue to find suitable limbs and patch together his "little Frankenstein," Frost* will return to fight another day.
:cry: :cry: :cry: southampton :D :D :D
Fare-the-well, Sir J.J. of Jowitt! Thank you so much for the splendiforous bass you have contributed to the Frost* flagship over the past few years. Cheers to you, old bean! :D
Can I also say a big, biscuit laden welcome to Mr. King for stepping in for the two UK gigs. I look forward to it immensley! :D
Right, who here said they could play bass? We can make that DVD happen, guys! 8-)
wow. that is some news. bummer. we'll miss you, JJ.
but we'll catch you in all the other things you do!
going to go have a little cry now.
Very sad to see Sir JJ go, he was a very nice guy, and was one hell of a bassist! I think this is the part where we all thank him for the great music, and wish him well!
Blimey, I come home from a hard day's wrestling monitor speakers across the landscape, to read this news.
So....I can only echo what's already been said. Best of luck, JJ, and thanks for all your input and energy over the past few years. Top geezer. I'm just sorry that I never got to see the band live in its original lineup.
And best of luck, Jem, in finding a suitable replacement. A bassist/ Stick player, perhaps...?
Jem is trying to drive us mental! Drummer leaves, new drummer is hired but in the meantime a US drummer stands in but not for the UK gigs; that'll be the original drummer who left in the first place; after that the new drummer will fill the slot. Oh, and the bass player left. :shock:
:mrgreen:
Good luck and all the best to you JJ. Thanks for everything. :D
One day Jem'll leave Frost* and it'll take us atleast 2 weeks to notice! ;)
Oh, and this'll require some extensive photoshoppery. 2 heads will need to be replaced now! :shock:
There ya go! ;)
(//http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Foto-IQTLMZBP.jpg)
Quote from: "Mouse"Right, who here said they could play bass? We can make that DVD happen, guys! 8-)
That was me... 8-)
Sadly, the rehearsal plans haven't quite gone as anticipated.
But on another note....
Nathan King!!! Level 4rost*ie2! :D
Quote from: "RWA"There ya go! ;)
(//http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Foto-IQTLMZBP.jpg)
Yikes! The one at top right is deffo what I'd call scraping the barrel and coming up MT....
Quote from: "RWA"Jem is trying to drive us mental! Drummer leaves, new drummer is hired but in the meantime a US drummer stands in but not for the UK gigs; that'll be the original drummer who left in the first place; after that the new drummer will fill the slot. Oh, and the bass player left. :shock:
:mrgreen:
Good luck and all the best to you JJ. Thanks for everything. :D
One day Jem'll leave Frost* and it'll take us atleast 2 weeks to notice! ;)
Oh, and this'll require some extensive photoshoppery. 2 heads will need to be replaced now! :shock:
But then it is "Prog". Arrgggh..... I said the "P" word ;) ;) ;)
GOOD LUCK JJ.
Blimey! What a mess! We're lost in the echoes of goodbyes to JJ...
Onwards now!
I think Jem is trying to take the world record of progband line-up changes from Yes :lol:
Sad to see JJ go because besides the already mentioned awesome musician he is, he just brings so much spirit to the life performances.
But good luck to him on his professional venture and the new musical adventure he is about to embark upon. You know, he has played with a lot of people so his phonebook is pretty impressive I guess and he could get a very interesting project going I guess.
Not really much more that can be said!
Sad to see you leave JJ, but all the best in the new venture!
And good news on the live album, any more news wheter its gonna be a single or double album?
Egads ... :(
As I was reading the thread through, IQ's Frequency was being played for the first time since it dropped out of the mailbox yesterday: excellent job Baron JJJ and his highly-intelligent mates (title track is as jaw-dropping in its studio form as the live version is on the IQ website).
Anyway, thank you JJJ for all you've done with Frost*: not just the music but you're a top fellow all around, despite your Ming the Merciless impression appearance-wise :D
Collective chins up, Frost*ies: citius, altius, frost*ius and all that prog ...
What is it about Prog bands? - cant keep a consistent lineup for more than one album!!
So when are "Trevors" Rabin and Horn joining?
And Thanks to JJ for the low bits and the mucho funny bits! All the best with your new projects.
Onwards and upwards!!
Mike
Can't believe how sad this news has made me, oh well, onwards and upwards.
Quote from: "MikeO"What is it about Prog bands? - cant keep a consistent lineup for more than one album!!
:lol: I know. I might take a leaf out of Steve Thorne's book from now on.
Quote from: "Jem"Quote from: "MikeO"What is it about Prog bands? - cant keep a consistent lineup for more than one album!!
:lol: I know. I might take a leaf out of Steve Thorne's book from now on.
Who needs a band when you have the Tenori-on? :D
Bugger. :(
I was also just listening to the excellent new IQ album this morning, quitely thinking to myself 'ha, that's the Frost* rhythm section there'. Well, it was.
My comments are the same as everyone else - thanks JJ for all you've put into Frost* and good luck with whatever your new ventures are. We'll miss you.
Nathan is however a sound choice for the forthcoming gigs (I've only seen him as a guitarist with Level 42 but I know he did sterling service for the IB boys recently on bass) so I look forward to seeing him in Southampton.
OHHHHH NOOOOOOO!!!!
I always thought of JJ being the Ambassador of Frost* 'cos everytime I've seen them or IQ he's always been so welcoming and friendly, coming over to say 'hi' and always very giving of his time. Not that the other guys weren't you understand, just that I think JJ was usually at gigs a bit earlier than the rest of the band to sort out the merch etc and didn't seem to be in a rush getting gear on stage or limbering up for the performance.
A top, top bloke and I'll miss his energy, power and professionalism on the Frost* stage.
Good luck John !
I can only concur with the fellow Frost*ies..
It's a grand shame to see JJ departing :(
He shall be missed I'm sure!
We wish him all the very best for the future :)
Interesting thought occurs: with the addition of Nathan King we now have at least 4 people in the band who can play guitar: Nathan, John M., Dec and Jem. And if TBE was / is still in the band that makes 5 !! :shock:
sorry to hear about JJ leaving. I'm sure most of us will see him in one of his other incarnations though. x
Arse!
That's really unfortunate news.
But change can be good, so we can but hope that the "new boy" makes good :)
Who's going to sell us merchandise in future? TLD?
Best of luck to JJ in his new ventures
Bums :(
Still, all the best JJ, it's been a pleasure, and I wish you all the best in future projects...
(IQ album also arrived today... well... it's at the post office anyway, they gave me a nice little card instead :p)
Bloody hell... talk 'bout being out of the loop. (me, that is)
All the best JJ, and tnx for the subsonics! :mrgreen:
I reckon this'll be the way of things with Frost*, if oi may be so bold. A slew of worthy musicoids, having the beejayzus dragged out of 'em by Jem, and every line-up a veritable buffet of musical delights.
OK, boozy warblings aside... if Jem continues along this path of gathering funky blokeys together to bring us some wondrous vibes, regardless of who's involved, all strength to him/them. So far it's been fookin' marvlus, and long may it continue. I lurve this dynamism. I only wish me ol' mate Billy was here to see/hear it, but that's another matter.
Pooey Bum
Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"As I was reading the thread through, IQ's Frequency was being played for the first time since it dropped out of the mailbox yesterday: excellent job Baron JJJ and his highly-intelligent mates (title track is as jaw-dropping in its studio form as the live version is on the IQ website).
Huh, Trapezium Artist, that's SO unfair, what have you got that I haven't (apart from a copy of Frequency, obviously) - I've been waiting desperately for mine to arrive, but no joy as yet.
This is sad news indeed :(
I wish everyone here could have seen & heard that amazing performance at Rosfest as it happened. The energy level was the most intense I'd ever witnessed in 3 years of attending, due in no small part to JJJ's ability to drive the rhythm section without taking it over.
Good luck JJ in whatever you do, and hopefully we'll get another Rosfest foto op :D
(//http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/landslug/th_1241467641-1.jpg) (//http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/landslug/?action=view¤t=1241467641-1.jpg)
aw NO full on gutted. i had a custard cream with his name on it too.
although on the other hand i get to fish my andy edwards cream out of the bin for renewed useage! such mixed emotions. i feel like a confused child. however i must admire how much you seem to take all this techincality mumbo jumbo in your stride, mr jem sir. :)
Well well! I didn't see this one coming. Another reason to bemoan my absence from
the Rosfest show, I never got to see you play live with the band JJ! Never the less
life will go on as it does and there will be many more happy good Frost times ahead.
You will be missed sir! I bid you good luck with everything inside and outside of
of your musical endeavors.
It seems to be kind of the way the Frost family is changing. At the very least it will
keep things interesting along the way to have other peeps bringing their style
to the Frost* sound. Jem, you have a good eye's and ear's and if Mr. King is a
temporary fill in, I'm sure you'll find someone proper to fill the job dear sir.
"Forward we march!...."
Quote from: "drblowthingsup"i get to fish my andy edwards cream out of the bin for renewed useage!
:shock:
That is indeed a disturbing post! :shock:
All the best for the future in all you do JJ. Such a nice chap, hope we can find someone as talented and approachable too as your replacement.
Yes sad news indeed,all the best in your future project jj,and by the way you still owe me a pint.
Quote from: "landslug"(//http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/landslug/th_1241467641-1.jpg) (//http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/landslug/?action=view¤t=1241467641-1.jpg)
It's the Blue Man Band
:lol:
Quote from: "catherine"Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"As I was reading the thread through, IQ's Frequency was being played for the first time since it dropped out of the mailbox yesterday: excellent job Baron JJJ and his highly-intelligent mates (title track is as jaw-dropping in its studio form as the live version is on the IQ website).
Huh, Trapezium Artist, that's SO unfair, what have you got that I haven't (apart from a copy of Frequency, obviously) - I've been waiting desperately for mine to arrive, but no joy as yet.
Me's a most sorry ma'am ... but not so sorry that I haven't listened to it two or three times all the way through by now :D
But I love your use of "SO unfair": just like my kids :lol: Indeed, in our house, we talk about the Unfair Parrot making a visit, since "Unfair!" is inevitably squawked in a sulky air of indignant self-righteousness (oh, and just for Roger : "cavity!").
Anyway, hopefully yours has arrived today: it's certainly growing on me listen-by-listen (apart from "Frequency" itself, which is not so much growing as absolutely insisting that it is the song of the year so far for me [he says slightly nervously, hurriedly recalling when EIMA was released :shock: ]).
As for what I've got that you haven't, we'll have to get together and compare one day. Ahem.
Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"I love your use of "SO unfair": just like my kids :lol: Indeed, in our house, we talk about the Unfair Parrot making a visit, since "Unfair!" is inevitably squawked in a sulky air of indignant self-righteousness.
Daughters of friends of ours frequently visit the Snot Fair, as in 'It snot fair'.
Goodbye JJ, best of luck in all your future projects :)
I did have a small question for Jem, if the DVD project has been put on hold, could we still see the rest of your Rosfest footage in a future series of Frost* reports? I do miss looking forward to those.
Quote from: "Julie"So, following in the footsteps of our own Cosmic Lawnmower, another Islander gets to play with Frost*. Welcome to Nathan, and a very big welcome back to Andy.
Come on you Caulkheads!!
Very sorry to see JJ go, the man is a prog legend... but I guess when ya gotta go, ya gotta go :(
Nevertheless, I wish John every success with whatever he turns his hand to next... and don't forget if you need a singer..... ! :)
As Julie says welcome to Nathan and great to see Andy back on the drum stool.
lol...
stool.
Or "throne", as my jazz friends seem to inexplicably prefer.
"Can he call you back? He's on the throne."
Sad news indeed :cry:
Hoping JJs next re-incarnation involves some lead vocals :D
Helen xxx
Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"Anyway, hopefully yours has arrived today: it's certainly growing on me listen-by-listen (apart from "Frequency" itself, which is not so much growing as absolutely insisting that it is the song of the year so far for me [he says slightly nervously, hurriedly recalling when EIMA was released :shock: ]).
As for what I've got that you haven't, we'll have to get together and compare one day. Ahem.
Er... OK... (cough).
I've got Frequency now - it arrived this morning, so I'm not feeling life's QUITE so unfair today! Also picked up my copy of Classic Rock Prog vol2 mag, so actually life's pretty good. And Frequency is excellent - track 2, Life Support, is simply gorgeous.
Sad news.....as was the news of Andy's departure......but I have to be honest....as long as Frost carries on, it is what it is. While Andy and Jon were a big part of the equation, Frost comes from Jem's brilliant mind, and along with John and Dec, he makes it work.
Onward and upward.
Blimey, it's all happening! Well, I think everything has been said, but good luck John, I'm sure we'll all be out supporting your new venture, such is the warm and fuzzy communal spirit of Frost*ies and proggers in general :D
Looks like we might be sharing a ferry with Nathan - two Caulkheads play with Frost*, how cool is that?!!
(//http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/23/l_8225f11c48d54caca8eeedec5e81f80b.jpg)
Quote from: "catherine"Quote from: "Trapezium Artist"As for what I've got that you haven't, we'll have to get together and compare one day. Ahem.
Er... OK... (cough).
I've got Frequency now - it arrived this morning, so I'm not feeling life's QUITE so unfair today! Also picked up my copy of Classic Rock Prog vol2 mag, so actually life's pretty good. And Frequency is excellent - track 2, Life Support, is simply gorgeous.
Don't worry: Alzheimer's is your friend. I'll have forgotten our mutual promise to compare bits by tomorrow (unfortunately) :D
As for Frequency, I agree: some great tracks throughout. Perhaps I just know the title track better though, 'cos it's still the one that brings goose-bumps. That said, I almost prefer the live version: there's a great moment right near the end where Peter Nicholls comes back in and throws a perfectly timed enthusiastic "Whoo!" instead of the normal lyric: I inevitably do it myself when listening to the studio version :lol:
Like everyone else I'm sad to see JJ go, with all he's contributed with to the band we all love. However, Frost* does more shape-shifting than Cher and that blue woman in X-Men, so this will surely work out!
And, really, if Frost* were a man his middle name would be "Change" so I'm convinced something great will come out of this too!
I've also got Frequency now! I walked into my local HMV and the Deluxe Edition was sitting there. I was going to order it online later on, so it was quite a nice coincidence! I feel a bit bad after proper IQ fans have waited years for this, and are only just getting their pre-orders, and I jump the gun somewhat and just walk in and buy it. After hearing my first IQ song on the free CD with the new Prog mag, too. Nontheless, Ryker Skies kicks serious bottom and the album as a whole more so. 8-)
Speaking of that free CD, I haven't been able to stop listening to Gazpacho's Tick Tock (Part 3) either. Wonderful stuff! :D
Gutted to hear this :( but best wishes JJ on your future projects. It was a pleasure to meet you at the various gigs :)