Special Event: AMC and Odeon cinemas are proud to celebrate the life of Sir Roger Moore with a special screening tonight of two James Bond classics. Proceeds to benefit UNICEF. Moore is fondly remembered by fans and fellow cast/crew alike for his roles in Maverick, The Saint, The Persuaders, and as agent 007. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Sir Roger had been a dedicated and passionate supporter of UNICEF since 1991. Two of my favorite Moore/Bond films have been chosen for the event: The Spy Who Loved Me (co-starring Barbra "Mrs. Ringo Starr" Bach and Richard "Jaws" Kiel), and For Your Eyes Only. Theaters will be showing new 4K restorations. Info about the event and theater locations at Park Circus. Participating regions: Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, US. US theater list here. Related Spy Vibe posts: Roger Moore R.I.P., Summer Bond Concert. Spy Vibers, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #4 is coming up. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). Below: Japanese posters. Enjoy!
Mars VFX posted a cool video back in 2015 that has made a comeback in the wake of Roger Moore's passing. The premise of the piece is: what if Roger Moore had starred in Spectre instead of Daniel Craig? It's a pretty interesting experience to watch. Although some Bond fans are reminded of Moore's ultra-light (and often silly) approach to the character, I found myself settling into the trailer like a favorite sweater. It helped that the editors did not include any over-the-top jokes or slapstick. Instead, we are left with a cool juxtaposition between the visceral action and danger of the Craig era and Moore's undeniable charisma and charm on the screen. He was not Fleming's Bond, to be sure, but he had a star quality and sophistication that carried us through the adventures in style. Maybe I return often to his best scenes in The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, and For Your Eyes Only because of their tiniest examples of edginess. I like that contrast. See what you think, Spy Vibers. Enjoy! Related post: Roger Moore R.I.P.. By the way, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #4 is coming up. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service).
Ian Fleming was born on this day in 1908. After serving as assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence in the Admiralty during WWII, Fleming became the manager of foreign correspondents for Kelmsley newspapers, owners of the Sunday Times and other papers. His job offered him extended holiday time each year to spend at his Goldeneye retreat in Jamaica. In 1952, he sat down and created the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, (published in April, 1953). Where some writers aim to tug at the heart or stimulate the brain, Fleming confessed that the target of his books lay "somewhere between the solar plexus and the upper thigh." Fleming has been a great inspiration, both for his genius invention and as a role model as a writer. He established a disciplined routine that he later described in an essay called How to Write a Thriller: He wrote for three hours in the morning, then for one hour between six and seven at night. He would not edit or revise as he went, allowing the words to flow naturally. By the end of six weeks, producing four hours per day, he would complete a solid draft of each new novel during his vacation. Fleming eventually published fourteen 007 books, as well as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Diamond Smugglers, and Thrilling Cities. He died in 1964. Celebrate Ian Fleming today by picking up one of his books. Or better yet, spend the morning writing, followed by an afternoon of snorkeling around your own private tropical cove- That's how he would have wanted to spend the day!
Fleming's work has endured because of his gift of language and talent as a writer. Here is a passage from my favorite short story in For Your Eyes Only, From a View to a Kill, photographed below from my first edition published by Jonathan Cape in 1960. Enjoy! Spy Vibers, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #4 is coming up. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service).
Upcoming Event: After enjoying a wonderful afternoon last year with Tom Cull of Artistic License Renewed and Jon Lys Turner at the Curious Arts festival to celebrate Jon's book about 007 illustrator Richard Chopping and artist Denis Wirth-Miller, I'm happy to see the Ian Fleming connection continue this summer. The festival has just announced a special program of James Bond music with the Royal Philharmonic! From the press release: "We are thrilled to announce that the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will be closing this year’s Curious Arts Festival with a sensational evening celebrating over 50 thrilling years of iconic songs and themes from films about everyone’s favourite secret service agent – 007! This is a night of 00Heaven featuring musical highlights from some of the best Bond films ever such as ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Licence to Kill’, ‘You Only Live Twice’, ‘Diamonds are Forever’, Live and Let Die’,‘Goldeneye’, ‘From Russia with Love’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Casino Royale’ and many more. The concert will take place in the Gorse Tent on Sunday 23rd July – approximate start time 7.15pm. Tickets are strictly limited for this performance. " I found this to be a pretty unusual festival last year. Events were hosted in large tents scattered throughout a bucolic field, and there seemed to be a caravan of food trucks, massage tables, fortunes, kids activities, etc circling the main encampment. At the center was a marvelous book tent. I must point out that the organizers rightly state Curious Arts is an "experience, not just a few tents in a field." It was cool to see so many authors doing readings and book signings. There was something for everyone. I was even lucky to find sushi there! This year's line-up includes a long list of authors, poets, musicians, and comedians. If Spy Vibers can make it, I recommend bundling up in layers in case of cold weather and wind. It's a beautiful drive through the New Forest, but go slowly and make sure to say hello to the many friendly donkeys who roam the area. More info at Curious Arts Festival. Spy Vibers, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #4 is coming up. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service).
Sir Roger Moorepassed away this week at the age of eighty-nine after a short battle with cancer. The actor loomed large in the Spy Vibe world for his leading roles in Ivanhoe (1958-1959), Maverick (1960-1961), The Saint (1962-1969), The Persuaders (1970-1972), and as James Bond from 1973-1985. But as he portrayed our dashing heroes on the screen, perhaps his greatest satisfaction in life was trying to make a difference in the world on behalf of UNICEF. Moore continued to work through the decades, authoring books and making live appearances to talk about his career and chat with his fans. He died surrounded by family, who issued in their statement: "The affection our father felt whenever he walked on to a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him hugely and kept him working into his 90th year, through to his last appearance in November 2016 on stage at London's Royal Festival Hall. The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundations of the building just a short distance away from where he was born."
I first saw Moore as Simon Templar in The Saint, and he made quite an impression on me as a small boy. I'm reminded about something Paul McCartney once said about Elvis Presley: that he admired Elvis as a kid, and how Presley “just looked perfect.” Growing up with The Saint, I looked to Moore with a similar sense of awe. Not only did he fill those stylish suits with an archetypal heroic physique, he had that perfect haircut that swooped back across his head. The things we focus on when we're young. Moore brought a roguish charm to The Saint, raising an eyebrow to the camera and inviting us into that deliciously decadent world of 60s jet setters. The notion of being a "jet setter" didn't seem like merely grist for adventure tales to me as a boy- it seemed like a future career option! I literally saw Moore on the screen and though to myself that looks like a good job! And the world of The Saint was filled with wonderful thriller elements such as sports cars, the gentleman thief/spy convention, gorgeous actresses, and exotic locations. Even seeing his Volvo P-1800 driving through quaint Hertfordshire villages filled me with a sense of romance. The world of Moore’s Templar was, as McCartney put it, “just perfect." I really looked up to him. Little did I know that I would grow up and eventually spend summers touring around Saint-related filming locations with friends and fellow fans in Britain.
Like many Spy Vibers, my first big-screen experience with Bond was a Roger Moore film. Though the clothes and cars seemed slightly less cool to my 1960s Spy-Vibe tastes, I remember being completely swept up by his performance. His stories were lighter, even humorous, but one always got the sense he was inviting the viewer to be a part of the fun, to enjoy the adventure, and importantly to a youngster, to trust that he would bring us home safely after the ride. Many of the tributes and obituaries that have come in this week have mentioned how Roger Moore was, by nature, self-deprecating, warm, and fun loving. No matter the roles he played (with the exception of his wonderfully sinister work in The Man Who Haunted Himself), Moore's natural charm and good nature always shined through. Screenwriters typically use five keys to evoke empathy when developing characters, and part of Moore's success as a Bond or Templar might also be attributed to his embodiment of all five traits: likability, power, sympathy, jeopardy, and humor. He had it all in spades.
In an era of cynicism and harder-edged entertainment, Moore's 007 has often held a unique spot in the hearts of Bond fans. Despite periods when I thought I needed 007 to be edgy and serious, I ultimately discovered that his era was usually more fun for me as a viewer. After meeting Richard Kiel (Jaws) about ten years ago, I re-watched my first big-screen Bond movies, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker as a double feature. This was right around the time of Quantum of Solace (Daniel Craig). Seeing Moore and Kiel once again brought me back to those early days in the theater as a boy, and I found myself once again cheering for the heroic, witty, and roguish Roger Moore. In fact, I return to his 007 films the most often because they are so fun and because he brings out the romantic kid in me. Moore once said, "Sean played Bond as a killer. I played him as a lover." Even as a fan of OHMSS, Connery, Dalton, and Skyfall, Moore will always be... "my Bond." Rest in peace, Roger Moore (1927-2017).
Episode #3 of Spy Vibe on the Cocktail Nation radio show is now live! This month I talk about my favorite Bond film and 007 theme, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The movie is on everyone's radar this weekend, as the Bond community checks out the new George Lazenby documentary, Becoming Bond, just released on Hulu. My segment starts at 8:28 on Cocktail Nation. Also on this episode: Koop gives us an update on Hugh Hefner and plays a swinging version of Man From Thrush. I will be on Cocktail Nation every month to present some of my Spy Vibe favorites. I hope you will join the party! Links here for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim). Can you help Spy Vibe? Please make a small donation in our Paypal tip button at the top-left of this page. Thank you! Enjoy!
New release: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. If the decade of the 1960s found its identity in cultural change and innovation, one of its defining moments came in the form of a record album by The Beatles in early June, 1967. Turning away from tours and public appearances, the group concentrated on writing, recording, and on discovering new maturity as artists. As the public and press waited for news of their progress, The Beatles would ultimately surprise the world with an experimental masterpiece that would change the course of the culture- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album will see a 50th anniversary release on May 26th, with various editions promising rare studio chat, outtakes, and an additional stereo mix by Giles Martin. Spy Vibers curious about how the songs and album took shape will want the 4-disc box set, which also includes the wonderful Making of documentary with George Martin, a deluxe book, and more! Story continues below. Spy Vibers, have you heard my new radio show with Cocktail Nation? Episode #3 is coming up this weekend and I'll be talking about On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Here are info links for Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim).
From the press release: "It was 50 years ago when The Beatles' John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr astonished and delighted the world, ushering in the Summer of Love with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, a groundbreaking masterwork that became popular music's most universally acclaimed album. The album is newly mixed by Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell in stereo, sourced directly from the four-track masters at Abbey Road Studios in London, and guided by the original, Beatles-preferred mono mix produced by his father, George Martin. This extensive collection gives an unprecedented insight into how The Beatles made their ground-breaking album. The box set features a new stereo version by Giles Martin and 33 tracks from the Sgt. Pepper sessions that place you in the studio as the group develop the songs. 4 Audio CDs: A new stereo mix of the album by Giles Martin. Sgt. Pepper Sessions on 2 CDs with over 100 minutes of audio illustrating how the album was created. Newly mixed from the original four-track tapes, most of the material is previously unreleased. Also contains the original 1967 mono mix of the album and bonus tracks including three previously unreleased mixes. Blu-Ray/DVD: Fully restored 1992 documentary The Making of Sgt. Pepper, including interviews with Paul, George and Ringo and fascinating in-the-studio footage introduced by George Martin. Restored promotional films for 'A Day In The Life', 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Penny Lane'. 2017 Giles Martin 5.1 surround sound mix and high-resolution stereo audio in 96KHz/24bit of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band plus 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Penny Lane'. 144-page hardback book featuring an introduction by Sir Paul McCartney, comprehensive song-by-song details and recording information, in-depth essays about the design of the cover, the album's musical innovations and its historical context... and much more. Illustrations include photographs from the recording sessions, handwritten lyrics and Abbey Road documentation. Plus a replica of the original card insert and two bonus posters." More info at Amazon. More below.
The Beatles experimented often during their career, pushing pop music into uncharted territory and exploring the avant-garde. Even their solo efforts saw the band members reaching for experimentation and the cutting edge. John Lennon collaborated with Yoko Ono on many experimental films and sound recordings. He also starred in Richard Lester's surreal film, How I Won the War (1967). George Harrison played with Indian and early Moog music, and he released an experimental soundtrack to Wonderwall (1968). Paul McCartney made a number of experimental films and tape-loops (later stolen), techniques that inspired the sound collage on Tomorrow Never Knows. McCartney returned to experiment with electronic music and sound collage with the Firemen and Liverpool Sound Collage projects. And Ringo Starr pursued a film career that included collaborations with Peter Sellers, Frank Zappa, Harry Nilsson, and Marc Bolan. Lennon's son, Sean, has continued to carry the experimental touch through his collaborations with Yoko Ono, Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto), and Les Claypool. Below: The Beatles at the Pepper release party, May 19th 1967, photographed by Linda Eastman- less than two years before her marriage to McCartney. Continues below.
