Live from MTV Studios in Camden
Thanks for all the Can I Help You? questions from yesterday. An excellent crop, some of the best ever. Also there have been some great answers already, especially on the subject of starting uni, which I’m planning to devote a separate blog to in the next couple of weeks. Anyway, keep them coming. I’ll ‘publish’ my responses at the weekend.
I am tired tonight as I spent all day filming this pilot I’ve been talking about. The results were mixed. I thought I and my co-host Alexa were pretty good. But there are some small snags with the show. I don’t think it will necessarily end up on TV but it was a good experience; the more hosting I do the more comfortable it becomes. Useful when I take over from Jonathan Ross.
I did also get to meet Alex James, who-for those of you, terrifyingly, too young to remember- was the floppy haired bassist from Blur, now a father of five, cheesemaker, farmer, and space enthusiast. He didn’t disappoint. He was fantastic. (Blur are sort of still around, so there’s no real excuse for not knowing him, but if you were tiny in 1996, it might be hard to imagine how exciting it is meeting someone from this seminal band.)
Tomorrow, I will be with KW all day. It’s really important that he has a good sleep tonight. Everyone be really quiet. We did this once before and it worked a treat.
Posted by Britt on September 9, 2010
Oh Mark. Sometimes when I’m reading this blog I am completely overcome with jealousy. Like right now. I’ve already commented about my adoration for Alexa Chung … but now you’ve brought Alex James into the equation. Oh my. I have no words.
Please, I beg of you, if this television show does go ahead, please let me work on it. I realise that this sounds a little pathetic, but to me, this show sounds close to perfection right now. And as somebody pursuing a career in television, it seems to be the absolute ideal show for me to work on. I’ll do anything. I can operate an autocue. Or a camera.
I’m quite tired. I’m not sure if this comment even makes sense. I think I should stop writing now.
Posted by Josh on September 9, 2010
Blur sung Wonderwall, right?
…
I CAN’T DO IT. Despite not understanding how to tie my shoelaces in 1996, I am a Blur fan to a rather large degree. I have my sister to thank for that.
The Railway Station where they played their first proper gig is only about half an hour from where I live. That probably doesn’t sound that impressive to you people who live in places where 1) anything ever happens and 2) you have roads that mean that a lot of places are half an hour away.
Posted by James on September 8, 2010
Hey Mark,
Just stumbled on your blog when looking for some pictures for the Late List for a blog I just mustered up, thought I’d drop a comment about your hosting the other day on the programme.
I was part of the audience, and really admired your professionalism whilst still being able to look so confident and relaxed about it all! I haven’t been to many recordings like yesterdays but am glad my first involved you.
I hold alot of respect for your comedy already, and seeing the jokes roll out without any cue just boosted my image of you!
In terms of you mentioning needing more experience – it doesn’t show.
I guess what I’m trying to say is… cheers for just being you mate! Keep it all flooding in.
(I know this is a bloody essay, but I’m just thinking would it be possible to grab an interview with you after your Bournemouth show next Feb, for the university’s student magazine? It’d make your already impressive reputation skyrocket more than a monkey on crack… and would be hugely appreciated by both me and the other 18,000 Bournemouth uni students!)
Cheers mate.
Posted by Lydia on September 8, 2010
Have fun with Kit x
Posted by Katy on September 8, 2010
Can everyone please stop mentioning how young they were in 96?! I never thought I’d heard someone say about a band I liked at the time that they arent old enough to have liked them the first time round. *shudder*
I cant even put into words how jealous I am about Alex James. Did he bring you some cheese? Oh I love Alex James.
Posted by lisan66 on September 8, 2010
I read ‘Camden’ as ‘Canada’ for some reason last night…
Posted by Sue the same Sue (Same Sue as in the comment below) on September 8, 2010
Hah! I obviously shouldn’t be allowed on the Internet at my age, I didn’t notice my name was the same as the last time I left a comment here, but it doesn’t apply this time. I’m Sue, AKA DiB or Dressed in Black.
*slinks off to watch Spicks and Specks where I can’t get into any more trouble.*
Posted by Rachael on September 8, 2010
Meeting someone from Blur is very exciting! Everytime I go to Camden I convince myself that I might bump into Graham Coxon, hasn’t happened yet though.
Posted by Sue (but not the same Sue as on the second comment) on September 8, 2010
Blur? I mostly remember Song Two. “WOOHOO, shouty-shouty-shouty-shout WOOHOO” etc. *too old for this blog post*
Posted by Laura on September 8, 2010
I do love Alex James, he’s hilarious. I was lucky enough to see Blur on their tour last year at a little venue and got so emotional I cried. Oh, the shame. I have loved them for a good half of my 30 years though, so it’s almost forgivable, especially as Graham was back.
Posted by Phill on September 8, 2010
I was old enough in ’96 to remember Blur. I think my first exposure to them was a band at school performing ‘Country House’. They also did Champagne Supernova, which is quite appropriate because to be honest I was always more of an Oasis man. I think Blur = head music whereas Oasis = heart music. (The first couple of albums anyway).
Anyway, sounds cool. Hope you get a good day with KW
Posted by Iona on September 8, 2010
I was 3 in 1996 and still know and love them. Especially like Alex James after seeing him
host never mind the buzzcocks.
Posted by John on September 8, 2010
I was, hmmm, 27 in 1996. I saw Blur in Adelaide in about 1997, I think it was. With a friend and his new wife, a lovely but quiet lady who had just come out from India and wanted to experience a ‘rock concert’. 90 minutes of Blur’s “wall of sound” was enough for her – I don’t think she’s been to another concert. My friend and I, however, thought it was one of the best shows we’d seen.
Posted by Juliet on September 8, 2010
I was 4 in 1996. I’m gonna be studying chemistry all night (yeah I know, my life sucks) so I’m joining you petition: please stay quiet. Thank you. Gosh I’m nervous!
Posted by Melanie on September 8, 2010
Saw Blur at Glastonbury last year, and it was so incredibly amazing. Was 8/9 in 1996, and don’t really remember them first time round, though I’ve always known the big hits. Only really got into them last year. I must repeat the sentiments of the above comments and declare myself extremely jealous of you Mr Watson.
Posted by Katie on September 7, 2010
Oh my good God. I cannot believe you met Alex James. I am more jealous than you can possibly imagine.
(Have a fantasic day with Kit. Still really jealous about Alex James.)
X
Posted by Steph on September 7, 2010
I was 4 in 1996 but still know and love Alex James! I found out about the cheese thing when watching the Hairy Bikers who paid him a visit! Now that’s what I call good television.
Also, saw him get voted out of that Popstar Operastar thing. He was hilarious!
Posted by MusicalLottie on September 7, 2010
I was 7 in ’96 and Blur has never really been in our house – I was brought up on a mixture of The Shadows, The Chieftains, and a bit of ‘classical’ – but I know who Alex James is from the BBC2 programme ‘Maestro’
He seemed cool ( … well, as a bassist, of course he would be!); I’m glad he lived up to expectations.
Right, here’s hoping young KW gets a lovely, long night’s sleep – and you and Emily too
Enjoy tomorrow!
Posted by Kathryn on September 7, 2010
I started school in 96. I was not aware of Blur at the time, but I do know of their work retrospectively.
I wish you and Kit a very lovely Wednesday.
Posted by Beth on September 7, 2010
I was bought in ’92, so although I didn’t experience Blur first time round, I am the owner of every album and Alex’s autobiography so can imagine just how exciting meeting him would be… I’m very jealous!
Also, I hope the pilot went well enough for it to be an actual show on actual television. I’m curious about it.
Now I’ve read this, I can sleep.
Niiiiight x
Posted by Kate B on September 7, 2010
*whispers* I was 1 in 1996 which may explain why, although I’ve heard of Blur I know very little about them or their music. I need some sleep- up at 6 tomorrow, hope you (and Kit) have a good nights rest!
Posted by Ivan (@ivanbrett) on September 7, 2010
I was 7 in ’96, but loved Blur like my own parent. Still do.
Pilot sounds good – how soon do we find out what it’s about?
Have fun with Kit xx
Posted by Megan on September 7, 2010
Er, should have read ‘far more time on his hair stuff than I do.’
Posted by Megan on September 7, 2010
Alex James is basically my dream man, aside from the being married and spending far more time on his hair stuff.
Butting in for a moment to make requests for the Very Late Review: I will be compiling/editing this in the next week or so, so if you want to contribute, do it soon. Also, as Mr Watson has indicated, regardless of how awesome or dire something is, try to keep the scores in the 0 to 10 out of 10 range. (The topics are in the entry for August 18.)
Posted by Misha on September 7, 2010
I was 4 in ’96, but my parents have ensured I know very well who Alex James is, amongst other people most of my friends have never heard of. I can imagine the excitement though.
If I might highjack your blog, we’ve lost Sanpreet or tothesky in the Ipod challenge, where are you?
And now, like the young master watson I really should sleep, i’m on school run tomorrow.