Pledge questions [Archive] - Duke Special Forum

Wakey

11-12-2009, 7:36 am

Hope it's OK to add this rather than start a new thread but is anyone able to confirm whether any of the pledge items are available immediately or will they be sent out in the first few months of next year?
Like others I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment so knew the "big" ones were out for me but I'd really like the signed, numbered CDs and maybe the hardback book. On the other hand I'd really like to hear the new material over Christmas when I have a bit of spare time. Also am looking for a gift for someone.
So basically wondering if anything on the pledge list would arrive before Christmas or whether if we want the new material on CD we will have to order the standard copies from the shop instead?
Apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere but I thought it better to ask than be left wondering.
Fingers crossed I can save enough for the pledgers concert in the New Year (and that it's not sold out!)
Well done to everyone, epecially Duke of course for this wonderful project and people's generosity.

old git

11-12-2009, 8:56 am

Sorry if this is a daft question but do we get any confirmation that our pledges have been accepted. I can't find anywhere on the pledge music site that confirms this.

PhilNelson

11-12-2009, 6:39 pm

Re timing, if anyone wants CDs before Christmas, please order through Dukeshop. Pledge items won't go out until the New Year when the Pledge total has been met, or at the end of the 60 days, whichever is sooner (although some things, like the hardback book, are currently in production, and I'm loath to put an exact date on that as I know we are prone to over-run...)

teddy10

15-12-2009, 6:29 pm

There's a particular song that I'd love Duke to cover. If I pledge for this, how would it work? i.e. Do I get a cd of Duke singing the song??

robi

24-12-2009, 3:31 pm

Mrfizzy

24-12-2009, 6:25 pm

HELP!
I can't access anything streamed on the pledge updates from my account. (This is true of anything that requires Flash Player e.g. posted videos on the Forum). My husband has uploaded Flash for me (apparently successfully), and it works on his account (where I can see videos etc. no problem), but despite trying to sort it umpteen times, we can't view streaming media on mine. I'm stuck! Has anyone any ideas... Stephen, Mike, anyone else?

It may be that you need to uninstall your web browser Flash plugin first to completely remove the old version and then re-install the new update.

Which web browser are you using? Firefox or Internet Explorer? - it's definitely worth having more than one type of web browser - athough they are supposed to be "standardised" and work with all websites we all know what that means!

This link might help (refers to both Firefox and IE web browsers)
http://support.mozilla.com/tiki-view_forum_thread.php?locale=en-US&comments_parentId=298188&forumId=1

Please post if you find a fix that might help others - if still stuck PM me :)

laurencealdridge

03-01-2010, 2:09 am

Two quick questions...
The song writing thing, are there a variety of dates available as I don't finjish panto until 9th Jan and then I'll have to fit it around auditions etc.

also,

Is it a case of turning up completely cold or should bring a few begun things that may be suitable?

Thanks

robi

03-01-2010, 9:43 am

It may be that you need to uninstall your web browser Flash plugin first to completely remove the old version and then re-install the new update.

Which web browser are you using? Firefox or Internet Explorer? - it's definitely worth having more than one type of web browser - athough they are supposed to be "standardised" and work with all websites we all know what that means!

This link might help (refers to both Firefox and IE web browsers)
http://support.mozilla.com/tiki-view_forum_thread.php?locale=en-US&comments_parentId=298188&forumId=1

Please post if you find a fix that might help others - if still stuck PM me :)

Thanks for your help, Mr Fizzy.
Tom tried reloading flash. Once again it said flash had been installed 'successfully', but once again I couldn't access any streaming requiring flash on the pledge site.
Tom is loathe to use firefox as our computer is slow as it is, and he is concerned about using up more memory (and worried about two systems competing with each other???).
He has offered to give me his password!! It would have been nice to access videos on my own account though. (Strangely enough I can access YouTube???)

treed

09-02-2010, 6:17 pm

Hi there,

For people who have pledged for the concerts, do we just turn up on the night or whats the story with entry, considering I've nothing to show though I have pledged for 2 tickets etc?

And how early do you think you would you have to get there for the Question and Answer session?

Really looking forward to this!

Thanks

Guildford Ghost

10-02-2010, 1:01 am

Still waiting for a reply to the two PMs I sent Phil about the songwriting thing. Has anyone any answers? I wanted to try to avoid having to fly over to Belfast and see if Duke would be available to do it on the day of the Hoxton concert or, if Belfast is compulsory, to see if I could do it the same day as the Belfast Pledge concert. As time is now running out, I'd really like an answer on this.

Stephen

10-02-2010, 10:03 am

GG, info@firstcolumn.co.uk would be better than PM.

Stephen

10-02-2010, 10:08 am

For people who have pledged for the concerts, do we just turn up on the night or whats the story with entry, considering I've nothing to show though I have pledged for 2 tickets etc?

And how early do you think you would you have to get there for the Question and Answer session?

No tickets, names on the door.
We're looking at 7.30ish for the Q&A, but details to follow...

Guildford Ghost

10-02-2010, 3:29 pm

Ta, blue sphere! E-mail has been duly sent.

treed

11-02-2010, 9:25 pm

Thanks for that Stephen, that's grand.

rattle

11-02-2010, 10:33 pm

No tickets, names on the door.

Stephen, to save yourself a lot of grief next week would it be worth sending out an email to that effect?

Unless you already have and I've missed it :whistle:

Stephen

12-02-2010, 9:38 am

Still think 7.30 start, but Q&A will be after the show.

I think.

jadeandchrissy

19-02-2010, 3:48 pm

Iam so pleased to finally have the mother courage download, thanks so much, do you know when the other 2 downloads will be ready.
thanks
xx

Stephen

25-02-2010, 5:27 pm

I know this will get buried under the London gig talk, but just to let you know that Duke will be signing CDs to send out tomorrow!

Steve.

Lolli

01-04-2010, 12:42 am

samsmum

02-04-2010, 4:48 pm

Me too, would love to know how its coming along!

Stephen

03-04-2010, 12:24 am

I'll check and get back to you!
Because of the uniqueness of this, it's just taking a little longer than expected - but it'll be worth it I'm sure! :)

jan

03-04-2010, 11:04 pm

I have also pledged for the book and am remaining patient.
xx

old git

28-05-2010, 8:23 pm

Will stuff that you can't pledge for anymore be available to buy from the DS Shop in the future. I'm thinking in particular the hardback artwork/lyrics book.Could kick myself for not including that in my original pledge.:mad:

beth gaddis

28-05-2010, 9:16 pm

@ OG: I asked about the book in particular on the pledge site in the comments section. Phil replied that the book will be made available for sale. I did an embarrassing happy dance. Not sure about any other items though.

old git

28-05-2010, 11:08 pm

Phil replied that the book will be made available for sale. I did an embarrassing happy dance.

Thanks Beth........thinking about the dance ;)

jan

01-06-2010, 12:13 am

However......still awaiting the book:(
xx

Niamhy1

03-06-2010, 1:39 pm

Has anyone who pledged for the poem received theirs?

Guildford Ghost

03-06-2010, 2:49 pm

Has anyone who pledged for the poem received theirs?

Nope. And losing count of the amount of times the songwriting session and day in the studio have been postponed!

Joy84

03-06-2010, 5:03 pm

I pledged for the book, poem, lyrics and mounted photos. Have not received any yet however I'm a very patient person and know they will be worth the wait - good things come to those who wait :)

Niamhy1

03-06-2010, 5:49 pm

beth gaddis

03-06-2010, 6:00 pm

@ Niamhy1, when I sent a question on comment portion of Duke's pledge site it was answered pretty quickly. Maybe if you post a comment regarding this on there they can let you know if you can update the address (or direct you to someone who can help make sure you get it)?

Stephen

03-06-2010, 6:11 pm

jan

03-06-2010, 9:27 pm

It's not my patience that has run out - I'm moving to a different apartment in 3 weeks time and I'm not 100% sure I can rely on my post being sent on to me so a little worried it might get caught in limbo..

Do you have a postal redirection service? I can't recall that it cost anything when I last moved (things may have changed since) but you just fill in a form and the Post Ofice does the rest. Gives you the leeway to sort out your correspondence when you move and lasted about 3 months. I had no problems at the time. Good luck in your new apartment Niamhy1:)
xx

Niamhy1

04-06-2010, 11:32 am

Thanks guys for your suggestions as always :-)...and Jan for your good wishes - I'm really excited about it!

Lolli

13-06-2010, 11:55 pm

Hello Stephen, just a quick enquiry as to whether there's a planned date for the artwork/lyrics book. I'm not unduly worried about it not having arrived yet but I really can't wait to get my hands on it!

Because of the uniqueness of this, it's just taking a little longer than expected - but it'll be worth it I'm sure! :)

Just checking in to see if there's any further news on this :o

Gillian

14-06-2010, 8:14 pm

Likewise. Don't mean to sound whiny but I parted with my 300 quid in January and still no sign of the cover version. The date published on the pledge site was March.

Stephen

14-06-2010, 8:44 pm

Hi Guys,
Many apologies for this - the recording sessions were planned for April, but the volcanic ash cloud debacle meant that Duke wasn't able to make it - though he did try his very best! Other Pledge members were due to attend the recording as part of their pledge.

As a result of the reschedule, the recording dates of the cover versions are now June 28th, July 17th and 18th.

Please accept our apologies for the delay. We're keen to complete these pledge items as soon as is possible, but as I'm sure you'll understand, what with the volcano and Duke's UK/Ireland tour and general typically-busy schedule, we just haven't been able to arrange these as soon as we would like.

Steve.

runnerbean

14-06-2010, 10:25 pm

No problem Stephen. Longer to look forward to it. I'm sure the man is exhausted too!

Mrfizzy

15-06-2010, 7:53 am

Exhausted is right runnerbean - in Dublin "I'm Still Standing" (but only just) would describe poor Duke very well after the UK tour, a week of travel promoting the Irish tour and 11 consecutive days of travel and gigs at that stage - I don't know how he and the band were on the 12th day in a row after Warrenpoint - but I'm sure they were all glad to get back home!

March was optimistic to complete the pledges and we know that Duke tried his best to make some earlier pledges but was thwarted by the volcano. I think that we are all simply excited about our pledges rather than "pushy" and we can only expect Stephen to keep us informed as and when he gets updates from management. It's looking like the end of Summer at this stage.

As Hector says in Propman, "We all know that art is worth more than gold" and I'm sure that we'll all be very happy when our unique Duke treasures are delivered. :)

We have our studio day on 28th June along with two other fans who were postponed by Iceland but like other fans are also looking forward to our artwork/lyrics book in patient but excited anticipation.

dukester

15-06-2010, 12:44 pm

Hi all, just to say I am back home now after a brilliant but exhausting tour and am working on all the pledge items still to be completed - lyrics, poems, gigs, covers etc. Safe to say I'm not sure we realised how much work was going to be involved in fulfilling everything while still planning for and being on tour. Sorry to keep you waiting. I will do my best to complete everything over the next few weeks. I will use the forum to let you know what I am up to.

Regarding the book, Tim and Gary are busy designing lay out and compiling the content but they have been waiting on me to supply them with various bits of content. This too I am now on but for 1 bit I need your help! If anyone has an interesting object which is a bit damaged or broken, I would be really keen to take your photograph with it. I am suggesting meeting outside the Oh Yeah building in Belfast on Thursday at 11am. Shouldn't take more than an hour tops. Obviously this is directed at those living in Belfast but if you fancy taking a longer spin feel free! Please spread the word about this and I will twitter it also. Remember, you need to bring an interesting broken object. Thanks!!

Duke x

Niamhy1

15-06-2010, 12:55 pm

Do you ever stop! :-)

beth gaddis

15-06-2010, 1:34 pm

If anyone has earned themselves a couple days off, Duke, it would be you! But I'm really looking forward to the book :)

Lolli

15-06-2010, 7:01 pm

Thanks for the update Duke and, as Beth says, you've certainly earned yourself a couple of days off.

I'm perfectly happy to wait for the book until it is good and ready, I was just getting a bit concerned that something had gone horribly wrong and that mine hadn't been sent!

Thank you for being you and for continuing to do what you do x

jan

15-06-2010, 9:40 pm

This book is reaching epic status and no mistake!!
If I could get myself on a plane with just half the things that are 'a little bit broken' around my home......:) Want to hear the funny story about my lump hammer...? Well, if you've ever carted a lump hammer to a work site and the first time you lift it to break some hard stuff the hammer completely drops off the shaft due to rot....well, say no more. A similar thing happened years ago when I rushed to put out a fire at a friend's smallholding as it was close to some hay.....the bucket I chose was full of holes and you could call it a Hector Mann movie moment I guess........nothing awful happened and we were so helpless with laughter it's a blessing!
Life is full of little moments that put the real bad stuff into perspective.
The book can wait and, like all the little apples, it will drop when it's ripe!
xx

dukester

15-06-2010, 10:31 pm

The photos of broken things is now happening on Friday at 11am at Oh Yeah Building. Please spread the word to bring any interesting broken items along, preferably ones you can hold! Thanks again :)

Delly

16-06-2010, 9:26 am

Sadly I can't get to this. However, also sadly, mainly due to the 2 naughtiest cats in the world the majority of objects in my house are 'slightly broken' so I could have brought loads :p

Came down this morning to lamp base in situ, but lamp shade and bulb on floor :confused:

I know the book will be exquisite like everything else you produce and will wait patiently and happily for as long as it takes.

beth gaddis

16-06-2010, 4:48 pm

Delly, your cats should meet my ferrets. They'd get along beautifully!

I was broke when pledge was happening so was only able to pledge for the cd's. It made my day when they said on the pledge comments that there would be some of the books for sale. I can't wait to see it, I know with all the time and attention Duke's putting into it, it will be great :)

dukester

25-06-2010, 1:37 pm

I'm looking forward to the 2 Pledge house gigs this weekend! Any requests from those attending? Then heading to Wapping to work with Paul Pilot on some of the cover versions. Getting there!!

Mrfizzy

25-06-2010, 1:53 pm

I'm looking forward to the 2 Pledge house gigs this weekend! Any requests from those attending? Then heading to Wapping to work with Paul Pilot on some of the cover versions. Getting there!!

My request is that you don't wear yourself out trying too hard to keep all of your fans happy! The last thing all of your fans, including those of us lucky enough to be meeting you through pledges want is a frazzled dukester.

Nonetheless, I know that you'll be getting a very warm welcome from some very excited fans over the next few days :)

Guildford Ghost

25-06-2010, 5:02 pm

Request from me! Can you do CLOSER TO THE START? Ta! :D

Dawn S

25-06-2010, 5:52 pm

Request from me! Can you do CLOSER TO THE START? Ta! :D

Great choice GG. I love that song.

I'm looking forward to the 2 Pledge house gigs this weekend! Any requests from those attending? Then heading to Wapping to work with Paul Pilot on some of the cover versions. Getting there!!

Could I be cheeky and request two? First I would absolutely love to hear This Could Be My Last Day as it has a special meaning for me. Also, since there will be my infamous flapplejacks to eat how about Applejack? ;)

Like Mr Fizzy said there are a number of excited fans looking forward to a great weekend :)

mrs lolly

25-06-2010, 6:56 pm

Have to apologise for making a number of requests ... but there are 4 of us! Would be great if you fancy doing any of these (but obviously just as great if you don't!) ... so here goes:

Lol - Your Vandal
Emma - Regarding the moonlight in Eastbourne
Ruby - Diggin an early grave
Iris - Let me go

Roll on tomorrow - Woo Hoo!

mrs lolly

25-06-2010, 6:58 pm

Oh, and Feet in the sky ... obviously

Promise will request no more!

Delly

25-06-2010, 7:24 pm

Great choice GG. I love that song.

Could I be cheeky and request two? First I would absolutely love to hear This Could Be My Last Day as it has a special meaning for me. Also, since there will be my infamous flapplejacks to eat how about Applejack? ;)

Like Mr Fizzy said there are a number of excited fans looking forward to a great weekend :)

Oh thank you Dawn and GG! if Love Is A Series Of Scars happens to make an appearance, with a smattering of Low for Mrfizzy and a little No Cover Up for Robin I will actually pass away with joy!!! Eek!

robi

25-06-2010, 9:17 pm

:) Second 'Closer to the start' and 'Feet to the sky'.

Would also love to hear 'Lucky' or 'Brixton Leaves'.

But will be happy whatever choices are made!

P.S Could you re-sign my son's Huck Finn t-shirt? - the writing has almost faded away now - it's been through the wash a few times!!!

Mrfizzy

25-06-2010, 9:38 pm

Oh thank you Dawn and GG! if Love Is A Series Of Scars happens to make an appearance, with a smattering of Low for Mrfizzy and a little No Cover Up for Robin I will actually pass away with joy!!! Eek!

Did I really only say "very excited"? :D

"Low" might not be an ideal choice for a house full of jumping beans though and like robi any Duke Special set is pure joy for me and the Fizz :o

atkygal

25-06-2010, 9:38 pm

Freewheelin......for meself of course

atkygal

25-06-2010, 9:40 pm

In all seriousness though:
Me - feet in the sky
Niamh - prop man
Mary - applejack

runnerbean

25-06-2010, 9:58 pm

I hope you all have a fabulous time at the house gigs, goes without saying. Just don't be tiring the man out
too much. He's playing Dublin on Thursday!! ;)

Mrfizzy

25-06-2010, 10:01 pm

You're very naughty Atkgal - you know very well that the "F" song is having a rest for a while ... even for yourself

fishingcat

25-06-2010, 10:02 pm

So many fabulous songs to pick from... and would like to second those already suggested as they're fine choices, especially Feet in the Sky, Closer to the Start, Love is a Series of Scars and Your Vandal! If I could suggest something for myself, and I've been told I can (thanks Dawn!) then I would love to hear Careless Heart or Some Things Make Your Soul Feel Clean, and Rich would agree with the choice of No Cover Up.

So looking forward to the pledge gig tomorrow and also excited to be meeting up with everyone again. Will be great too to meet those i haven't bumped into at other gigs!

Dawn S

25-06-2010, 10:13 pm

Did I really only say "very excited"? :D

"Low" might not be an ideal choice for a house full of jumping beans though and like robi any Duke Special set is pure joy for me and the Fizz :o

Excited is an understatement for me ;)

Us jumping beans can behave ourselves and stand still for such a beautiful song as "Low" though Mr Fizzy :p

Duke, sorry if we're overwhelming you with requests. As has been mentioned before any set will be amazing.

I'm really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again too. We've become such great friends. One big happy family :)

Rita

25-06-2010, 10:20 pm

I really don't mind, I know it will all be fantastic

Jack and I would love to hear Sweet Sweet Kisses, don't often hear that live (in fact he has just gone off round the house singing it!)

Richard's favourites are Portrait and Our Love Goes Deeper Than This

Dawn S

25-06-2010, 10:34 pm

Would also love to hear 'Lucky'.

Wow, I love Duke's version of Lucky. Pure heaven :) Am I embarrassing myself yet? If not there's always tomorrow :redface:

bigspazz

26-06-2010, 1:42 am

I vote for freewheel as. It is a stone classic and still the first song i play to anyone who doesnt know Duke.

bigspazz

26-06-2010, 1:48 am

If i cant have Freewheel i am prepared to settle for Mr Blue sky. I would love to one day hear Duke cover in his own style something by Thin Lizzy such as Dancing in the moonlight. (N.B not that dreadful song toploader covered)

alice

26-06-2010, 2:12 am

^ Perfect for a summer night. Have a great time all!

Stephen

26-06-2010, 2:21 am

Total Eclipse of the Heart :p

robi

26-06-2010, 8:36 am

Probably way too late now...

...But my husband would like:
Song of fraternisation
or - from Claire to Here
or - cover version of 'Don't Fence me in'! (Cole Porter song)

Guildford Ghost

26-06-2010, 9:16 am

Just do EVERYTHING. And every song you've not played before. :p

Delly

26-06-2010, 9:46 am

Our friends who are en route from Wigan have just rung to request This Charming Man :rolleyes:
But surely that's Dukester himself!! Ha ha!

pianofan

26-06-2010, 1:25 pm

Cannot wait for the after-house-gigs reports and photos!!
Enjoy the most fabulous of experiences and do tell us all afterwards :)

rattle

26-06-2010, 1:28 pm

I just hope Dawn gets that live web feed up and running like she promised :p

berniecasserley

26-06-2010, 1:31 pm

Have a great time you lucky lot , will be expecting photos , reviews , GG flipcam action and maybe a flapjack in the post :)

jodieaitken

26-06-2010, 6:13 pm

I am incredibly jealous of the people getting a house gig. Have a fantabulous time!

Fizzy

27-06-2010, 12:45 am

Just a couple of photos from an amazing afternoon.:)
Thanks to all our friends for making it so memorable. Thank you Leslie and Sacha for being such fabulous hosts (and for the cake:D).
And a huge, huge thank you to Duke for a truly wonderful show :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs095.snc4/36123_1410896044291_1589213392_30992035_3028370_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs013.snc4/33996_1410895804285_1589213392_30992033_265724_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs048.ash2/35759_1410894444251_1589213392_30992012_2052549_n. jpg

Guildford Ghost

27-06-2010, 1:58 am

Mr Fizzy filmed the whole thing, but I did catch 10 of the songs on video which I'll upload to YouTube in due course.

Oh, it was great. After a period in a self-imposed wilderness I'm comfortable being back on the Duke bandwagon. He must have played for well over two hours in all, including masses of cover versions. And he came and had a smashing chat to me afterwards, throwing an amazing offer my way I can't refuse (but more on that if and when it happens).

Leslie and his family did a stunning job. The work (and money) they put into today was phenomenal.

And the same goes for Dawn's foody offerings. You've not lived until you've munched through some Flapplejacks and M&M/Reece's cookies.

I've not got any photos because I stupidly left my camera at home.

runnerbean

27-06-2010, 2:48 am

Just a couple of photos from an amazing

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs048.ash2/35759_1410894444251_1589213392_30992012_2052549_n. jpg

Just in from my brother's birthday party, had a brilliant time, but was thinking, I wish :). You lucky dogs!

This photo says a million words. It is just so so lovely. He just looks in his element! Did you ever see a man so happy at his work! The smile says it all! :)

runnerbean

27-06-2010, 2:49 am

PS thank you for the photos Gail.

runnerbean

27-06-2010, 2:50 am

I am incredibly jealous of the people getting a house gig. Have a fantabulous time!

Can you not sleep Jodie?

runnerbean

27-06-2010, 3:15 am

Did he sing Mr Nobody or You'll Be Detective, I love them both.

Guildford Ghost

27-06-2010, 10:34 am

^ Don't think he did, but I arrived halfway through the first set.

Yep, he was very happy as far as we could tell! No pressure and amongst 'friends' who knew well enough not to crowd or fawn over him. Not that he got a minute to himself, of course... except for the extended toilet break which we won't talk about. The question will remain... 1s or 2s? :D

pinksacha

27-06-2010, 1:14 pm

well...where do I start?! It was fab!!! we loved hosting...it was an absolute pleasure to have everyone round and seeing the joy on everyones faces made all the planning and preparation worth it 10 times over.
Duke himself did a superb job, and really enjoyed himself with such a lovely supportive group of boardies......so much that he stayed over and only just left!
I will leave the Fizzy and ElvisLeslie contingent to comment on the music and set as they are way more succinct.
For me I just loved it all, the vibe, everyone interacting ad having fun.
The Pimms was flowing, food went down well and the whole ambience was one of a big happy family.
I will treasue the day for a long long time and cannot wait for all the photos and videos to be uploaded.
Our nieghbours really enjoyed the gig (staying in thier own gardens listening rather than coming into the marquee- I tried to persuade them to no avial) and we have a few CDs to distribute to them now!!!
As I said to Duke 'every other anniversay will be a poor imitation now......fancy making it a yearly event?!'. Love and Thanks to all who came and enjoyed and great thanks to Duke. x

Rita

27-06-2010, 2:11 pm

Wow what a brilliant afternoon, lovely weather, great setting. Thank you to Sacha and Leslie for being such great hosts - you thought of everything, and to the girls for looking after us all afternoon with drinks etc.

We loved Dawn's flapplejacks particularly Jack who I think was responsible for eating several!! Lovely meeting up with all the boardies again as always.

Thank you Duke for the music. Just fantastic. We were treated to so many songs. It was hard to work out which ones he didn't do. I will certainly remember it for a long time.

robi

27-06-2010, 2:39 pm

Where to start? What a wonderful, wonderful day. Huge thanks to Leslie and Sacha who were the best hosts possible - and for their team of girls, who provided the best drinks/food service at any event I've ever been to!

Dawn's flapplejacks were the best flapjacks I have ever tasted! (I think Jack had some competition for the flapjacks in the shape of Jamie and Patrick, Rita!)

It was also lovely to meet lots of the boardies for the first time.

And as for the music - to have several hours of the most fantastic music on a beautiful summer's day - was just heaven.
I think yesterday's gig is now up there with the pure magic of the first Duke gig we went to.

Thanks again to everyone who made it such a brilliant day.

(Sorry about all the superlatives!)

beth gaddis

27-06-2010, 2:43 pm

Sounds like an amazing day! What a wonderful gift you gave everyone, Leslie and Sacha, for sharing your pledge experience!

atkygal

27-06-2010, 8:17 pm

It really was amazing. It surpassed every expectation I had and more. The girls all had a great time and it was so lovely to see everyone.

My only concern now is that I may be jaded for every other gig I now go to. Don't think that can ever be beaten.

Thanks so much sascha, leslie and of course duke (esp for complimenting the girls on their wanda vid - made their night)

mrs lolly

27-06-2010, 10:39 pm

Yesterday was fantastic - a day never to be forgotten!

Firstly a huge thanks to Sacha and Leslie who must have put many many hours into planning the event and made it such a sucessful, happy and enjoyable day.

The set was quite extraordinary - I think it must have well exceeded 2 hours. Quite amazing how one person with a keyboard can hold everyone's attention for such a time (and clearly would have been able to for even longer). Duke was happy to take our requests and played some fantastic songs that we hadn't been treated to for a good while (1 or 2 possibly never!)

It was great to see everyone again (especially a very special guest all the way from Madrid) and meet some new Duke fans too. I know a couple of the guests are now Duke converts!

Thanks to all ... and of course Duke ... it will be very hard to top that one!

Melody

28-06-2010, 11:07 am

Dawn S

28-06-2010, 12:33 pm

First of all I'd like to thank Emma (mrs lolly) and Sally (atkygal) for initially coming up with the idea of a group of us joining together to buy one of the pledge house gigs. There have been many new friendships made through going to Duke gigs that it was so nice for us to be able to share an experience like this together.

A big thank you must also go to Leslie and Sacha for offering to host the gig. It is no mean feat to host an event such as this and they did a brilliant job. It was obvious that a lot of hard work and preparation had gone into making the day such a success.

The biggest thanks though must go to Duke himself. It's hard to put into words just how amazing the day was for me. As some of you know Duke's music has helped me through difficult times and I was unbelievably happy on Saturday and just overwhelmed by his performance. I don't know how he managed to play for so long, especially considering how early his flight from Belfast had been that morning. As my 2 requests were amongst those he performed (along with many many other songs I love) I was overjoyed. I think I have a permanent grin on my face now.

Thank you so much for the kind comments about the flapplejacks and cookies I brought along. When I was baking them on Friday afternoon I had been thinking to myself "will 50 flapplejacks be too many to take?". It now appears that I could have probably made double that amount. Apologies to Duke that they'd run out before he managed to get one.

The whole event felt very laid back and relaxed. It was a wonderful summer afternoon spent with great friends listening to amazing music.

Here are a selection of photos I took, along with a link to the full set:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6cJmKpb_8LY/TCeOVWVKidI/AAAAAAAAMcc/XKG0NnRkYzI/s720/P1030359.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6cJmKpb_8LY/TCeONwKGhGI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/nWshQolle5w/s720/P1030346.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6cJmKpb_8LY/TCeObWJyi4I/AAAAAAAAMdU/HyC32fJfXuo/s720/P1030373.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_6cJmKpb_8LY/TCeOrda4i7I/AAAAAAAAMfo/dMM0t6aNn_k/s720/P1030395.JPG

Full set of photos (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/dawnsalsbury/DukeSpecialHouseGig260610)

bigspazz

28-06-2010, 1:19 pm

Dawn you make lovely snacks and snap a damn fine photo. ( but i am sure that's not the full set.)

It was a fabulous day and Leslie, Sacha and the girls were incredible hosts. Your poor girls worked so hard i was tempted to help them form a union.
OF COURSE WE HAVE ALL BEEN TOTALY SPOILED BY THIS DAY AND ARE GOING TO EXPECT THIS KINDA TREATMENT AT EVERY GIG FROM NOW ON.

Quite apart from all the other stuff that everyone has rightly raved over so far. One of the nicest things was how Duke really tried to accomdate peoples requests. The versions of Moondance, Olivers army and the night they drove old Dixie down were not planned but you wouldnt have known it. Duke and i had a chat about Thin Lizzy and he said he is going to be doing a version of old town for something soon and also that his first band used to cover Dancing in the moonlight. I basicaly got a private accapella version of it as Duke tried to remember the words.

He did bloody well remembering them.

robi

28-06-2010, 1:42 pm

Wonderful versions of 'Moondance' and Rufus Wainwright's 'My Phone's on vibrate'. despite Duke's warnings that he might not do a brilliant job on them - He did, of course!

jeanette

28-06-2010, 2:39 pm

Thanks, all of you, for sharing what looked like a magical occasion!

pianofan

28-06-2010, 4:14 pm

Wonderful, wonderful reports and photos - sounds like it was a 'gig of a lifetime'! Thanks for sharing your excitement with us :)

Guildford Ghost

28-06-2010, 6:14 pm

Can I quickly add here that , in spite of appearances, my hair was not stuck on but I did have a very bad case of sweaty-hat-hair. The ears were an optional extra.

old git

28-06-2010, 8:22 pm

that all looks like a fantastic day was had by all..Well done to mr & mrs Elvisleslie for hosting it. I hope that the OG's private gig in August is half as good. :)

Guildford Ghost

28-06-2010, 10:42 pm

I has some viddys from Saturday...

ArhaZBLY0n4
VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR

gYWbgfYCcXM
PORTRAIT

TgAEH4y4m2E
LOVE IS A SERIES OF SCARS

tj_4KlRMMaA
WAKE UP, SCARLETT

On3DqlOfHiE
ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO

Me_Qk_shB_Y
THE JOCKEY CLUB

MJe5G-A6tVM
OUR LOVE GOES DEEPER THAN THIS

0Fuw_EtbVD8
WOMAN (with Leslie on backing vocals...!)

robi

28-06-2010, 10:50 pm

... can someone cut that woman's head off! :redface:

Guildford Ghost

28-06-2010, 11:22 pm

I know. She even had the GALL to come up to me and say 'Hi' afterwards.

(adopts Nikki from Big Brother voice) Who IS she? Who IS she? Where did you FIND her?!

Goldilocks

28-06-2010, 11:38 pm

Thanks for all the posts everyone...I took very few photos as think I was just too busy soaking up the amazing atmospere. Well what an incredible afternoon. I can only reiterate all the superlatives everyone else has used to describe just how special it was!

Thanks to Sacha and Leslie who hosted the event so brilliantly and made everyone feel very much at home and to those waitresses who worked so hard and were so polite :) Sacha and Leslie even booked the hottest day of the year to coincide with Duke's visit! Standing on the decking listening to the endless hits that Duke sang and looking out at the beautiful Hertfordshire country side was just brilliant. I had to keep pinching myself that this was really happening. Thanks to Dawn again who coordinated this and made it happen.

Lastly, and by no means Least, my thanks go to Duke who made it such a perfect afternoon by singing so many songs so brilliantly, mingling with all of us and for being such a lovely guy to stand and have a chat with. We had to leave before the end of the last set (not my choice!!) and as we went to the car some of sacha's neighbours stopped us and asked who the guy was who was singing 'because,' they said, 'he's brilliant!' He is! :)

Dublinram

29-06-2010, 3:36 pm

... can someone cut that woman's head off! :redface:

Have you tried the cropping feature in iMovie?

Great feedback from everyone, pleased you had a really special occasion.

Gillian

29-06-2010, 6:09 pm

Duke and i had a chat about Thin Lizzy and he said he is going to be doing a version of old town for something soon

He did bloody well remembering them.

He is doing Phil's "Old Town" as my requested cover version. Hurrah!

Mrfizzy

29-06-2010, 6:41 pm

Massive thanks to DawnS for pledging for the gig and I don't even know where to start with gratitude to Leslie, Sacha and their team of wee helpers for the cost and effort that they put in to make the day such a huge success. Apart from the new decking, marquee, setting up the PA and plying everyone with food and drink, I understand that the new pro keyboard was only delivered the day before the gig!

I thought that we Fizzys had some idea about fan support but Leslie and Sacha have achieved positively dizzy heights in their love of Duke's music :) (*salaams to The Great Ones*)

I think that the preceding posts with reports, photos and videos give a fair idea of what the audience thought of the day :)

Despite the fact that some of his super dedicated fans were gathered there and highly charged with excitement we tried to be reasonably restrained around our Special star.

Apart from the sheer bliss of so many of his own songs there were some terrific covers that we've never heard him perform before such as

Gold in Them Hills (Ron Sixsmith), Vibrate (Rufus Wainwright), All I really Wanna Do (Byrds), Woman (John Lennon) P*ssing in the Wind (Badly Drawn Boy), Oliver's Army (Elvis Costello) and Moondance (Van Morrison) - His talent knows no bounds.

There is a temptation to keep saying "Best performance ever", "How will he top this?" etc., and the day was indeed truly outstanding.

The problem is that we also had our studio day on Monday with Delly and Robin (postponed courtesy of volcano) and he was brilliant on that day too! We didn't get to hear the absolute final versions but the lucky fans who pledged will be getting painstaking skill and care and wonderful covers - "Old Town" wasn't one of them on Monday but be very excited Gillian - it will be great!

See him whenever you can is the Fizzy motto :o

PS - Many of us can attest to the fact that dukester is working absolutely flat out to complete the pledges and has to balance this commitment with gigs and the exciting RTE "Ruby and the Duke" project that we all want to see - please be patient...

elvisleslie61

29-06-2010, 8:03 pm

thanks everyone for their kind words, but we were the lucky ones
and have to keep pinching ourselves to think we were not dreaming.

Since we have become boardies we have met the most fantastic people and shared so many good experiences

we thank Dawn, Emma and Sally for pledging and organising the gig,
everyone who came and so generously brought gifts despite being told not to.

But most of all to Dukester, i do hope you can feel the happiness that you give us and was so clearly evident on Saturday

btw they broke the mould after they made the fizzys!!!!

Mrfizzy

29-06-2010, 9:12 pm

btw they broke the mould after they made the fizzys!!!!

This might be true of the Fizz but mine may have been already a little bit cracked at the pouring!

Seriously though, you and Sacha did Duke and the boardies proud and represent shining examples of the hallowed vocation of fanhood :D:D (*more salaams*)

runnerbean

29-06-2010, 11:35 pm

[QUOTE=Mrfizzy;59749]
[/FONT]Apart from the sheer bliss of so many of his own songs there were some terrific covers that we've never heard him perform before such as

[FONT=Verdana]Gold in Them Hills (Ron Sixsmith), Vibrate (Rufus Wainwright), All I really Wanna Do (Byrds), Woman (John Lennon) P*ssing in the Wind (Badly Drawn Boy), Oliver's Army (Elvis Costello) and Moondance (Van Morrison) - His talent knows no bounds.

It all sounds such a memorable day for everyone. The videos and photos are brilliant.

Please would there be any chance that someone may have recorded Peter singing 'Moondance'. I would really love to hear him singing this song.

Lolly

29-06-2010, 11:51 pm

Not a lot I can add to all the comments, just to agree that it was a fantastic day & we had a brilliant time ! Superb hosting from Leslie & Sacha, great company & a wonderfull performance from the Dukester !

The gigs in the foyer of the National theatre last year bought together this amazing bunch of people who are now friends for life ! I salute you all & look forward to many more great shows in your company !

Oh, & just in case I haven't said it before, Duke Special - you the man ! ! !

Delly

30-06-2010, 11:21 am

Please would there be any chance that someone may have recorded Peter singing 'Moondance'. I would really love to hear him singing this song.

Oh I think there may just be a vague possibility Runnerbean :)
It was a highlight for me too.

There's nothing I can add to all the previous comments except I agree with them all. What a wonderful weekend! Thought Leslie and Sacha did particularly well with their weather organisation :cool:

Back at work with a mental grin plastered to my face. Did the Day in the Studio pledge on Monday as well and had a fab time.

I remember someone posting that they had pledged for a cover of Deacon Blue's Chocolate Girl. Well trust me, if you could have seen the effort and imagination that Dukester has put into recording it you would be amazed! It was a total privilege being allowed to see him and Paul Pilot at work together.

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again - THE MAN IS A GENIUS!! :D

Dublinram

30-06-2010, 1:45 pm

I remember someone posting that they had pledged for a cover of Deacon Blue's Chocolate Girl. Well trust me, if you could have seen the effort and imagination that Dukester has put into recording it you would be amazed! It was a total privilege being allowed to see him and Paul Pilot at work together.

That was me :-) Can't wait

Delly

30-06-2010, 1:59 pm

That was me :-) Can't wait

You lucky, lucky man! It sounded incredible by the time we came away, he put so much thought into the recording :)

I naively thought he'd just do a vocal track and a piano track for each pledge song, but there is soooooo much more involved than that!!!

Dublinram

30-06-2010, 2:06 pm

You lucky, lucky man! It sounded incredible by the time we came away, he put so much thought into the recording :)

I naively thought he'd just do a vocal track and a piano track for each pledge song, but there is soooooo much more involved than that!!!

Stop teasing - I need to work this afternoon!

Mrfizzy

30-06-2010, 2:58 pm

Stop teasing - I need to work this afternoon!

Delly should have added that although we saw most of the work that went into the three covers, we did not get to hear the final cuts, the privilege of hearing the final masterpiece goes to the pledger :)

My own pledge song is a Hank Williams classic "How Many Times Have You Broken My Heart." I'm not generally a huge C&W fan but I can hear it already with the haunting guitar of PP and the dulcet tones of His Master's Voice :rolleyes:

(A dictionary definition of "Dulcet Tones"
"A sound or voice so gorgeous you just have to listen to it again and again no matter what. So recognisable that even the faintest hint of it in the distance can send your mind reeling." :p :p :p

runnerbean

30-06-2010, 6:18 pm

Delly

30-06-2010, 7:54 pm

[QUOTE=runnerbean;597Oooh! It would be great if some kind person would post the video of Moondance. Eternally grateful! :) :)

Do you know if a Paul Weller cover was in the mix for a pledger?[/QUOTE]

Again, I expect there might be a vague possibility of a Moondance video soon ;-)

No Paul Weller for us on Monday I'm afraid. Just as well really, I was hyper enough as it is and I've worshipped Paul Weller since I first clapped eyes on him in 1976. :) Patience young Runnerbean, there are more studio days in the middle of July :)

Delly

30-06-2010, 7:56 pm

Btw if that's the definition of dulcet tones our man should be called DT not DS :D

elvisleslie61

30-06-2010, 9:21 pm

[QUOTE=Delly;59761]Oh I think there may just be a vague possibility Runnerbean :)
It was a highlight for me

I remember someone posting that they had pledged for acover of Deacon Blue's Chocolate Girl. Well trust me, if you could have seen the effort and imagination that Dukester has put into recording it you would be amazed! It was a total privilege being allowed to see him and Paul Pilot at work together.

Oooh! It would be great if some kind person would post the video of Moondance. Eternally grateful! :) :)

Do you know if a Paul Weller cover was in the mix for a pledger?
bit of inside information here as sachapink, kittykat and elvisleslie61 were priviledged to hear you do something to me and a few other pledger songs being rehearsed by dukester as he waited to be picked up.
with mr fizzys permission i would be delighted to post moondance :)

Mrfizzy

30-06-2010, 9:38 pm

[QUOTE=runnerbean;59769]
bit of inside information here as sachapink, kittykat and elvisleslie61 were priviledged to hear you do something to me and a few other pledger songs being rehearsed by dukester as he waited to be picked up.
with mr fizzys permission i would be delighted to post moondance :)

It was your song request Leslie, you don't need any permission from me - I was just the monkey with the camera!

Now where is that green "jealous" smiley face for your insider information? :( no thats not it but close...

runnerbean

30-06-2010, 9:54 pm

[QUOTE=runnerbean;59769]
bit of inside information here as sachapink, kittykat and elvisleslie61 were priviledged to hear you do something to me and a few other pledger songs being rehearsed by dukester as he waited to be picked up.
with mr fizzys permission i would be delighted to post moondance :)

Thank you for the inside info. The Paul Weller cover is for me!!!! I can't wait. The song means a lot to me.

Moondance has a special place too.

Thank you EL61 you're a gem.

elvisleslie61

30-06-2010, 9:56 pm

actually mike i am not so sure about posting, not sure wether to laugh or cry at my attempts to get dukes music sheets when they fall
and did you see what i did behind his back:redface:
i am so seriously embarrassed

and runnerbean it will be worth the wait he sang it beautifully

Delly

30-06-2010, 10:37 pm

[QUOTE=elvisleslie61;59772]

Thank you for the inside info. The Paul Weller cover is for me!!!! I can't wait. The song means a lot to me.

It's even more of a good job he wasn't doing this now I know it was You Do Something To Me! I have an annoying and embarrassing tendency to weep at Dukester's voice anyway and would probably have been sobbing by the end of the day!! :redface:

runnerbean

30-06-2010, 11:22 pm

[QUOTE=runnerbean;59775]

It's even more of a good job he wasn't doing this now I know it was You Do Something To Me! I have an annoying and embarrassing tendency to weep at Dukester's voice anyway and would probably have been sobbing by the end of the day!! :redface:

Absolutely no doubt I will cry when I hear it. It's a happy/sad thing.

There are quite a few of Duke's songs bring a tear to your eye, sometimes just the lyrics and then other times it's the emotion he delivers. Yet, never once have I left a concert without feeling really happy.

elvisleslie61

30-06-2010, 11:27 pm

[QUOTE=elvisleslie61;59772]

Thank you for the inside info. The Paul Weller cover is for me!!!! I can't wait. The song means a lot to me.

Moondance has a special place too.

Thank you EL61 you're a gem.
hey runnerbean pm me your email address

runnerbean

30-06-2010, 11:32 pm

[QUOTE=runnerbean;59775]
hey runnerbean pm me your email address

job done!

Playful

30-06-2010, 11:33 pm

Love the videos from elvisleslie DS bash only wish my decking was as big as his!

gazbo

01-07-2010, 10:04 am

Loving the videos, especially John Lennon's "Woman".

Looking forward to the post with "Oliver's Army"

jodieaitken

01-07-2010, 2:05 pm

Love the videos from elvisleslie DS bash only wish my decking was as big as his!

That post made me laugh. Probably more than it should have. Was the humour intended, or is my immaturity showing?

jan

01-07-2010, 11:29 pm

That post made me laugh. Probably more than it should have. Was the humour intended, or is my immaturity showing?
Decking as a euphemism? That's a concept I hadn't thought of:)
xx

elvisleslie61

02-07-2010, 12:01 am

hope this link works but here is woman by duke

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1107095312&v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1343677107790

and here is moondance

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1343677107790&saved#!/video/video.php?v=1344691533150

rajkid

02-07-2010, 9:28 am

It looks like a brilliant time was had by all. A belated congrats on your anniversary.
Thank you for all the videos it's lovely of you to share this with the people on here.
It looked very well organised bar one thing, when playing music outside pegs are essential, elst your forever chasing your music (I know from experience ;))

Dublinram

02-07-2010, 2:37 pm

I am very excited - Phil has just emailed to say my cover of Chocolate Girl is ready.

Dublinram

02-07-2010, 5:18 pm

Just received my digital download of Chocolate Girl - very happy chap indeed!

Found a company that will do a one off press to vinyl so job done!

runnerbean

02-07-2010, 5:39 pm

Just received my digital download of Chocolate Girl - very happy chap indeed!

Found a company that will do a one off press to vinyl so job done!

I thought the pledge covers came on cd. I didn't realise it is digital download. Don't know where I got that notion from!

Treasure yours Dublinram!

Deacon Blue are a great band.

Dublinram

02-07-2010, 5:43 pm

I was given the choice of cd, download or both. Too excited to wait for a cd so went for download.

elvisleslie61

02-07-2010, 6:53 pm

is it everything you hoped for Ian

Dublinram

02-07-2010, 7:03 pm

is it everything you hoped for Ian

It is, I am delighted. The bit that really makes me smile is the people in the recording studio clapping at the end - so if you were there, thankyou!

Hopefully one day Duke will play it live.

Fizzy

02-07-2010, 11:14 pm

It is, I am delighted. The bit that really makes me smile is the people in the recording studio clapping at the end.

Glad you liked it Ian. It was very interesting to watch the lads at work and great fun to join in :)

Delly

04-07-2010, 6:09 pm

It is, I am delighted. The bit that really makes me smile is the people in the recording studio clapping at the end - so if you were there, thankyou!

Hopefully one day Duke will play it live.

I was a clapee on your song Dublinram and am so happy you don't object to our muscling in! I was scared in case we spoiled it for you but I should have known the great Dukester would know best!! We had a fantastic day, so thank you for pledging for such a lovely song in the first place. There were only 11 of us and Dukester but by the time Paul Pilot had finished with us he said it sounded like there were 500 people clapping :)

I'd love to hear the finished product one day.

alice

07-07-2010, 8:23 pm

Guildford Ghost

08-07-2010, 8:51 am

Just had an e-mail from Phil that the recording session I'm booked in for on the 18th has just been moved from London to Lewes. As I depend on trains, London was direct. Lewes is going to be a pain in the bum, frankly, especially as it starts at 11am and I am likely to not be in bed until about 3am the night before.

elvisleslie61

09-07-2010, 7:41 pm

Not long back from hols (and recovering from usual holiday cold) - lovely to see all the vids, posts etc about the pledge gig. It looks wonderful - all credit to EL61 and Sacha who must have put such an effort into making it such a great day for all - EL's permanent grin in the videos is brilliant! Duke also looking as if he is having a whale of a time. Thanks for all the posts.
thanks for your comments alice and you are so right about my grin albeit it was helped by a little too much wine.
i said to duke that there wasnt much audience participation for this gig and it was because they were all the same, just soaking up the wonderful music and beaming a permanent grin:D

dukester

30-07-2010, 1:21 pm

Hello all. Had a great couple of days last week in Lewes studio recording some of the Pledge covers in front of a studio audience. It was certainly a challenge to record in a few hours what the original artists probably spent weeks on but I hope we caught something unique in the new versions!

Pledge has been such a great model for raising funds, in our case to pay for the promotion of "The Stage A Book And The Silver Screen". It has also been very frustrating trying to complete all the items while at the same time continuing to tour, make Ruby Murray documentaries and occasionally see my kids! I am fully committed to fulfilling every item people have pledged for and really appreciate your continued patience and support. If anyone has a particular deadline for anything outstanding please feel free to reply on here and I will do my best to meet it.

Over the next couple of days (as well as Ruby doc tomorrow and Cork show on Sunday) I hope to do another few lyrics and I hope a poem. Please spread the word to anyone you know who is still waiting that I am on this and WILL get it done!!

Thanks again for everything

Duke x

jan

30-07-2010, 11:15 pm

Thanks Duke:) We know you're working flat out and worry about that.
Looking forward to the pledge book even more now:D
See you in Hartlepool......it's where they hung the monkey you know...... but I'm sure someone's already told you that tale!
xx

Jacqui

01-08-2010, 12:12 am

It has also been very frustrating trying to complete all the items while at the same time continuing to tour, make Ruby Murray documentaries and occasionally see my kids!
Duke x

Dear Duke, please see kids first, then do shows, make vids etc.
Don't get too tired out on our behalf, we are all big folks and happy to wait!

Dawn S

01-08-2010, 12:16 am

Dear Duke, please see kids first, then do shows, make vids etc.
Don't get too tired out on our behalf, we are all big folks and happy to wait!

Hear hear :)

atkygal

01-08-2010, 6:40 pm

And so say all of us

Joy84

02-08-2010, 8:24 pm

I agree. See you at Tall ships festival. :)

Mrfizzy

02-08-2010, 11:50 pm

I agree. See you at Tall ships festival. :)

Agree whole heartedly with the sentiments above - keen as we are (mildly fanatical) to see every Duke gig and how much we would have loved to make Hartlepool for the Tall Ships it clashes with a family wedding :(

For most of us family time is very important and I can't help but wonder how precious that time must be for dukester to find with his vocation.

Delly

03-08-2010, 10:48 am

I agree. See you at Tall ships festival. :)

Me too!!!!! (On both counts!) Managed to find cheap accommodation at last minute so we're going up on Saturday for Seth Lakeman and the Unthanks and then the wonderful, incredibly talented, unbelievably hard working Dukester on Sunday! Yay!:D
:o (couldn't resist)

Mrfizzy

03-08-2010, 11:05 am

Green for jealous, but glad you can make it :D Look forward to your unbiased report!

rajkid

03-08-2010, 11:10 am

Chillax for a bit, and have some time off after Edinburgh.

Looking forward to Tall Ships. :D

Dublinram

03-08-2010, 11:13 am

I'm quite lucky, I have a home gig on Saturday and then will be driving Duke up to Hartlepool on Sunday. Promise to make sure he is rested!

Mrfizzy

03-08-2010, 1:08 pm

I'm quite lucky, I have a home gig on Saturday and then will be driving Duke up to Hartlepool on Sunday. Promise to make sure he is rested!

Well no one could accuse you hyperbole Dublinram - some might even consider your "quite lucky" phrase an understatement!

Stephen

03-08-2010, 2:27 pm

keen as we are (mildly fanatical)

Some further reading (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understatement). :)

Dublinram

03-08-2010, 4:46 pm

Well no one could accuse you hyperbole Dublinram - some might even consider your "quite lucky" phrase an understatement!

Any suggestions for suitable music in the car would be welcome!

Mrfizzy

03-08-2010, 5:32 pm

Any suggestions for suitable music in the car would be welcome!

I would ask if he wanted any music/radio for the trip but would secretly hope that he would prefer quiet so he could rehearse a few Ruby Murray songs or recount a few gig stories. If he wanted to catch up on sleep or read to be fresh for the gig that would be fine too. :)

jan

03-08-2010, 6:33 pm

The first thing which came to mind was Sibelius's 5th Symphony which is so inspiring and always brings to mind wide open spaces and the joy of living in a beautiful world. This would guarantee total calm throughout part of the journey at least.
Or......if that doesn't float your boat.....all puns intended......
what about some rousing sea shanties to get him in the mood for the Tall Ships? :)
Lots of coverage on the local news....they ships are a wonder to behold and so very many of them:) Fantastic!
So excited about Sunday now and hope to meet some more boardies besides the few I know already.
xx

elvisleslie61

03-08-2010, 7:58 pm

Any suggestions for suitable music in the car would be welcome!
hi ian.
hope you have a great weekend with dukester

i would make up a mix tape of your favourite songs (maybe sneak chocolate girl in there )

Dublinram

03-08-2010, 9:14 pm

Thanks. Will steer clear of James Blunt but may go for genius playlist based on Tom Waits.

jan

05-08-2010, 8:38 am

Thanks. Will steer clear of James Blunt but may go for genius playlist based on Tom Waits.

Maybe a few Bob Marley songs too...?:)
xx

dukester

05-08-2010, 2:31 pm

Interview David Holmes for the Ruby doc and am now learning Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" to record for it tomorrow (Ruby covered it in her career). Then, Saturday over to Ian's Pledge house gig in Durham which shall be fun before Hartlepool and Edinburgh. Hoping to nail afew other pledge items over the next couple of days too. Have made some good progress with the book though if anyone knows of a good supplier of polaroid film let me know. Got some on e-bay from Turkey and it's all dud :(

dukester

05-08-2010, 2:31 pm

PS dublinram, your choice of music but sea shanties would be fun!!

Dublinram

05-08-2010, 3:39 pm

Sea shanties it is! Hopefully your coming to Derby rather than Durham;-)

Amazon have polaroid film but very expensive.

elvisleslie61

05-08-2010, 3:44 pm

Sea shanties it is! Hopefully your coming to Derby rather than Durham;-)

Amazon have polaroid film but very expensive.

what series camera is it dukester amazon u.s.a. a lot cheaper can get my son sam to bring some back next tues when he returns from LA

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1281019268/ref=sr_st?keywords=polaroid+film&page=1&rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Cn%3A1 72435%2Cn%3A172450%2Ck%3Apolaroid+film&sort=price

have a look at the link to see if the right film is there

beth gaddis

05-08-2010, 5:17 pm

Best of luck to you boys on your quests for film and sea shanties ;)

jodieaitken

05-08-2010, 7:56 pm

Sea shanties are fun.

ethereal

06-08-2010, 2:56 pm

Sea shanties - that album by the Port Isaac Fishermen's Choir is good! And we know Dukester likes Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards...

Mrfizzy

06-08-2010, 6:57 pm

If you like the idea of a contemporary tribute to the genre, the Barbican hosted "Rogue's Gallery" in 2008 inspired by Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski during the making of "Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest"

The double CD "Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys" includes contributions from Martin Carthy and family, Richard and Teddy Thompson, Nick Cave, Neil Hannon, Brian Ferry, Anthony, Sting, Bono, Loudon Wainwright III, Rufus Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, Ed Harcourt, Jarvis Cocker, Lou Reed and more! :cool:

One or two tracks don't work but a talented line up of singers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rogues-Gallery-Pirate-Ballads-Chanteys/dp/B000GLKMR4

Dublinram

06-08-2010, 10:17 pm

jan

07-08-2010, 7:12 pm

Thanks MrFizzy and Ethereal. I am going for.......

Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards.

Wot? No sea shanties after all?

PS My feet got wet during Pirates of the Caribbean - a supersize coke was knocked over three rows behind.

Could have been much worse but less sticky! :D
Hope you're having a brilliant day but worrying that Duke has no piano...has it gone to Durham perchance?
xx

Joy84

09-08-2010, 2:24 pm

I was getting exited there house gig in Durham... :( Why did we not club together Jan :)

Dublinram

09-08-2010, 3:08 pm

When the dust settles I'll give a full report on the weekend, more than anything at the moment I need some sleep.

Dawn S

09-08-2010, 3:22 pm

Why did we not club together Jan :)

That's what a group of us boardies did to get ours. Great music and great friends :)

rajkid

10-08-2010, 5:46 pm

That's what a group of us boardies did to get ours. Great music and great friends :)

and a great way to put names to faces as-well, I'd expect

rustyinn

11-08-2010, 4:56 pm

It is, we invited some boardies over to our 'house' gig. It was great to put faces to names and all added to the atmosphere of the evening.

and a great way to put names to faces as-well, I'd expect

jan

11-08-2010, 11:07 pm

I was getting exited there house gig in Durham... :( Why did we not club together Jan :)
Well for a start I would never have that kind of spare money, even as part of it, and our neighbours were those from hell at the time......better now but still the same neighbours.........:(
Oh whatever........I'd LOVE a private gig but it would still be a dream.
xx

Joy84

13-08-2010, 6:05 pm

Well for a start I would never have that kind of spare money, even as part of it, and our neighbours were those from hell at the time......better now but still the same neighbours.........:(
Oh whatever........I'd LOVE a private gig but it would still be a dream.
xx

I would of paid.. I even have a roland digital pianio. Well prepared :)..my problem too would have been venue. My house is getting decorated. When you left me on sunday..I made a right fool of myself, he asked what the craic was..I didn't have any and just said not a lot really.

I'm more of a listener than a partaker in a conversation. I could listen to him talk all day... he's one of the most interesting people I've met. So don't leave me next time Jan please, drag me away with you :) See you soon :)

jan

13-08-2010, 8:32 pm

No way:D I was the one being dragged away.....it's a long walk back to Weardale!
xx

Joy84

19-08-2010, 4:37 pm

Well Dawn will have to drag us both away next time :)

Received the pledge lyric today really pleased with it, which I knew I would be :). Shame my postman didn't notice the 'please do not bend' on the envelope. Enjoy Neil Hannon Jan :)

elvisleslie61

26-09-2010, 4:29 pm

Duke recorded this song especially for mandys wedding and it was part of a brilliant film that the Guildford Ghost made for Mandys wedding.
Now she is Mrs Finstad i can post this video:)

7Epep2c5iuQ

sarahg

26-09-2010, 4:41 pm

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Finstad! & thanks for posting Elvisleslie :-)

Mrfizzy

27-09-2010, 12:39 am

I'm sure we'll hear from Mrs Finstad when they are back from their honeymoon - thanks Leslie :)

Guildford Ghost

27-09-2010, 8:51 am

I'm sure we'll hear from Mrs Finstad when they are back from their honeymoon - thanks Leslie :)

Seeing as it's not until November, I'm hoping Mandy will come and comment before then. God knows she can't leave Facebook alone!

beth gaddis

28-09-2010, 6:09 pm

What a fantastic gift for the newlyweds! (and I can't say much about the tweets or facebook posts, I facebook-ed after our wedding, too.)

Whisperer

15-10-2010, 11:15 am

Is there any news on when these will be completed please? I'm still waiting on a lyric sheet and the song book (which I know took a life of its own and I'm happy to wait for).

I loooooove Duke and was really pleased to think I was helping 'the cause' but now I'm wondering if I should of spent 3 weeks worth of food money on it :(

Guildford Ghost

18-10-2010, 6:28 pm

I did have an e-mail from Phil a few weeks ago regarding one of the Pledges still unfulfilled, but I've heard nothing more, nor on the poem. It's been getting on for a year, hasn't it?

tractorboy78

19-10-2010, 12:04 pm

There hasn't been an update on the book for a while, will we get it this side of Christmas?

Niamhy1

20-10-2010, 12:39 pm

I have tried to be so patient but the poem was a special birthday present from my boyfriend ....on the 10th December '09. Bit disappointing I have to admit. Nearly a year later and I'm kind of getting to the stage where I'm not even expecting it to arrive before my 30th birthday this December.

Mrfizzy

21-10-2010, 10:29 am

Goodness, I wish we could clone dukester!

I'm sure that he is more disappointed than anyone that there are still pledges outstanding, despite working phenomenally hard on the three pledge shows, signed CDs, private gigs, studio days, song-writing days, cover recordings, lyrics, poems, the book and at the same time launching his new triple album, touring extensively at home and abroad, the Ruby Murray project etc. - we've seen him hard at work all year and there just isn't enough of him to go round!

Completing the poems must be the most difficult as they demand a lot of quiet contemplative time and he has said that he will be using them as a basis for new songs - we've heard two so far - priceless.

Ourselves and the fans that we know who have already had their pledges fulfilled have been thrilled with the unique access to his time and talent and I completely understand the frustration of those still waiting. What I am quite sure of is that he will not compromise artistically and that he will complete them.

sarahg

21-10-2010, 10:38 am

Perfection cannot be rushed ;-)

Mrfizzy

21-10-2010, 10:51 am

Perfection cannot be rushed ;-)

My kind of artistic "perfection" can - but not Duke's!

pinksacha

21-10-2010, 12:11 pm

i know that each time I have seen Duke - he mentions our pledges as outstanding and apologies are always heartfelt! He has been so incredibly busy I am amazed that he has completed any. I know from conversations at gigs that he is working hard whilst touring on completion so I have said that I am happyto wait and have offered to be the 'last' based on the fact that I have been 'topping up' my Duke exposure as some gigs recently!

Mrfizzy

21-10-2010, 1:25 pm

Very generous of you sachapink :D

Waiting must be harder on fans that can't get to see Duke more often. We'd join you at the "bottom of the list" but we only have the book outstanding which doesn't help much :(

Niamhy1

21-10-2010, 1:43 pm

Very true MrFizzy - this year for me has been difficult to get to see Duke so the poem means a lot to me and as I said, I am a very patient person and I completely understand how busy Dukester is. We all do! I suppose my patience must have just worn a little thinner than usual due to the updates over the year promising them, that's all, a fair thing to say I think

dukester

21-10-2010, 3:42 pm

Naimhy, it is a totally fair point and the blame lies fair and square with me. I have just been so busy and trying time in between everything else to sit quietly and write has been tricky. In saying that I am currently sat quietly in a dressing room in Stockholm and today I am going to be writing your poem :)

dukester

21-10-2010, 3:43 pm

And of course that should have been Niamhy!

Niamhy1

21-10-2010, 3:54 pm

You have just put the BIGGEST smile on my face! Thank you, thank you, thank you! :-)

Joy84

21-10-2010, 7:03 pm

I have said that I am happyto wait and have offered to be the 'last' based on the fact that I have been 'topping up' my Duke exposure as some gigs recently!

I agree with pinksacha and Mr. Fizzy I don't mind at all waiting. There is no deadline for my poem, I'm hoping I will have a new postman so he can't bend my poem, like he did with the lyrics :rolleyes: (so the longer the wait the better my chances are of having a new postman. :)

elvisleslie61

21-10-2010, 11:15 pm

maybe a suggestion is that anyone who has a pledge outstanding with a particular deadline should message dukester privately so he knows who to prioritise.

Whisperer

25-10-2010, 9:29 am

Squeeeeeeee :) Thank you so much for my lyric sheet, it has pride of place in my living room.

I really do appreciate the time and effort that went in to it, thank you :)

blackrock

27-11-2010, 9:17 am

Hi, in January I pledged for the 3-CD box set and "Hardback book of Artwork and Lyrics." I received the CDs and have enjoyed them very much. When I last inquired about the book, in July, I was told it was going to the printers shortly. Is there any more news on the book?

Guildford Ghost

27-11-2010, 4:48 pm

Can I ask, another month down the line, what the news is on the poems?

Guildford Ghost

06-01-2011, 11:20 pm

And another six weeks further on... now well over a year since I paid.

Please, anyone, is there news on the poems? Who has got theirs (or not)? I also paid out for the songwriting session but it wasn't what I was expecting it to be so I don't know what I intend to do about that as I haven't used it.

I know Duke is a very busy guy but I can't be alone in thinking this is just too long?

Joy84

08-01-2011, 4:26 pm

I have not received mine yet GG but I have expressed on a number of occasions I don't mind waiting.

I remember reading on the forum a section of posts including those people who didn't mind waiting and those who had a deadline for a particular pledge item. I don't know whether you commented on that thread? I remember someone wanting their poem and dukester posted soon after saying he would do it that day.

Hope this sort of helps GG.

Joy84

08-01-2011, 4:28 pm

Arrrr!!! the posts I was relating to is actually in this thread of posts!!!! sorry GG. Hope you get your poem soon.

Guildford Ghost

08-01-2011, 10:59 pm

Thanks for the answer, Joy. I had no deadline, it's just this particular event has left me rather disillusioned.

MandyK

09-01-2011, 2:52 pm

Apologies! I've been here...lurking...I just didn't see that our video was also posted here, so I never responded. As for you, Mr. Ghost, yes, I AM on Facebook quite a bit. If punks like you would ever just come over for a visit, maybe I wouldn't have to get my fix online ;)

dukester

10-01-2011, 12:11 am

Hi, I sent the poem a few days ago?

Thanks for the answer, Joy. I had no deadline, it's just this particular event has left me rather disillusioned.

Guildford Ghost

10-01-2011, 11:46 pm

Thanks, your lordship. Fingers crossed it's on its way and not lost (it does happen, albeit rarely).

bigspazz

11-01-2011, 3:55 pm

hope it contains the word nantucket. Seriously though hope you love it G.G

mszee

16-03-2011, 12:09 am

I am not alone...lol...the poem was supposed to have been a birthday present from my husband 2 birthdays ago...maybe the third one will be a charm...lol

Guildford Ghost

16-03-2011, 1:20 am

^ Oh, I do have mine now. It was way, way beyond expectations. I thought it would be four lines, like a limerick. Nope - this was about eight long verses, filling a side and very deeply considered it was too. Really erudite - the man has a massive control of words! I may post it at some point. I asked him to write a poem on his reaction to seeing a sea of bunny ears at Dukebox. I hope you get yours sorted out.

MandyK

16-03-2011, 1:32 am

^ OH, please post it! I'd love to hear about that reaction :)

pinksacha

17-03-2011, 2:00 pm

me too!!!!!

loopylolly

17-03-2011, 9:04 pm

me too!!!!!

And me :):):)

ethereal

20-03-2011, 12:43 pm

Me three!:)

jan

21-03-2011, 8:48 am

What's the news on the book please?
xx

Maggie

27-04-2011, 4:46 pm

Any news on the book?
Seems like ages since there's been any update... :-(

elvisleslie61

27-04-2011, 8:35 pm

Any news on the book?
Seems like ages since there's been any update... :-(

hi maggie dukester posted this recently

There do a remain a handful of Pledge poems I need to deliver and the book is now in the hands of our designers so there is almost light at the end of that tunnel!

dukester

28-04-2011, 12:35 am

Was chatting to designer Gary today and he's still tweaking the design and adding content. Sorrrryyyyyyyy!!!!!

Lolli

24-07-2011, 11:19 pm

Was chatting to designer Gary today and he's still tweaking the design and adding content. Sorrrryyyyyyyy!!!!!

Almost another three months have gone by, just how much tweaking and adding is he doing :confused:

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure it's now more than a year and a half after pledging. Maybe it's a good thing that interest rates are still zero or I might be asking for a partial refund because that money could have been sat in my account instead! ;)

jan

27-07-2011, 10:04 pm

Yes Lolli, it IS more than 18 months since our pledge and I would also like a reply to this question.
Other artists have fulfilled their pledges in varying degrees of: slightly before the time promised (Thomas Truax), absolutely on time, or slightly tardy (but not so much as to be worrying)(Emmy the Great).
Duke's management need a kick where it hurts to allow this to go on for so long.
Pledging is an act of faith on the part of the pledger. We allow our hard-earned money to be used by an artist for their project because of our faith in their ability and because we have a reasonable expectation of a return for our money.
If Stephen or anyone else has a problem with my post please do me the favour of a PM and NOT a public put-down. Enough is enough.

Dublinram

27-07-2011, 10:29 pm

Jan,

I think everybody is slightly embarrassed by this. I have some friends who aren't 100% Duke fans who pledged for a book as a gesture on my recommendation - I daren't even mention Duke to them. Dukester himself has been on the forum and apologised. I think you are right to criticise the management. Poor old Stephen - he doesn't deserve a mention in dispatches.

Let's keep the faith, it must be round the corner!

Ian

Stephen

28-07-2011, 11:22 am

Duke, and all involved understand and indeed share in your frustration at the length of time that developing the book has taken. With the various talents involved in making the book, please understand the complexities of arranging everybody's time, material, etc to sync to come up with the best production for the pledgers. (Also, bear in mind Duke's other projects, including Mother Courage and the exhibition in NYC to throw into the mix).

While I'm not directly involved in the production of the book, I do know that it is just around the corner, as Dublinram says. As so rightly Jan mentioned, keep faith. :)

jan

28-07-2011, 8:39 pm

Thank you.
Many of us are still waiting.

ethereal

01-08-2011, 10:06 pm

All I know is this: busy people get things done.

sarahg

03-08-2011, 6:38 pm

All I know is this: busy people get things done.

I hate to revisit this thread, but being a 'busy' person myself, I always find that something has to give. I am always quite relieved when that something is not my family life, or my sanity. I think the delay of the book is a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Maggie

03-08-2011, 7:08 pm

I think all of us on here don't mind waiting for the book - we know it will be a quality product because of who the Duke is...
Saying that, the odd update would be good. I think it is essential since people have spent their money.
There have been the odd update through the forum but not all who have pledged are on this.
The last formal update was 05/03!

So... Happy to wait but PLEASE let us know how its going

jan

03-08-2011, 8:06 pm

Agreed Maggie and yes sarahg, it's OK if something gets put on the back burner of life for a little while in a domestic situation but, in this case it's always the same thing and no one knows why it's there for months on end until it begins to give off a certain whiff of neglect. Oh yes, and those people are also short of a few quid.

Guildford Ghost

03-08-2011, 10:32 pm

I agree. This is not Duke's fault, of course, and I'm sure he's embarrassed by all this. However, people gave - sometimes large - sums of money to this project and it amazes me that so many of you are happy to continue waiting. If this had been goods bought from anywhere else, everyone would have demanded a refund by now or threatened legal action. Pledge has come up with some great things. It's a good project. However, it is open to abuse. Whoever has been putting this book together, frankly, is taking the pee big time. 18 months when it was already planned? What is it? The Rubaiyat Of Omar Khayyam? I didn't actually order the book but this has all left a very nasty taste in the mouth. I have an outstanding Pledge from Duke still, but we need to work out what we're going to do with that as it's not what I thought it was.

tractorboy78

03-08-2011, 10:54 pm

I am one of the people waiting for the book but it has been so long that I have rather lost interest in it. GG you are correct that in most other situations we would be getting a lot hotter under the collar than most of us are with regards to this. I think a little extra something special (not another deck of cards) with this tome is certainly in order - not just another apology.

Delly

04-08-2011, 12:25 am

Personally I am happy to wait till this finally appears without any complaint at all. I know it will be beautiful and 'Special' and well worth the wait. Maybe I'm missing the point but wasn't the idea for us to pledge money as an 'investment' so Duke Special could fund the 3 albums he wanted to record and release? The actual items being pledged for whether they were a cd or a book or a private gig were a bonus as far as i was concerned.

runnerbean

04-08-2011, 1:35 am

I'm waiting for the book also. If a timescale hadn't been mentioned for the production of it I still would have pledged. It is a bit disappointing but looking forward to getting it.

Good things come to those who wait!!!! ;)

samsmum

04-08-2011, 6:49 pm

Maggie

04-08-2011, 8:22 pm

If you actually read the comments, I don't really think ANY of us are complaining about the wait for the book. We are ALL looking forward to it.
The comments are just asking for regular updates - is that unreasonable?
The last formal update was the 3rd May. It is now the 3rd August.

As I previously posted, Happy to wait but PLEASE keep us updated on progress!

dukester

05-08-2011, 12:33 pm

Hello, all. Working on the book with Gary and Tim this morning. The new title will be "Every Crack can let light in" the journey of a song and will explore the process of writing a song from its humble birth to a finally being performed in public. We are using old notebooks, photos, artwork and lyrics to show its evolution. The delay on this has mainly been my fault (too much else going on). I'm heading to a small festival in Fermanagh tonight and have begun writing for the new record, first song written is "Twice around the island".

I am keenly aware of the time you have all been kept waiting. I can only apologise and say I haven't forgotten about it and am getting there with it.

Duke x

Stephen

05-08-2011, 12:36 pm

Thanks for the update Duke. :)

jan

05-08-2011, 9:45 pm

Appreciate the info Duke....thanks.
Gary and Tim beware of the wrath of many.

Maggie

06-08-2011, 9:27 am

Sounds great. Thanks for the update

Oriel

07-08-2011, 4:14 pm

Gary and Tim beware of the wrath of many.

Why, may I ask?

Craig The Fish

22-08-2011, 2:13 pm

UPDATE = Pledge people have been in contact so they have my new address :)

ive now moved house since making my pledges & am just awaiting the book which after reading recent e-mail is coming soon :)

however i cant seem to change my delivery address on the pledge page, ive sent them a question/e-mail but have had no responce to date.

Who do i send my new address to so i dont miss the book.

Stephen

22-08-2011, 4:18 pm

info@dukespecial.com

rattle

07-09-2011, 11:06 am

Book update just posted on Pledge:-

Hi Folks

For those of you who have been waiting so patiently, I am at last very pleased to be able to tell you that the Hardback Book of Artwork and Lyrics will be delivered from the printers within the next 10 days. I will then have to sign them all personally before they can be sent out, so hopefully we will start to despatch them in the last week of September. Thanks so much for your patience and I hope you will all think it was worth the wait!

Duke xx

PS. If anyone has changed their address since first making the Pledge, please do check that the correct address is in the Pledge site so that we know where to send it. If not, please email info@firstcolumn.co.uk to update your address.

alice

25-09-2011, 1:06 am

:) We have seen the book! Albeit from a distance. Not long now.

pianofan

27-09-2011, 10:21 am

Oh My! Oh My! Oh My! The book arrived with a celebratory thump on the doormat and was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!!!
From the beautiful binding, new book smell, through all the detail and style - just beautiful! Photography is so good that I confess to thinking a photo was an insert - I am so very very thrilled and thank you Dukester!
Can't write more now as I am about to wallow in its loveliness with a nice cup of tea - or three.