Hello again. My last newsletter of the year 2000 brings with it the news that we are at 22 in the UK singles chart with "I Wish It Could Be A Wombling Merry Christmas Every Day", and also a picture of my dog, Cassie, enjoying the snow that snew last night and remained throughout today. The view from Batt Control today is of sunny hills and crisp coldness, - almost Scandinavian. We spent all of last week doing last-minute television appearances (Top Of The Pops II, This Morning,etc) and watching our single go in at 20 in the midweek chart, then - because we were out of stock at the distributors for three days - Grrrr.... we slipped two places during the week, rather than climbing, before the chart was finally published at the end of the week. Never mind, - 22 ain't bad for the Wombles 11th hit!(8 in 1975-6, two in 1989 and one now). Had Christmas very quietly at our London home, - just the four of us in the family - and it was peaceful and wonderful. On Boxing Day we went on the tube to The Dome. We were expecting not a lot from the "exhibition" side of it and we weren't disappointed! What a ridiculous waste of space! All too "on message" and worthy. It is as if somebody said "for God's sake don't put anything in there that will result in people enjoying themselves". In one zone, - the "Work Zone" you file past a a whole wall covered in post-it notes, and the whole place is like a museum with no content - or not much, anyway, with a few notable exeptions. Still, we had a good day despite that. We were so incredulous that we almost enjoyed the "badness" of it.The sheer ineptness and waste. Then, just to spoil our day, the show at 1pm in the main arena was FANTASTIC!!! It turned out to be worth the whole visit. Peter Gabriel music and concept resulted in a fascinating blend of ballet, abseiling, mime and music, - mostly aerial - in a story you couldn't understand but didn't care anyway because the "art" was so good. A reall thrill, and hugely expert achievement. Astonishingly good,in fact, - like Cirque de Soleil on an even bigger scale. So that's it for 2000. Next year is going to be a frantic and exhilerating roller-coaster ride in which I have to balance the Wombles (on the lighter side) with several more serious projects including the creation of a new "Bond-style" group in the classical crossover vein. I'm very excited about it - and no doubt you'll be hearing more about it on our site as the year progresses. I hope 2001 brings you all that you wish for, - and some nice surprises. Take care. Mike
December 16th,2000 Dear World Thanks for tuning in again. The Wombles single, - with Roy Wood - "I Wish It Could Be A Wombling Merry Christmas Every Day" is out on Monday - (18th). That's the day - and this is the week - for you to get all your mates run into Woolworth's and get it - because initial early-in-the-week chart positions count for a lot. It looks as if we've been well and truly overwhelmed by BOB THE BUILDER, though! It seems there's only room on radio for one silly Christmas single and BOB (not being about Christmas, and therefore getting airplay way up front) got off the blocks quicker than we ever will. Also, ours is VERY SILLY and some radio producers didn't get the joke. They thought it was a bit "bolted together" - but that's the whole joke, - it sounds like an outrageous paste-up of the two songs from which it is made up! We're getting some airplay at regional radio, though, and we've got some good television shows this week - most of them actually around Christmas Eve,however, so a bit late for the chart! Eee, well, never mind! Onto the next challenge! I'm hoping to escape Wombles a bit next year, bless 'em. Lots more, exciting and stimulating things to get on with. I won't get you too excited by telling you what. By the way, just got my initial promo copies of the "Watership Down" album. I'm really pleased with it. I think it's out about now. It's been gale force winds and horrible cold nights lately. Batt Control has been more like Wuthering Heights lately. Being on top of a hill and facing South makes it fab in the sunny weather, but on a windy night the old windows rattle and whistle! Quite a lot of trees down locally, and my Mum (who lives an hour from here, in Maidenhead) has to wade from her house and down the street in water up to the waist, wearing waders at the age of 75! Good job she's a tough and resourceful old thing. A journalist from the Guardian newspaper arrived by canoe into her garden a week or two ago! Mad World. Stay tuned for more UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE stories right here on this website,soon. (Probably). Right well, off you go now and do something useful. See ya soon. Lots of love, Mike.
December 2nd,2000 Evenin' All... Wombles single is now the upcoming event! We are lined up for a great run of TV and radio exposure in the two weeks leading to Christmas (Record of the Year, Generation Game Christmas Special, amongst many) and bookmakers have us at 12-1 for the Christmas Number 1. Of course, the likelihood of that being the case is very small -(well, twelve to one I suppose) - but it's nice that they think we're in there with a chance. On a more immediate practical point - if any of you want the album and can't find it in Woolworth's or W H Smith's - it's on our site here and we'll guarantee delivery by Christmas in UK if orders are placed by 11th. There will be a direct response phone number posted on this site within a few days. Incidentally, check out VIRGIN REVIEW OF WOMBLES COLLECTION The big fun this week was the Wombles appearing at G.A.Y club at the Astoria, London. It's Europe's biggest Gay venue and the place was HEAVING. They were all blowing little whistles (the audience, not the Wombles) and our furry friends did two songs to huge applause and lots of noise. The Independent ran a story today about The Wombles as gay icons. Haha! Lots of fun. (Well, Orinoco can be a bit of a DIVA sometimes). Sunday (today) was a nice, bright, cold winter's day and I went for a run with the dog, and my two kids biking merrily along beside us. Next Saturday is SODS (Society Of Distinguished Songwriters) Ladies' Night and as King Sod I have to organise it. Black tie, lots of music, humour and surprises. It's a welcome diversion. So there it is...your little slice for this week. Be nice to each other stay cool and keep warm. Love Mike
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