“People always say, ‘But you always look so happy.’ Well that’s Botox!”

Happy Birthday to the iconic Dolly Parton.

I have started a Substack, which is maybe counterintuitive to having a blog, but I guess we are all more inclined to click a newsletter in our inbox than to read a blog post on here. Or not? Maybe some of you are getting this via your email accounts now — who’s to say?

It’s a ploy to organise all the thoughts I have been having this year, of a variety of subjects, and have them out to readers in short posts faster than I can log on here.

I’ll endeavour to cross post, but should you wish to subscribe, you can find the latest products of my ever sporadic ramblings and workings of my inner cogs over at my Dream Palace — please sign up if you’re so inclined. Or maybe not. No pressure. Maybe you’re not reading this at all?

Joan Crawford by Everett, 1956.

For Magnum On Set I wrote about Dennis Stock’s photographs of Grace Kelly and the filming of High Society:

Dennis Stock Grace Kelly in her dressing room trailer during the making of the film ” High Society” directed by Charles Walters. Hollywood. USA. 1956. © Dennis Stock | Magnum Photos

I had the great pleasure of interviewing the iconic photographer Elliott Landy for Magnum Photos: (click to read!)

Elliott Landy Janis Joplin, Big Brother and The Holding Company. Joshua Light Show, Anderson Theater. New York City. USA. 1968. © Elliott Landy | Magnum Photos

August was hot. Work was slow. I took a week mid-month and devoured book after book. Six in two weeks, sometimes one per day, which is a record for me. Here is what I read, mostly music-oriented books; if you know me and my interests, you’ll understand.  

Dirty Rocker Boys by Bobbie Brown with Caroline Ryder

Cherry on Top by Bobbie Brown with Caroline Ryder

Slash: The Autobiography by Slash and Anthony Booze

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Steven Adler: My Appetite for Destruction by Steven Adler with Lawrence J. Spignola

Currently listening: