you like me, you really like me! Members of the G1 judging panel, fellow grade-grubbers, members and guests, children and animals.
I hardly know where to begin. This is indeed a humbling moment for a lower-rung occupier and there are so many people to thank - the first three that come to mind are my 1980s hairstylists Get Smart for their fine handiwork with receding raw material, the craftsmen who designed King Gee shorts with such a beguiling cut, and of course the gallant sheep of Arran for their sacrifice in providing the raw material for a cable knit jumper, subsequently saving an intrepid fledgling music journalist from dying of hypothermia in a Glastonbury field at three in the morning on a freezing night in 1986, while a G1 was safely and snugly comatose and snoring in a Fiat Uno. But this is not a time for gloating or indeed, for resting on one's laurels. I know there's a long way to go yet, and I want to dedicate this upgrade (provisional) to my fellow grade-grubbers who are frantically criss-crossing the globe year in, year out, in the hope of climbing the ladder. I sincerely hope that this unprecedented and unexpected upgrade (provisional) will act as an encouragement and incentive to you all.
I thank you, and I will wear my P-plates proudly.
BC G7P NYC D
PS How come all the women we met in 86/87 seemed so gorgeous and unattainable at the time, when in fact they wore lemon coloured pant suits and had bad perms?
the sights! the sounds! Greetings grade-grubbers
It was certainly a treat to log onto my email this morning and download such a cornucopia of visual delights. I'd forgotten what an exotic city London was in 1986! The sights! The sounds! The buzz! Did anyone actually ever venture beyond those walls at the house of Hammersmith? I mean, apart from the backyard?
Anyhoo, back to me. Had lunch at my favourite neighbourhood Greenwich village restaurant on Friday and who should be sitting at the very next table but ex-"super model" Christy Turlington. I really wish she'd stop following me around. All I could think was "if only I had my red jumper here, I reckon I'd be in here". Also got quite drunk (that's three drinks for little buddy, as you know) with the singer from Ash at one of my local lower east side
taverns until three oclock this morning. And one for mullet-man - walked past Kid Congo Powers in Williamsburg the other day.
ATVB to all.
BC G8 NYC D
Paradise ......lost? Terry, no insults intended! We the lower grades and ungraded are just helping you exercise your mind and wit for your next huge buster challenge ... call it training.
VL (ungraded)
Well I Never...... I must say fellow G1's this forum is degenerating somewhat into a G2+ self-aggrandsing Blogathon. It's true we G1's are normally restrained in our verbage in earshot of other grades but I must ask that all further Blog traffic is sensored by the G1's In deference to that fourth Buster, the Chairman, if one focuses one's mind on higher things and is not allowed to stray in thought or deed to ramble and go off on tangents, then paradise will be found - eventually......
Tez
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn Hail Busters and Busts!
While here in NYC I've decided that I am on a mission. I have found time in my busy schedule of "rock" gigs, bar hanging, shopping, long contemplative walks and skirt chasing to draft a proposal which I shall be presenting to the UN while here - an annual global day of celebration to commemorate the day the G1s left foreign soil. I'm suggesting "Flight Of The Mullet Day", "On Leaving Day" or "Thank Christ Those Blowhards Have Finally Gone Day". Other suggestions from lower grades welcome. Meanwhile, I'm frantically attempting to get an upgrade, but the powers that be have been very dismissive, mumbling stuff about "not enough relaxation on your resume", "far too much solo travel" and "how will you grow a mullet with that sad excuse for a head of hair?"
Love to all, and thanks for the shout-outs, homies.
BC G8 NYC Divola
I'm back! Sorry I didn't get a chance to input into the last blog but I was busy busting up the coast, swimming with dolphins, climbing previously unclimbed mountains, just the usual. I must admit I was also disappointed to see the lack of photographic evidence of myself in the beautiful babes edition! What is going on! Barry you be careful in NYC on the subways, no point dying for busting, your G1s certainly wouldn't contemplate it as you can see from the documentary evidence so far and don't give me that crap about Chernobyl.
ATB
VL
wannabeabuster I wannabeabuster and bust right out of here! And I want Frank's haircut from when he was in Moscow, and a pair of sluggos like Joe's. As for Tez, James Dean eat your heart out. That photo of Tez makes any photo of Deano look like a poof. All the best to you Bazzle in NYC!
Frankie it is quite amazing how little you have changed over the past 20 years, I can't help but wonder whether those jeans you had on in 86 would fit over your ankles now!
yowsah! Greetings from the lower east side of NYC to all fellow grades! Despite being here, I can't help but feel like a fraud compared to the G1s - I'm still a G8 desperately searching for unrestored things in Manhattan. Plus I can't find my red jumper anywhere, so having very little luck with the ladies. And after viewing the latest visual feast on this site, I take back everything I've ever said about G1s and their lack of "mojo" in the pants department. Who on earth is that total fox with the glossy black bob and cleopatra eye makeup hanging around FS "Mullet Monster" Leggett?
Oh, that's right, she prefers the erotic pleasures of a G8 after being with a G1.
ATVB
BC G8 NYC D
PS When's the lady from Shanghai take off? Let's get all grades on foreign soil!
actually had more to say.... I am just amazed at what a bunch of hotties you were, must have been why we hung around Florence for so long - well until Joe escorted the Gore Sisters to the railway station as decreed by the busterhood. Thinking of railways etc, the Gore sister rail guide didn't actually need refrigeration any where else but in Florence. Funny boys thinking you had to put it there, no wonder we couldn't find it.
Virg, I think you looked fab in my top - I had forgotten all about that one.
Oops Honestly what spunks we all were! Frank so sexy in his post punk stage a little bit disturbing to see him fall into the red jumper frosh cake brigade but guess he had to try and fit in. Barry you are so right a tux does it for smart (and interesting) girls everytime. Robbie put that weight back on and keep me company! F, good to know that only your real friends are bothering to add to this fabulouso website!
ATB
V
Intelligence I am so getting into this travelblog thing, I have decided I might start one - a recap of the Gore sisters "Let the Good Times Roll" tour of 86, there will be excerpts from my diary, many photos of all the countries we visited and Bazzie- you won't have to try so hard to impress on my website, we traet everyone equally.
packing tips I'm sure we're all familiar with Let's Bust '86, the essential travel guide for aspiring grade-grubbers the world over. And of course, in Chapter 3, you'll all know by heart the rules regarding tool bag etiquette and the co-ordinated wearing of matching red jumpers to attract only the most attractive females. But if I can add a little piece of advice from down the ladder here for the G1s - don't forget to pack a dinner suit. Sure, it's bulky, easily creased, and you may only wear it once on your whole trip (say, to an upper class garden party in Wiltshire, where two weeks later the girl who insisted you pack it says she considers you a very good friend and starts shagging a guy who drives a sports car and looks like the bass player of Spandau Ballet) - but never underestimate the benefits of looking good and feeling good even when all seems lost. There's only one thing better looking than a Buster, and that's a Buster in a tux. ATB.
BC G8 D
PS Is it just me, or does that photo of Virg make anyone else feel funny?
reprimand Now Rob, I'm amazed one of the G1s hasn't already reprimanded you, but please don't use this very serious historical resource as a community bulletin board regarding swimming lessons for your offspring. This is poetry and art and adventure for Hammersmith's Sake! Break down the (unrestored section of) the barriers! Don't dog paddle down the shallow end, Rob! Dive head first into the deeper waters of the unknown! Come on, you know you want to...
BC "G8" D
Thank God What a relief that this facinating travel blog can keep going now all 3 G1 busters are able to make the holiday sorry I mean adventure. I'm with B.C G8 it doesn't get much better than this. Have fun in NY Barry and please keep blogging for all our sakes. I will certainly being trying find internet cafes in Shanghai to keep in the loop.
ATB
VL
Intelligence Oh ha de ha Frankie!
Woodseee could I please get the gnomsters email address from you, I need to ask her advice re swimming lessons for my baby- thanks
It's official.....all 3 G1's CONFIRMED It's ALL GO. Tez is confirmed - flights are booked and locked. One of the challenges my agent had in booking these tickets is that they kept telling me "Sir, there are no first class seats available on flights from Singapore to Phnom Phen" I kept telling them "I know that and in fact I WILL NOT fly first class as that would be most un-Buster-like". Finally they gave up on the Leer Jet idea and confimed me out on SQ to PP 12th December; returning from Siem Reep.
I think the wait has been worth it. All hail the Busters.
Tez
20 years ago - back in 1986 - we three explored, experienced, and finally conquered the world! Now we're going to try and recapture those past glories again. Go you mighty Busters!
... full info
BC G7P NYC D BA Dip Ed
non-member comment
you like me, you really like me!
Members of the G1 judging panel, fellow grade-grubbers, members and guests, children and animals. I hardly know where to begin. This is indeed a humbling moment for a lower-rung occupier and there are so many people to thank - the first three that come to mind are my 1980s hairstylists Get Smart for their fine handiwork with receding raw material, the craftsmen who designed King Gee shorts with such a beguiling cut, and of course the gallant sheep of Arran for their sacrifice in providing the raw material for a cable knit jumper, subsequently saving an intrepid fledgling music journalist from dying of hypothermia in a Glastonbury field at three in the morning on a freezing night in 1986, while a G1 was safely and snugly comatose and snoring in a Fiat Uno. But this is not a time for gloating or indeed, for resting on one's laurels. I know there's a long way to go yet, and I want to dedicate this upgrade (provisional) to my fellow grade-grubbers who are frantically criss-crossing the globe year in, year out, in the hope of climbing the ladder. I sincerely hope that this unprecedented and unexpected upgrade (provisional) will act as an encouragement and incentive to you all. I thank you, and I will wear my P-plates proudly. BC G7P NYC D PS How come all the women we met in 86/87 seemed so gorgeous and unattainable at the time, when in fact they wore lemon coloured pant suits and had bad perms?