(29) America / Italy – Special thanks to Linda Davis "flamencofriend" of North West US, for her 5-star review of Marilyn (paperback version) on Amazon.com. “A good book with lots of good facts,” she wrote. “Some of the things that happened to her at the end of her life were disturbing. I found myself saddened by some of things that happened to her nearing the end of her life. She was much too fragile to with-stand the insensitive man- handling not only by the Kennedys but others. The ending was painful to read.”
-Meanwhile, on Amazon Italy, the hardback version of Marilyn, Gli ultimi giorni di Marilyn Monroe. Le relazioni pericolose, le trappole, il presunto suicidio: tutta la verità sulla fine, climbed up to the n.59 position in the “Libri > Arte, musica e cinema > Cinema e television” section of the site.
(28) West End London – Location work, with Keith present. David Essex was filmed walking thru the streets of London for the new documentary. And with that, shooting for it was completed. Next stage- editing.
-The paperback version of Marilyn climbed back up to the #10 position in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon Canada. While in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” area of the site, Keith’s book on the great actress was seen at #11 and #12, hardback and paperback respectively.
(27) Central London – Legendary singer, composer, producer, arranger and Wombles recording star, Mike Batt was interview for the David Essex movie. ("Pleasure meeting you, Mike.") After which, Keith caught-up with an old friend, the legendary Buzzcocks singer, guitarist, composer, Steve Diggle. ("His story about a lizard is still one of his funniest-ever," Badman admitted.)
(25) Canada – Amazon Canada, paperback #4 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(24) Outer London – One for the "You couldn't make this up," department. The venue: HL2, Hanger Lane Studios, the reason: a private run-through of Jeff Wayne’s legendary musical, The War Of The Worlds, before it went out on its sell-out tour. After which, the maestro himself, Wayne gave an interview for the new documentary, The David Essex Story. (“Thanks for your time and hospitality, Jeff. It was a truly superb day!”) Keith even shared a couple of words with one of the stars of the production, Jason Donovan.
(22) Leafy Berkshire – Return visit to the fine diner of John Barratt. "Wonderful hospitality, sumptuous food, riveting conversation," was once again found at this top eatery. Bookings at which are solid until early 2016.
(21) Leafy Berkshire – All done (we hope)! Keith finally wrapped his four files for the upcoming Hunter Davies/ Beatles project, which is still set for release in mid-2016. “The ultimate book on the group?” You betcha!!
-Canada Amazon – Keith’s Marilyn was seen twice today in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site; the hardcover at #10, and the paperback at ‘#11.
(19/20) Central London – Days 3 and 4 on The David Essex Story. Keith was present at both. On Wednesday, the interviewee was Billy Cook, David’s son. While on Thursday, the chap-in-the-chair was the great man himself, David Essex. His most riveting, most enlightening session ran for a lengthy 4 hours.
-While in the City, Keith was proud-as-punch to pick-up (for a most specular price) the brand-new, highly anticipated, long awaited Batman television series box-set. “I’m over the moon,” he said as he rushed-out of the shop, and began counting down the hours until he was able to view all 120, digitally-remastered episodes (not to mention the 3-hours of spectacular extras)!
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Two down, two to go. Keith finally completed two of the four Beatles files for the forthcoming project with Hunter Davies.
-A tribute to Cream bassist, Jack Bruce, his 1971 appearance on Granada ITV’s Out Front programme, was typed and sent-in to Record Collector magazine.
-Central London – As planned shooting finally got underway on the new Alan G. Parker production, The David Essex Story.
(14) Leafy Berkshire – Another frantic day with research and pre-production typing on the new David Essex movie and the tidying of Keith’s four Beatles files, which are intended for the forthcoming, rather exciting, new Hunter Davies project.
(14-15) Canada – One-week later, and the rise continued. On Amazon Canada, on these two-days, Marilyn (hardcover) was seen at #10 and (the softback version) was spotted one-place lower, at #11 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(11-13) South Coast - Keith paid a (highly successful, rather fruitful) return visit to “Lawford-Land” for further business matters, mostly involving those relating to the rather exciting, New Year ahead.
(10) Leafy Berkshire – With work on the Essex movie taking-up much of his time, Keith made a early start on his next piece for Record Collector magazine. This month, a tribute to the late, great bassist, Jack Bruce, whom Mr. Badman encountered for the one and only time, back in 2001 during production of the ultimately, unreleased Delilah Films documentary, The British Invasion.
(8) Canada – The march continued when the hardcover version of Marilyn was seen at #7 and the softcover at #11 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. On the same day, and on the same site, the Kindle version was placed at #13 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” listings.
(7) Central London – Fourth and final David Essex pre-production meeting was held at The “Spice” office on Charing Cross Road. The end result, shooting was now all set to begin in 10 days’ time, on November 17.
(5) Leafy Berkshire – On the 51st anniversary of The Beatles playing in Slough for the second, and final time, Keith found himself busy doing more pre-production on the new David Essex movie. Thanks go to Massimo at Studio Canal for his superb help today.
-Keith’s LinkedIn total incidentally, as of today, stood at 321…
(4) Canada – Incredible, but true! Marilyn (hardback) climbed back up to the #1 position in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. On the same day, on the same site, the softback edition stood at #16 in the listing. Incredible!
(3) Canada / UK / Italy – In the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada, the hardcover Marilyn was at #6, and the softback sat at #11. On Amazon UK, the kindle version of the book was at #89 in the “Biography & True Accounts > Arts & Literature” section of the site. The possible reason? The paperback version of it had now completely sold-out!! While on Amazon Italy, that country’s, kindle version of it was at n.70 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” listings.
-The latest edition of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s piece on LWT/ ITV's The Party’s Moving On, starring Julie Covington, from July 1970, thundered thru letterboxes across the country.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
October 2014
(31) Windsor, Berkshire - Keith met with the legendary 60s/70s photographer, Mike Randolph for another, rather fruitful project-related discussion. "Another step closer to getting the idea off the ground," our Mr. Badman said afterwards.
(30) Leafy Berkshire – Keith wrapped-up his first 3 Beatles files, intended for the book he's compiling with the group's only official biographer, Hunter Davies! Just one more to go.
-USA - Thanks to "Elaine te Meij" (in Florida USA) for her five-star review of Marilyn on Amazon.com. “The One and Only Marilyn Monroe,” she wrote. “Great book about my favorite screen star. Enjoyed it very much.” (Thanks Elaine!)
(28) Italy – On the rise again. The Kindle version of Marilyn was seen at n.23 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of Amazon Italy.
-Leafy Berkshire - Further pre-production work on the new (as yet un-titled) David Essex movie.
(27) Leafy Berkshire – As work on The Beatles’ project draws to a close, serious pre-production work on the new David Essex movie, almost seamlessly makes a proper start. (Shooting of which, is set to begin in just 9 days’ time!)
- Amazon Canada - #3 in “Best Sellers” and #4 in “Most Gifted” in Marilyn sections of the site.
(26) UK – Thanks to “Ray Edwards” for his nice review of Marilyn (Kindle) on Amazon.co.uk when he described the work as “better than all the rest.” (“Thanks, Ray. Appreciated!”)
(25) Canada – Marilyn paperback was seen at #2 in the Amazon Bestsellers “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” category. It was also seen at #15 in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” section of the site. (“Not bad, aye, for a book that first appeared four years ago!”)
-Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new Fab Four assignment almost reaches the end…
(24) Leafy Berkshire – Yet another day of frantic typing on the new Beatles project.
(22) Central London – David Essex pre-production meeting no.3, in London with director, Alan G. Parker. (“Coming along nicely,” Keith said.)
(18) Leafy Berkshire – Another frantic day of typing the new Beatles project.
-Canada – (Hardcover) Marilyn was at #1 and (paperback) #2 in the “Most Gifted” and “Best Sellers” sections respectively on Amazon Canada. How great was that?
(16/17) Canada – Marilyn (paperback) raced back up to the #2 spot in the “Best Sellers in Biographies & Memoirs, People, A-Z (M) Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. It was also seen at #9 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and at #91 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers” listing. Plus #1 in most gifted (of course).
(15) Berkshire – BBC Written Archives – Keith visited the BBC in Caversham for research on the new Beatles / Hunter Davies project. (“Thanks to Jeff for his most invaluable help today!”)
-US/ Canada - And another! Yet another top, 5 out-of 5 review, this time on Amazon.com (hardback version). “I really enjoyed reading this book,” Maureen Wibbenmeyer wrote. “I really enjoyed reading this book. You can really have a lot of respect for Marilyn Monroe. Very much feel sorry for her and you just never want to get to the part where she dies. Loaned it to a friend and she loves the book.” Three excellent reviews in 3 days! Cannot be bad. Thank you all!! Also today, yep, still there, Marilyn (hardback) was still there, in the Top Spot in the “most gifted” in Marilyn section on Amazon Canada.
(14) UK – Yet another top review! Thank you, ‘Ms f ap Robert’ for your five-star rating of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk. “Great,” she wrote. There’s been 13 reviews of it on the site, so far, 12 have been either 4 or 5 star ratings! Also on Amazon.co.uk today, Marilyn could be found at #99 in the Kindle “Books > Biography & True Accounts > Arts & Literature” listings.
(13) US- Goodreads – Thanks to ‘Autumn’ for her 5-star review of Marilyn on the book-lovers, Goodreads site. “Loved it!!,” the person said, “a ton of information that I completely trust as being accurate. it gives a sense of mystery as well that keeps you interested.” Thank you, very much indeed! 92 per cent of people liked/ loved the Marilyn book!
-Canada – Goodness. Still there…#1 in the “most gifted” in Marilyn section on Amazon Canada.
-Leafy Berkshire – Research on the new, rather exciting, new Hunter Davies, Beatles Book neared to a close.
(9/10) Leafy Berkshire – A hive of activity as Keith carried-out dual work on the new Beatles and David Essex projects.
(8) Covent Garden, Central London – Keith attended the third, David Essex pre-production meeting, which included director, Alan G. Parker and the truly great man himself, Mr. Essex.
(7) IMDB – Keith was spotted in the No.16 position in the “most popular born in Slough” chart.
(6) Canada – Stunning! You really could not make this up; Marilyn #1 (hardback), #4 (softback) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Also on this day, the Italian Kindle version was also to be found at n.97 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section on Amazon Italy.
-Leafy Berkshire - Another extremely busy day of Beatles research.
(4) Leafy Berkshire – Return visit to the world-famous, highly-desirable, book well-in-advance, Barratt Bistro. “Wunder-bar!” Keith screamed as he left the building in the early hours of the morning. “Yet another night of riveting conversation and extremely delicious food,” he said, before adding, “it was dining at its very best!”
(3) Leafy Berkshire – The latest issue of Record Collector thundered thru letter-boxes of subscribers across the country, and featured Keith’s piece on the 1969 Newcastle Arts Festival.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Concluding research on the Beatles project.
(1) Leafy Berkshire – The month began with more research work on the new Beatles project.
-“Thanks, Hunter!” Keith received his copy of the new Hunter Davies “Beatles Lyrics” book. “It’ a superb read,” Keith declared. “A Christmas must-buy, for sure.”
-And yep, it’s still there! Keith’s Marilyn (hardback edition) was still at #1 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada, while the softback version was to be found at #3 in the same chart.
-And thank you, “nitram” for your Five Star review of Marilyn (kindle edition) on Amazon.co.uk. “great reading,” he said.
(30) Leafy Berkshire – Keith wrapped-up his first 3 Beatles files, intended for the book he's compiling with the group's only official biographer, Hunter Davies! Just one more to go.
-USA - Thanks to "Elaine te Meij" (in Florida USA) for her five-star review of Marilyn on Amazon.com. “The One and Only Marilyn Monroe,” she wrote. “Great book about my favorite screen star. Enjoyed it very much.” (Thanks Elaine!)
(28) Italy – On the rise again. The Kindle version of Marilyn was seen at n.23 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of Amazon Italy.
-Leafy Berkshire - Further pre-production work on the new (as yet un-titled) David Essex movie.
(27) Leafy Berkshire – As work on The Beatles’ project draws to a close, serious pre-production work on the new David Essex movie, almost seamlessly makes a proper start. (Shooting of which, is set to begin in just 9 days’ time!)
- Amazon Canada - #3 in “Best Sellers” and #4 in “Most Gifted” in Marilyn sections of the site.
(26) UK – Thanks to “Ray Edwards” for his nice review of Marilyn (Kindle) on Amazon.co.uk when he described the work as “better than all the rest.” (“Thanks, Ray. Appreciated!”)
(25) Canada – Marilyn paperback was seen at #2 in the Amazon Bestsellers “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” category. It was also seen at #15 in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” section of the site. (“Not bad, aye, for a book that first appeared four years ago!”)
-Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new Fab Four assignment almost reaches the end…
(24) Leafy Berkshire – Yet another day of frantic typing on the new Beatles project.
(22) Central London – David Essex pre-production meeting no.3, in London with director, Alan G. Parker. (“Coming along nicely,” Keith said.)
(18) Leafy Berkshire – Another frantic day of typing the new Beatles project.
-Canada – (Hardcover) Marilyn was at #1 and (paperback) #2 in the “Most Gifted” and “Best Sellers” sections respectively on Amazon Canada. How great was that?
(16/17) Canada – Marilyn (paperback) raced back up to the #2 spot in the “Best Sellers in Biographies & Memoirs, People, A-Z (M) Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. It was also seen at #9 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and at #91 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers” listing. Plus #1 in most gifted (of course).
(15) Berkshire – BBC Written Archives – Keith visited the BBC in Caversham for research on the new Beatles / Hunter Davies project. (“Thanks to Jeff for his most invaluable help today!”)
-US/ Canada - And another! Yet another top, 5 out-of 5 review, this time on Amazon.com (hardback version). “I really enjoyed reading this book,” Maureen Wibbenmeyer wrote. “I really enjoyed reading this book. You can really have a lot of respect for Marilyn Monroe. Very much feel sorry for her and you just never want to get to the part where she dies. Loaned it to a friend and she loves the book.” Three excellent reviews in 3 days! Cannot be bad. Thank you all!! Also today, yep, still there, Marilyn (hardback) was still there, in the Top Spot in the “most gifted” in Marilyn section on Amazon Canada.
(14) UK – Yet another top review! Thank you, ‘Ms f ap Robert’ for your five-star rating of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk. “Great,” she wrote. There’s been 13 reviews of it on the site, so far, 12 have been either 4 or 5 star ratings! Also on Amazon.co.uk today, Marilyn could be found at #99 in the Kindle “Books > Biography & True Accounts > Arts & Literature” listings.
(13) US- Goodreads – Thanks to ‘Autumn’ for her 5-star review of Marilyn on the book-lovers, Goodreads site. “Loved it!!,” the person said, “a ton of information that I completely trust as being accurate. it gives a sense of mystery as well that keeps you interested.” Thank you, very much indeed! 92 per cent of people liked/ loved the Marilyn book!
-Canada – Goodness. Still there…#1 in the “most gifted” in Marilyn section on Amazon Canada.
-Leafy Berkshire – Research on the new, rather exciting, new Hunter Davies, Beatles Book neared to a close.
(9/10) Leafy Berkshire – A hive of activity as Keith carried-out dual work on the new Beatles and David Essex projects.
(8) Covent Garden, Central London – Keith attended the third, David Essex pre-production meeting, which included director, Alan G. Parker and the truly great man himself, Mr. Essex.
(7) IMDB – Keith was spotted in the No.16 position in the “most popular born in Slough” chart.
(6) Canada – Stunning! You really could not make this up; Marilyn #1 (hardback), #4 (softback) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Also on this day, the Italian Kindle version was also to be found at n.97 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section on Amazon Italy.
-Leafy Berkshire - Another extremely busy day of Beatles research.
(4) Leafy Berkshire – Return visit to the world-famous, highly-desirable, book well-in-advance, Barratt Bistro. “Wunder-bar!” Keith screamed as he left the building in the early hours of the morning. “Yet another night of riveting conversation and extremely delicious food,” he said, before adding, “it was dining at its very best!”
(3) Leafy Berkshire – The latest issue of Record Collector thundered thru letter-boxes of subscribers across the country, and featured Keith’s piece on the 1969 Newcastle Arts Festival.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Concluding research on the Beatles project.
(1) Leafy Berkshire – The month began with more research work on the new Beatles project.
-“Thanks, Hunter!” Keith received his copy of the new Hunter Davies “Beatles Lyrics” book. “It’ a superb read,” Keith declared. “A Christmas must-buy, for sure.”
-And yep, it’s still there! Keith’s Marilyn (hardback edition) was still at #1 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada, while the softback version was to be found at #3 in the same chart.
-And thank you, “nitram” for your Five Star review of Marilyn (kindle edition) on Amazon.co.uk. “great reading,” he said.
September 2014
(30) Canada – Crack open the Champagne! Yep, still there! #1 (and #3) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada…
- Leafy Berkshire – Research on the Beatles / Hunter Davies project begins to draw to a close.
(29) “Spread the word” time. Keith’s good friend, the British Comedy expert, and all-round nice guy, Robert Ross has a new project on the go. Entitled, Forgotten Heroes of Comedy, the link to it can be found here. “Spread the word to everyone,” Keith says. “Tell everyone how much you’d love to read it!! I do. Thanks!”
(25) Canada – Oh yes! Still there, at # 1 (hardback version) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada…
-Leafy Berkshire – Extensive Beatles Encyc / Book research rolls on.
(24) London – Second David Essex Movie pre-production meeting with director, Alan G. Parker, and other members of the team, and a catch-up with dear mate, Tel…
(23) UK – In the Amazon Bestsellers Rank, Kindle store, Marilyn was seen at the #75 position in the “Books > Biography & True Accounts > Arts & Literature” section of the site.
-Another month, and time for Keith to pen another Record Collector article…
(22) Canada – Incredible! Almost four weeks on Yes, still there, at #s 1 (hardback) and 2 (paperback) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
(20/21) Leafy Berkshire –Two extremely busy days, working flat-out on both the Beatles and David Essex projects.
-Yep, still there, amazingly, at #1 and 2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. It’s been in that position now for over 3 weeks!! (“Thank you, Canadians. We love you!”) Stock was back in of the paperback version, but as of today, just five remained.
(19) Berkshire – Out to Reading in Berkshire for some business.
(18) Leafy Berkshire – And it’s back to the Fab Four for more highly-extensive research.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Resumption of pre-production work on the new David Essex movie.
(16) Leafy Berkshire – Another day of extensive Beatles research for the Hunter Davies, ultimate book on the group, which is still set for release in mid-2016.
-Canada - Well, it’s still there; at #1 and 2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Furthermore, hardback copies of the book were “temporarily out of stock” on the site. Yikes! Meanwhile, in the paid Kindle part, Marilyn was to be found at the #21 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” chart.
(15) Canada – Staggering! Not just another #1, but a #2 position in the very same chart on Amazon Canada today, when the hardback of Marilyn was at #1 and the paperback was at #2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. (“You could not make this up!”)
-Leafy Berkshire - Busy day today on The Fabs and the new David Essex movie!
(14) Germany / Canada – And another new entry on this site. Keith’s Marilyn, Kindle versions, were spotted at Nr. 27 in the “Fremdsprachige eBooks > Englische eBooks > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Kunst & Literatur > Entertainer,” Nr. 38 in the “Fremdsprachige eBooks > Englische eBooks > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Spezifische Gruppen > Frauen” and the hardback version was at Nr. 75 in the “Fremdsprachige Bücher > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Spezifische Gruppen > Frauen” section of Amazon in Germany. “Amazing, aye?” Meanwhile, over at Amazon Canada, besides being at #6 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” (hardback edition), yep, you’ve guessed it, the paperback version was still to be seen in the #1 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Staggering!
(13) IMDB – A new listing! Keith was spotted at No.11 in the “Most Popular People from Slough” category on the world famous, highly-respected, Internet Movie Data Base.
(12) Canada – Well I never. It rolls on and on… In Amazon Canada Bestsellers Rank, Keith’s Marilyn (hardback edition) could be found at #2 in “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn.” #7 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies”, #14 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism”, #24 (paperback version) in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” and not to mention, STILL at #1 in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Staggering!
- Another busy day, split between extensive work on both The Beatles and David Essex projects.
(10) Canada – Incredible! Still there, in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon Canada.
- Title change. The new name for the David Essex movie was unveiled by director, Alan G. Parker today. It will now be called Oh What A Circus! Keith carried-out further pre-production work on the film today…as well as additional research for the Hunter Davies/ Beatles project. (“Busy, busy, busy!”)
(9) Keithbadman.com/ - Keith’s website was updated today when shots of ‘The Bootleg Monkees’ in 2014 were uploaded by webmistress, Anne-Marie onto the site today.
- Busy day on both The Beatles and David Essex projects.
(8) Leafy Berkshire – Pre-production (archive research) work resumed on…The David Essex Story.
- Canada – Meanwhile, on Amazon Canada, yep, still there… for almost 18 straight days, Marilyn could be found in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon Canada.
(5 – 6) Leafy Berkshire – With the deadline fast approaching, Keith spent the day busily wrapping-up and fine-tuning his piece on The Beatles’ BBC radio appearances (1962-1965).
- Canada - Amazing! Keith’s Marilyn was to be found at #23 in the Kindle Store “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” and at #29 (paperback edition) in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” sections of the site. And not forgetting, at #1 (yes still there, for 16 straight days) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” area of Amazon Canada (paperback version). Stocks had been delivered, but on this day, just five were in stock.
(5) USA – Thanks to Angelica, for this nice review of Marilyn on the Goodreads site. “I’m not a big biography or auto-biography reader,” she wrote, “but I enjoyed reading this in depth look into Marilyn Monroe's life and untimely death…it held my interest and gave me insight into the life of Miss Monroe and the people in her life. The final chapter regarding her funeral and the deep love that Joe DiMaggio had for her was especially moving to me.”
(4) Twickenham Studios, London – At 2pm, with all the key members present (director, Alan G., producer, Alexa, financier, Stephen, sound man, camera crew, etc. etc.), Keith attended the first proper pre-production meeting on the new David Essex movie. Provisionally titled, The David Essex Story, shooting is expected to begin in a little over three weeks. (“It’s looking good!”)
- Still there! For two straight weeks, Marilyn (paperback) was still to be found at the #1 position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site, despite the fact that delivery time was between 1 and 2 months! While in the Kindle charts, the book was placed at #18 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
- New York, USA – The acid-tongued, American comedienne, Joan Rivers sadly passed away, aged 81. In September 1999, during promotions for his book, The Beatles After The Break-Up, Keith ran into her at the old BBC Broadcasting House Studios in London. She was lost, he gladly pointed her in the right direction and they briefly spoke. She was very polite. “There I was, speaking about the careers of the solo Beatles,” Keith recalled, “when suddenly I looked up, and there was Joan staring at me thru the glass in the studio door, lost and confused.” Rest in peace, Joan.
(3) England – The movie finally became official when director, Alan G. Parker officially announced the David Essex flick on the Classic Rock website.
-Leafy Berkshire - Keith carried-out extensive reach on The Beatles’ BBC Radio sessions. Deadline now just weeks away!
(1 – 2) Canada – The run continued with Keith’s Marilyn (paperback edition) still at the top spot in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Wonderful!! While on the 2nd, the Kindle version was to be found at the #6 position in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
-Leafy Berkshire - Keith resumed research on his 2016 Beatles project and continued pre-production on the forthcoming David Essex production.
- Leafy Berkshire – Research on the Beatles / Hunter Davies project begins to draw to a close.
(29) “Spread the word” time. Keith’s good friend, the British Comedy expert, and all-round nice guy, Robert Ross has a new project on the go. Entitled, Forgotten Heroes of Comedy, the link to it can be found here. “Spread the word to everyone,” Keith says. “Tell everyone how much you’d love to read it!! I do. Thanks!”
(25) Canada – Oh yes! Still there, at # 1 (hardback version) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada…
-Leafy Berkshire – Extensive Beatles Encyc / Book research rolls on.
(24) London – Second David Essex Movie pre-production meeting with director, Alan G. Parker, and other members of the team, and a catch-up with dear mate, Tel…
(23) UK – In the Amazon Bestsellers Rank, Kindle store, Marilyn was seen at the #75 position in the “Books > Biography & True Accounts > Arts & Literature” section of the site.
-Another month, and time for Keith to pen another Record Collector article…
(22) Canada – Incredible! Almost four weeks on Yes, still there, at #s 1 (hardback) and 2 (paperback) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
(20/21) Leafy Berkshire –Two extremely busy days, working flat-out on both the Beatles and David Essex projects.
-Yep, still there, amazingly, at #1 and 2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. It’s been in that position now for over 3 weeks!! (“Thank you, Canadians. We love you!”) Stock was back in of the paperback version, but as of today, just five remained.
(19) Berkshire – Out to Reading in Berkshire for some business.
(18) Leafy Berkshire – And it’s back to the Fab Four for more highly-extensive research.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Resumption of pre-production work on the new David Essex movie.
(16) Leafy Berkshire – Another day of extensive Beatles research for the Hunter Davies, ultimate book on the group, which is still set for release in mid-2016.
-Canada - Well, it’s still there; at #1 and 2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Furthermore, hardback copies of the book were “temporarily out of stock” on the site. Yikes! Meanwhile, in the paid Kindle part, Marilyn was to be found at the #21 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” chart.
(15) Canada – Staggering! Not just another #1, but a #2 position in the very same chart on Amazon Canada today, when the hardback of Marilyn was at #1 and the paperback was at #2 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. (“You could not make this up!”)
-Leafy Berkshire - Busy day today on The Fabs and the new David Essex movie!
(14) Germany / Canada – And another new entry on this site. Keith’s Marilyn, Kindle versions, were spotted at Nr. 27 in the “Fremdsprachige eBooks > Englische eBooks > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Kunst & Literatur > Entertainer,” Nr. 38 in the “Fremdsprachige eBooks > Englische eBooks > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Spezifische Gruppen > Frauen” and the hardback version was at Nr. 75 in the “Fremdsprachige Bücher > Biografien & Erinnerungen > Spezifische Gruppen > Frauen” section of Amazon in Germany. “Amazing, aye?” Meanwhile, over at Amazon Canada, besides being at #6 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” (hardback edition), yep, you’ve guessed it, the paperback version was still to be seen in the #1 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Staggering!
(13) IMDB – A new listing! Keith was spotted at No.11 in the “Most Popular People from Slough” category on the world famous, highly-respected, Internet Movie Data Base.
(12) Canada – Well I never. It rolls on and on… In Amazon Canada Bestsellers Rank, Keith’s Marilyn (hardback edition) could be found at #2 in “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn.” #7 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies”, #14 in “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism”, #24 (paperback version) in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” and not to mention, STILL at #1 in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Staggering!
- Another busy day, split between extensive work on both The Beatles and David Essex projects.
(10) Canada – Incredible! Still there, in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon Canada.
- Title change. The new name for the David Essex movie was unveiled by director, Alan G. Parker today. It will now be called Oh What A Circus! Keith carried-out further pre-production work on the film today…as well as additional research for the Hunter Davies/ Beatles project. (“Busy, busy, busy!”)
(9) Keithbadman.com/ - Keith’s website was updated today when shots of ‘The Bootleg Monkees’ in 2014 were uploaded by webmistress, Anne-Marie onto the site today.
- Busy day on both The Beatles and David Essex projects.
(8) Leafy Berkshire – Pre-production (archive research) work resumed on…The David Essex Story.
- Canada – Meanwhile, on Amazon Canada, yep, still there… for almost 18 straight days, Marilyn could be found in the number one position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon Canada.
(5 – 6) Leafy Berkshire – With the deadline fast approaching, Keith spent the day busily wrapping-up and fine-tuning his piece on The Beatles’ BBC radio appearances (1962-1965).
- Canada - Amazing! Keith’s Marilyn was to be found at #23 in the Kindle Store “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” and at #29 (paperback edition) in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” sections of the site. And not forgetting, at #1 (yes still there, for 16 straight days) in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” area of Amazon Canada (paperback version). Stocks had been delivered, but on this day, just five were in stock.
(5) USA – Thanks to Angelica, for this nice review of Marilyn on the Goodreads site. “I’m not a big biography or auto-biography reader,” she wrote, “but I enjoyed reading this in depth look into Marilyn Monroe's life and untimely death…it held my interest and gave me insight into the life of Miss Monroe and the people in her life. The final chapter regarding her funeral and the deep love that Joe DiMaggio had for her was especially moving to me.”
(4) Twickenham Studios, London – At 2pm, with all the key members present (director, Alan G., producer, Alexa, financier, Stephen, sound man, camera crew, etc. etc.), Keith attended the first proper pre-production meeting on the new David Essex movie. Provisionally titled, The David Essex Story, shooting is expected to begin in a little over three weeks. (“It’s looking good!”)
- Still there! For two straight weeks, Marilyn (paperback) was still to be found at the #1 position in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site, despite the fact that delivery time was between 1 and 2 months! While in the Kindle charts, the book was placed at #18 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
- New York, USA – The acid-tongued, American comedienne, Joan Rivers sadly passed away, aged 81. In September 1999, during promotions for his book, The Beatles After The Break-Up, Keith ran into her at the old BBC Broadcasting House Studios in London. She was lost, he gladly pointed her in the right direction and they briefly spoke. She was very polite. “There I was, speaking about the careers of the solo Beatles,” Keith recalled, “when suddenly I looked up, and there was Joan staring at me thru the glass in the studio door, lost and confused.” Rest in peace, Joan.
(3) England – The movie finally became official when director, Alan G. Parker officially announced the David Essex flick on the Classic Rock website.
-Leafy Berkshire - Keith carried-out extensive reach on The Beatles’ BBC Radio sessions. Deadline now just weeks away!
(1 – 2) Canada – The run continued with Keith’s Marilyn (paperback edition) still at the top spot in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. Wonderful!! While on the 2nd, the Kindle version was to be found at the #6 position in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
-Leafy Berkshire - Keith resumed research on his 2016 Beatles project and continued pre-production on the forthcoming David Essex production.
Monday, 8 September 2014
August 2014
(31) Canada – The month ends with Marilyn (paperback edition) returning again to the top spot in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site. (“Roll on September!”)
(30) Canada – A cracking end to the month when, on the penultimate day of August, Keith’s Marilyn raced back to the No.1 position in two, yes two different charts on Amazon.ca. In total, in their Bestsellers charts today, the book was seen at:
#1 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn (Paid Kindle Store)
#1 in Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn (paperback)
#4 in Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies (Paid Kindle Store)
#11 in Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers (Paid Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks)
Quite simply…Wow! Beating him in the “Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” chart were publications on Jane Fonda, Rob Lowe and Lee Grant, amongst others.
- Keith celebrated the stupendous news by spending the evening in the fine surroundings of the Barratt Bistro in Sunny Slough in the company of top chap, Richard and the mighty-fine, bon-Viv ere, John Barratt… a finer cook, you will not find… (except my dear, Mum, of course!)…
(29) Canada – Still there, at the top spot in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Incredible! With stocks still depleted, shipping for the paperback edition was estimated at between 2 and 5 weeks.
- Leafy Berkshire – Work continued on the new Beatles and David Essex projects. (“All go here, ya know!”)
(28) Canada – Still there, at #1 in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. Stocks of the book are still out on the site too! While over on Amazon Italy, the kindle version of the book could be found at n.22 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the site.
- Leafy Berkshire - Work resumed today on the David Essex documentary and Keith’s new Beatles book, which is being co-written with Spencer Leigh, David Bedford and the official Beatles biographer, Hunter Davies, is still set for release around the world in mid-2016.
(27) Canada – On the rise yet again! On Amazon Canada, Keith’s Marilyn could be found (get ready) at the #1 spot in the “Most Gifted in Monroe, Marilyn” section, #6 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” area, at #58 in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” section and at #97 in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism” areas of the site. Not bad aye, for a book that first appeared in that country over 2 years ago!!
(21-26) Berkshire / Liverpool – With the annual Beatles Convention fast approaching, Keith’s great American friend, Robert Boyer arrived in Sunny Slough. Fine English hospitality and delightful Indian food followed. Keith travelled to Liverpool for the event, during the morning of Saturday, August 23 to present the video show at the annual event. He would like thank (in no particular order), Victoria, Ian, Billy, Dave, Ray, Steve, Anne-Marie, Neville, Michael, John, etc. etc. etc. and to Cavern City Tours for, once more, making him feel so welcome and loved. Thank you all!
The video presentation was, once again a tremendous success, in particular the Liverpool premiere of the movie, Good Ol’ Freda and the Q&A which followed with the film's producer, Kathy McCabe and Freda, the star of the movie herself. The room was totally and utterly packed!! Keith also made an unexpected (dragged more like) appearance on one of the teams at the Eggheads game, where he and his fellow Beatles-fans found themselves pitting their wits against a team comprising of, amongst others, Cavern City Tours’ Bill Heckle, and Beady Eye’s drummer, Chris Sharrock. The worst team won! (“Good meeting you too, Chris!”) A splendid time was had by one and all!
(20) Canada – On the rise yet again! Keith’s Marilyn climbed to the #13 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the Amazon Bestsellers list on Amazon Canada. It didn’t end there. By late afternoon, it had risen again and reached the #1 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site again and the #8 spot in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” section of the site! Amazing!
(19) Covent Garden, Central London – Arranged by director, Alan G. Parker, at 11am, Keith attended a business meeting with Frank Lea, (Jim, of Slade fame’s brother) AND the one and only, David Essex. (“I kid you not!”) The outcome…The David Essex Story, a completely official movie which is due to start shooting at the end of September 2014.
(18) Leafy Berkshire – Further decorating takes place at Chez Badman.
(15) Leafy Berkshire – A day researching The Beatles for the upcoming, ground-breaking book on the band.
(12 – 13 - 14) Leafy Berkshire – Extensive research on The Beatles’ radio appearances.
(11) The World – The latest edition of Record Collector magazine, featuring Keith’s piece on the one-off, January 1965 Granada pop-show, Pop Shop, landed on door-mats across the country.
(9) Leafy Berkshire – With some of Keith’s American (Beatles) fans about to reach the country for Liverpool’s Convention in just two weeks, he had to stop work on his Beatles project and set about doing some decorating. (“Never stops here, ya’ know!”)
(7) Central London – Yet another meeting involving the on-going ITV project idea. Today’s get-together involved distribution… “Onwards and upwards.”
(5) Canada – And still the rise continues. On Amazon Canada, in the “most wished for” in Marilyn section on the site, Keith’s softback version of Marilyn was still at no.9 while the hardback version was again at no.10. (“Fabulous!”)
(4) Windsor, Berkshire – 1:30pm meeting with the photographer, Michael Randolph, famous for his images of The Rolling Stones’ 1968, Rock & Roll Circus. A rather interesting discussion about a future project was discussed. (“Watch this space!”)
(3) Canada – The rise continues. On Amazon Canada, in the “most wished for” section on the actress, the paperback of Keith’s Marilyn was at no.9 while the hardback version was at no.10. (“You couldn’t make it up!”)
(2) Canada – For the fourth-straight day, Keith’s Marilyn was at n.1 in the “most wished for” book on the actress on Amazon Canada. On the same site, on the exact same day, in the “gift ideas” section, the hardback version was at no.20 and the paperback was at 18. (“Thank you, Canada!”)
(1) South London – An almighty catch-up with Tel and Southampton FC fan, Mike (Chappers) Chapman. (“Plenty of laughs, and, er, plenty of wine…”)
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
July 2014
(31) Canada / Italy – What a great end to the month. For three straight days, with its stock now depleted, Keith’s Marilyn was still the “most wished for” book on Amazon Canada; while in Italy, the Kindle version of it was at n.19 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the site.
(30) Canada – One day on and Keith’s Marilyn was still the most wished-for book on the actress on Amazon Canada. How cool!
(29) Canada – Over the moon!! Amazon Canada. Marilyn raced back to the No.1 position in the “Most Wished For in Monroe, Marilyn” on the site, and was at No.3 in the Marilyn best-sellers listing on the site. (“Wonderful!! Just wonderful!!”)
- A most pleasant visit to Church and then an invigorated Keith returned to further extensive work on the new ITV and Beatles projects.
(28) Leafy Berkshire – Yep, Record Collector time again. Keith penned his latest Rockin’ The Box feature; this time, Kate Bush’s (rarely seen, never repeated) first appearance on ITV’s tea-time pop show, Razzmatazz, in July 1981.
(23) America - Thanks to reader, Jerry Quinn for this excellent review of Marilyn on Amazon.com “Great book…The seller, the price, the book were all excellent. Great read about how the Kennedys and Peter Lawford were involved in her death. Could not put it down.” (“Thanks Jerry, you’re a star!”)
(22) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new, rather exciting Beatles project progresses. “Hope everyone likes it,” Keith said. (It’s set for release mid-2016)
(20) O2 London, England – A rather happy Mr Badman was sat in the audience at the final night of the Monty Python reunion shows. “Spam-spam-spam and spam,” he thought. (“I seemed to know every line from every sketch… but it was still most enjoyable!”)
(19) Leafy Berkshire – Yep, that time again, a return visit to the home of the fine cook, Mr John Barratt. Once again, a night of top food, and fine conversation was on the agenda. (“Thanks, John, mate. You’re a top chap and a star!”)
(18) Italy – Back in the Top 100! The kindle version of Marilyn climbed back up to the n.98 position in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e televisione” section on Amazon Italy.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Another frantic day of research and typing on the new Beatles project. (“More news on this shortly, by the way.”)
(14) America – A climb back up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon and the #88 spot in the “Humor & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism” are of the site. - The latest edition of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s piece on Joe Strummer landed on door-mats across the country (and Europe).
- Another busy day of typing (and researching) on the new Beatles project.
(12) America – What a welcome surprise! Exactly two years after its US release, Marilyn made a fabulous jump up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com.
(10) South London – Another trip into the capital, to see (and discuss new projects with) Tel and Mike Chapman. (“Watch this space!”)
(04) America – And it keeps on selling, Marilyn climbed back to the #13 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com
(30) Canada – One day on and Keith’s Marilyn was still the most wished-for book on the actress on Amazon Canada. How cool!
(29) Canada – Over the moon!! Amazon Canada. Marilyn raced back to the No.1 position in the “Most Wished For in Monroe, Marilyn” on the site, and was at No.3 in the Marilyn best-sellers listing on the site. (“Wonderful!! Just wonderful!!”)
- A most pleasant visit to Church and then an invigorated Keith returned to further extensive work on the new ITV and Beatles projects.
(28) Leafy Berkshire – Yep, Record Collector time again. Keith penned his latest Rockin’ The Box feature; this time, Kate Bush’s (rarely seen, never repeated) first appearance on ITV’s tea-time pop show, Razzmatazz, in July 1981.
(23) America - Thanks to reader, Jerry Quinn for this excellent review of Marilyn on Amazon.com “Great book…The seller, the price, the book were all excellent. Great read about how the Kennedys and Peter Lawford were involved in her death. Could not put it down.” (“Thanks Jerry, you’re a star!”)
(22) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new, rather exciting Beatles project progresses. “Hope everyone likes it,” Keith said. (It’s set for release mid-2016)
(20) O2 London, England – A rather happy Mr Badman was sat in the audience at the final night of the Monty Python reunion shows. “Spam-spam-spam and spam,” he thought. (“I seemed to know every line from every sketch… but it was still most enjoyable!”)
(19) Leafy Berkshire – Yep, that time again, a return visit to the home of the fine cook, Mr John Barratt. Once again, a night of top food, and fine conversation was on the agenda. (“Thanks, John, mate. You’re a top chap and a star!”)
(18) Italy – Back in the Top 100! The kindle version of Marilyn climbed back up to the n.98 position in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e televisione” section on Amazon Italy.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Another frantic day of research and typing on the new Beatles project. (“More news on this shortly, by the way.”)
(14) America – A climb back up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon and the #88 spot in the “Humor & Entertainment > Movies > History & Criticism” are of the site. - The latest edition of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s piece on Joe Strummer landed on door-mats across the country (and Europe).
- Another busy day of typing (and researching) on the new Beatles project.
(12) America – What a welcome surprise! Exactly two years after its US release, Marilyn made a fabulous jump up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com.
(10) South London – Another trip into the capital, to see (and discuss new projects with) Tel and Mike Chapman. (“Watch this space!”)
(04) America – And it keeps on selling, Marilyn climbed back to the #13 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com
June 2014
(23 – 30) Leafy Berkshire / Central London – extensive work on the Beatles Project and the KISS Movie (which has, unfortunately been delayed until March 2015).
(20) Central London – A hive of activity, with two highly important and rather exciting meetings, one involving ITV, the other, the movie version of Keith’s Marilyn.
(19) America – A very nice surprise, Keith’s Marilyn climbed back up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon.com.
(16 / 17) – Leafy Berkshire – With the deadline looming, Keith spent two further days working on the rather exciting new Beatles project.
(14) The World – The latest edition of Record Collector landed on the door-mat of subscribers around the world. It featured Keith’s piece on Robert Plant’s 1988 appearance on the Channel 4 series, Wired.
(12) South London – Another business meeting; this time with his old mate, Tel. (“Keith’s long-mooted, World Cup idea is edging nearer to fruition, I’m pleased to say.”)
(9 & 10) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new Beatles project rumbles on.
(7) Leafy Berkshire – The home of John Barratt for another spectacular feast and a rousing night of top conversation! (“What can I say, mate,” Keith said, “but you’re a star. Thanks!”)
(6) Central London – The ground-breaking ITV idea moved along steadily, Today, Keith, along with the KISS-movie director, the famous Alan G. Parker attended a second meeting with Chris at ITN.
(1) – America – Goodreads – Marilyn Monroe; Thanks to Kayla Wood for this superb review… “Keith Badman pulls together Marilyn's last few years in this wonderfully written book,” Kayla Wood wrote. “With a tragic end to Marilyn's life, Badman takes us through every scandal or possible scenario in her life. Did Marilyn and JFK really have an affair? Was she murdered, or was it suicide? Read this book to find out everything you want to know about Marilyn. Badman does a great job of pulling resources as well as doing his own research to make Marilyn's life more accurate. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a biography, because Marilyn was such a fascinating person, and Badman brings her back to life in this book.” (Thank you, Kayla!)
(20) Central London – A hive of activity, with two highly important and rather exciting meetings, one involving ITV, the other, the movie version of Keith’s Marilyn.
(19) America – A very nice surprise, Keith’s Marilyn climbed back up to the #9 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon.com.
(16 / 17) – Leafy Berkshire – With the deadline looming, Keith spent two further days working on the rather exciting new Beatles project.
(14) The World – The latest edition of Record Collector landed on the door-mat of subscribers around the world. It featured Keith’s piece on Robert Plant’s 1988 appearance on the Channel 4 series, Wired.
(12) South London – Another business meeting; this time with his old mate, Tel. (“Keith’s long-mooted, World Cup idea is edging nearer to fruition, I’m pleased to say.”)
(9 & 10) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the new Beatles project rumbles on.
(7) Leafy Berkshire – The home of John Barratt for another spectacular feast and a rousing night of top conversation! (“What can I say, mate,” Keith said, “but you’re a star. Thanks!”)
(6) Central London – The ground-breaking ITV idea moved along steadily, Today, Keith, along with the KISS-movie director, the famous Alan G. Parker attended a second meeting with Chris at ITN.
(1) – America – Goodreads – Marilyn Monroe; Thanks to Kayla Wood for this superb review… “Keith Badman pulls together Marilyn's last few years in this wonderfully written book,” Kayla Wood wrote. “With a tragic end to Marilyn's life, Badman takes us through every scandal or possible scenario in her life. Did Marilyn and JFK really have an affair? Was she murdered, or was it suicide? Read this book to find out everything you want to know about Marilyn. Badman does a great job of pulling resources as well as doing his own research to make Marilyn's life more accurate. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a biography, because Marilyn was such a fascinating person, and Badman brings her back to life in this book.” (Thank you, Kayla!)
May 2014
(30/31) Leafy Berkshire – The mighty- fine month concluded with more work on the exciting, new Beatles project.
-On the final day of the month, on Amazon.com, in the Best Sellers Ranking chart, Keith’s Marilyn was to be seen at #12 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” listing.
(29) America – What a wonderful surprise! The hardback version of Keith’s Marilyn raced-up to the #5 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the Amazon Best Sellers chart. Amazing! And get this, on the very same day, on Amazon Italy, the book was placed at n.6 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the in Kindle Store. Just fab!
(27/28) Leafy Berkshire – It’s time again, time for another Record Collector article. This month, the focus is on the late, great Joe Strummer, and his 1988 appearance on the long-forgotten, Channel 4 music series, Wired.
(26) Leafy Berkshire – Keith spent Bank Holiday Monday hard at work on the new, ground-breaking Beatles’ project.
(24) Linkedin – another landmark day when Keith reached the 300-mark in connections on the site. Thanks to Maryline Thiriot, of the RTS (Radio Television Suisse) Television Archives for helping him reach the latest milestone.
(22) London – Another rather exciting project began to develop when, at 1pm today, Keith attended a meeting with ITN Source’s Chris Barwick and the KISS Movie director, Alan. G. Parker.
(21) Leafy Berkshire – A further flurry of activity on the new Beatles project (which has now been put back for release until mid-2016).
-Meanwhile, on Amazon Italy, another five-star review for Marilyn. “It is not a novel,” poster, Di dalia said, “there is gossip. And the result of a long process of painstaking research that could allow connections and parallels very articulate…Moving…never before so vividly portrayed.” (Thank you, Di dalia, really appreciated!)
(20) Leafy Berkshire – With work on the KISS Movie on-hold (while we await feedback from band leaders, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley), Keith resumed work on the new, highly-anticipated Beatles project.
-United Kingdom – Thanks to “Chrissie” for her 5.0 out of 5 stars review of The Final Years of Marilyn Monroe The Shocking True Story (Kindle version) on Amazon.co.uk.
(19) Europe – The latest edition of Record Collector arrived, with Keith’s piece on John Paul Jones’ appearance on Noisy Mothers.
(17) Wembley, London – Joy all round as Keith’s beloved Arsenal lifted the FA Cup, beating Hull City 3-2 in an epic final. (“In Arsene we trust!”) Their 9-year trophy draught finally came to an end!
(14) Central London – Our Mr. Badman made another trip to the BAFTAs, as a guest of Associated Press. “Thanks to everyone at AP for another, truly great evening. Really enjoyed it!”)
(7) Leafy Berkshire – Time for another Record Collector piece and, to coincide with the recent release of the re-mastered Led Zeppelin albums, Keith penned a piece on Robert Plant’s 1988 appearance on the Channel 4 show, Wired.
(1) London – Keith sat in on production of the new Brian Jones film, with work undertaken today involving additional interviews with characters who, over the last two decades, have closely scrutinized the Rolling Stone’s death.
-On the final day of the month, on Amazon.com, in the Best Sellers Ranking chart, Keith’s Marilyn was to be seen at #12 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” listing.
(29) America – What a wonderful surprise! The hardback version of Keith’s Marilyn raced-up to the #5 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the Amazon Best Sellers chart. Amazing! And get this, on the very same day, on Amazon Italy, the book was placed at n.6 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the in Kindle Store. Just fab!
(27/28) Leafy Berkshire – It’s time again, time for another Record Collector article. This month, the focus is on the late, great Joe Strummer, and his 1988 appearance on the long-forgotten, Channel 4 music series, Wired.
(26) Leafy Berkshire – Keith spent Bank Holiday Monday hard at work on the new, ground-breaking Beatles’ project.
(24) Linkedin – another landmark day when Keith reached the 300-mark in connections on the site. Thanks to Maryline Thiriot, of the RTS (Radio Television Suisse) Television Archives for helping him reach the latest milestone.
(22) London – Another rather exciting project began to develop when, at 1pm today, Keith attended a meeting with ITN Source’s Chris Barwick and the KISS Movie director, Alan. G. Parker.
(21) Leafy Berkshire – A further flurry of activity on the new Beatles project (which has now been put back for release until mid-2016).
-Meanwhile, on Amazon Italy, another five-star review for Marilyn. “It is not a novel,” poster, Di dalia said, “there is gossip. And the result of a long process of painstaking research that could allow connections and parallels very articulate…Moving…never before so vividly portrayed.” (Thank you, Di dalia, really appreciated!)
(20) Leafy Berkshire – With work on the KISS Movie on-hold (while we await feedback from band leaders, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley), Keith resumed work on the new, highly-anticipated Beatles project.
-United Kingdom – Thanks to “Chrissie” for her 5.0 out of 5 stars review of The Final Years of Marilyn Monroe The Shocking True Story (Kindle version) on Amazon.co.uk.
(19) Europe – The latest edition of Record Collector arrived, with Keith’s piece on John Paul Jones’ appearance on Noisy Mothers.
(17) Wembley, London – Joy all round as Keith’s beloved Arsenal lifted the FA Cup, beating Hull City 3-2 in an epic final. (“In Arsene we trust!”) Their 9-year trophy draught finally came to an end!
(14) Central London – Our Mr. Badman made another trip to the BAFTAs, as a guest of Associated Press. “Thanks to everyone at AP for another, truly great evening. Really enjoyed it!”)
(7) Leafy Berkshire – Time for another Record Collector piece and, to coincide with the recent release of the re-mastered Led Zeppelin albums, Keith penned a piece on Robert Plant’s 1988 appearance on the Channel 4 show, Wired.
(1) London – Keith sat in on production of the new Brian Jones film, with work undertaken today involving additional interviews with characters who, over the last two decades, have closely scrutinized the Rolling Stone’s death.
April 2014
(28 – 30) Leafy Berkshire – The exciting month wrapped with further, extensive work on the new, KISS movie and the (rather exciting) Beatles project.
- Also on the 30th, a big thank you to “capone” for this excellent, five-star review of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk, “really good book… This book is a five star read, it tells you everything you want to know and more. I will recommend this to all my family and friends.” (Thank you, capone. You’re a star!)
(26) Leafy Berkshire – Another five-course meal at the home of top, local chef (and great friend), John Barratt. “His food is truly the best,” Keith told waiting Slough Observer reporters.
(24) Twickenham Studios, St. Margaret’s, London – Another get-together for the KISS Movie, which included another exclusive screening of the current, 157-minute cut of the movie. (“It’s looking truly great,” Keith excitedly revealed afterwards.)
-- Central London – One for the “You could not make this up” files. Via an email from the producer of his latest theatrical work, Keith was thanked today by the truly great, the legendary Michael Caine, I kid you not!! (Our Mr Badman had assisted the production with some Beatles TV information.)
-- America - #5 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn, #26 in Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” on Amazon.com.
(17) Twickenham Studios, St. Margaret’s, London – Yet another KISS-production meeting at the famous Twickenham Film Studios, the spiritual home of The Beatles’ movies.
(14 - 15) Leafy Berkshire – Frantic KISS and Beatles work continued at a pace in Sunny Slough.
(13) Winter Park, Florida, Magic Transistor Radio - The WPRK 91.5 FM radio show hosted by Brent Kabasta, Keith’s anecdote about how The Zombies taught The Beach Boys how to play English Soccer, during their 1965 American tour, generated some real laughter with current Zombie members, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone. (“Thanks for the plug and name check, Brent!”) The story, btw, was first published in Keith’s 2004 Beach Boys book, The Definitive Diary Of America’s Greatest Band. (Buy it Amazon!)
(11) America – In the Amazon Best Sellers Rank, Keith’s Marilyn (hardback) climbed back up to the #19 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
- South London – Another trip into the City, to discuss many things with his old mate, Tel.
(8 – 10) Leafy Berkshire – A menagerie of KISS / Beatles activities as the two projects head speedily towards their deadlines.
- America – The television station, PBS station premiered the first-ever, lengthy documentary about the 1960s pop band, The Dave Clark Five. Interestingly, amongst the treasure-trove of archive clips on offer was an interview with the group’s late great lead-singer, Mike Smith, carried out by our Mr Badman, no less, at the group’s recording studio, back in 2001. (“Truly great to see that again,” Keith admitted, “especially since I was told years ago the tapes had been junked!”)
- Record Collector came calling. Up today, Paul Jones’ 1994 appearance on the ITV Heavy Metal show, Noisy Mothers.
(7) London – KISS meeting, with Alan, Ceres and Alexa at Twickenham Studios. One of the day’s highlights? At 3:21pm, Keith and the others set-foot on Sound Stage 3 where, on 2 January 1969, the world’s greatest-ever band, The Beatles began filming their Let It Be movie! And where, on 8 January 1969, John & Yoko danced the waltz while Paul, George & Ringo performed I Me Mine.
(5) Aintree / Berkshire – Grand National Day 2014! The world’s greatest horse-race and the high-spot of the sporting year…and the only time that Keith ever ventures into a betting office (aside from returning to collect his winnings, that is). This year, a mighty second and fourth). “Keith – horse racing expert, bar none…” (Er, Not quite.)
(3) Italy – Marilyn climbed to n.26 in the “classifica Bestseller di Amazon… > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” in the Kindle Store section on Amazon Italy.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Whirlwind of social activities. An invite arrived today to guest-speak at a forthcoming 1960s photo exhibition in Windsor, along with discussions with Alan G. Parker, Santander and dear mates, Tel and Mike Dalton.
- Also on the 30th, a big thank you to “capone” for this excellent, five-star review of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk, “really good book… This book is a five star read, it tells you everything you want to know and more. I will recommend this to all my family and friends.” (Thank you, capone. You’re a star!)
(26) Leafy Berkshire – Another five-course meal at the home of top, local chef (and great friend), John Barratt. “His food is truly the best,” Keith told waiting Slough Observer reporters.
(24) Twickenham Studios, St. Margaret’s, London – Another get-together for the KISS Movie, which included another exclusive screening of the current, 157-minute cut of the movie. (“It’s looking truly great,” Keith excitedly revealed afterwards.)
-- Central London – One for the “You could not make this up” files. Via an email from the producer of his latest theatrical work, Keith was thanked today by the truly great, the legendary Michael Caine, I kid you not!! (Our Mr Badman had assisted the production with some Beatles TV information.)
-- America - #5 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn, #26 in Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” on Amazon.com.
(17) Twickenham Studios, St. Margaret’s, London – Yet another KISS-production meeting at the famous Twickenham Film Studios, the spiritual home of The Beatles’ movies.
(14 - 15) Leafy Berkshire – Frantic KISS and Beatles work continued at a pace in Sunny Slough.
(13) Winter Park, Florida, Magic Transistor Radio - The WPRK 91.5 FM radio show hosted by Brent Kabasta, Keith’s anecdote about how The Zombies taught The Beach Boys how to play English Soccer, during their 1965 American tour, generated some real laughter with current Zombie members, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone. (“Thanks for the plug and name check, Brent!”) The story, btw, was first published in Keith’s 2004 Beach Boys book, The Definitive Diary Of America’s Greatest Band. (Buy it Amazon!)
(11) America – In the Amazon Best Sellers Rank, Keith’s Marilyn (hardback) climbed back up to the #19 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
- South London – Another trip into the City, to discuss many things with his old mate, Tel.
(8 – 10) Leafy Berkshire – A menagerie of KISS / Beatles activities as the two projects head speedily towards their deadlines.
- America – The television station, PBS station premiered the first-ever, lengthy documentary about the 1960s pop band, The Dave Clark Five. Interestingly, amongst the treasure-trove of archive clips on offer was an interview with the group’s late great lead-singer, Mike Smith, carried out by our Mr Badman, no less, at the group’s recording studio, back in 2001. (“Truly great to see that again,” Keith admitted, “especially since I was told years ago the tapes had been junked!”)
- Record Collector came calling. Up today, Paul Jones’ 1994 appearance on the ITV Heavy Metal show, Noisy Mothers.
(7) London – KISS meeting, with Alan, Ceres and Alexa at Twickenham Studios. One of the day’s highlights? At 3:21pm, Keith and the others set-foot on Sound Stage 3 where, on 2 January 1969, the world’s greatest-ever band, The Beatles began filming their Let It Be movie! And where, on 8 January 1969, John & Yoko danced the waltz while Paul, George & Ringo performed I Me Mine.
(5) Aintree / Berkshire – Grand National Day 2014! The world’s greatest horse-race and the high-spot of the sporting year…and the only time that Keith ever ventures into a betting office (aside from returning to collect his winnings, that is). This year, a mighty second and fourth). “Keith – horse racing expert, bar none…” (Er, Not quite.)
(3) Italy – Marilyn climbed to n.26 in the “classifica Bestseller di Amazon… > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” in the Kindle Store section on Amazon Italy.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Whirlwind of social activities. An invite arrived today to guest-speak at a forthcoming 1960s photo exhibition in Windsor, along with discussions with Alan G. Parker, Santander and dear mates, Tel and Mike Dalton.
March 2014
(24) Leafy Berkshire: Work resumes on the KISS and Beatles projects, with another one, on the Marlboro Classics range, waiting in the wings. (“All go here, ya know!”)
(22) America: Many, many thanks to reader, Tammila Wright for this wonderful 5.0 out of 5 stars review of Marilyn (Kindle Edition) on Amazon.com. “Truly the best!,” she wrote on March 22, 2014. “Very well researched and cross referenced with timelines from so many sources. Well done! The best that is out there!” Thank you, Tammila.
- On the same day, Keith was in London for a birthday celebration and another KISS-related activity.
(21) Leafy Berkshire – extensive research work on the new, Alan G. Parker-directed KISS Movie resumed today.
(20) Leafy Berkshire – Commitments and prior engagements prevented Keith from making another BBC Radio appearance this morning with the legendary, “Truly sensational” Tony Blackburn.
(17 – 20) Leafy Berkshire – Extensive work continued on the new KISS-movie project.
(15) America – Thank you, ernesto marra for this great review of Marilyn, posted this day on Amazon.com. Headed by the words, “A deep and fascinating research,” his 5-star review was as follows, “A book rich of information about Monroe last years, never published before. Well written and a must for every Monroe fan.” (“Thank you, Ernesto. You’re a star!”)
(14) London – Twickenham Studios. Immediately after rushing back into London, our Mr Badman attended another KISS production meeting…and the first private screening of the new movie. (“Superb job. It really is a marvellous, highly-enjoyable, supremely entertaining film.”)
(11 – 13) South Coast – Keith spent two days “Peter Lawford-ing” it down on the Coast.
(8) America – Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank, Marilyn raced back up to the #11 position in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(7) London – Twickenham Film Studios, St. Margaret’s – a new venue for another KISS-production meeting.
(22) America: Many, many thanks to reader, Tammila Wright for this wonderful 5.0 out of 5 stars review of Marilyn (Kindle Edition) on Amazon.com. “Truly the best!,” she wrote on March 22, 2014. “Very well researched and cross referenced with timelines from so many sources. Well done! The best that is out there!” Thank you, Tammila.
- On the same day, Keith was in London for a birthday celebration and another KISS-related activity.
(21) Leafy Berkshire – extensive research work on the new, Alan G. Parker-directed KISS Movie resumed today.
(20) Leafy Berkshire – Commitments and prior engagements prevented Keith from making another BBC Radio appearance this morning with the legendary, “Truly sensational” Tony Blackburn.
(17 – 20) Leafy Berkshire – Extensive work continued on the new KISS-movie project.
(15) America – Thank you, ernesto marra for this great review of Marilyn, posted this day on Amazon.com. Headed by the words, “A deep and fascinating research,” his 5-star review was as follows, “A book rich of information about Monroe last years, never published before. Well written and a must for every Monroe fan.” (“Thank you, Ernesto. You’re a star!”)
(14) London – Twickenham Studios. Immediately after rushing back into London, our Mr Badman attended another KISS production meeting…and the first private screening of the new movie. (“Superb job. It really is a marvellous, highly-enjoyable, supremely entertaining film.”)
(11 – 13) South Coast – Keith spent two days “Peter Lawford-ing” it down on the Coast.
(8) America – Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank, Marilyn raced back up to the #11 position in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(7) London – Twickenham Film Studios, St. Margaret’s – a new venue for another KISS-production meeting.
Thursday, 31 July 2014
New Photo - Twickenham Film Studios
Thursday, 17 April 2014
KISS Movie poster
The Exclusive poster for the Official KISS Movie, You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best, on which Keith is the Archive Producer. Directed by Alan G. Parker, the rock-doc is set for release late 2014.
Friday, 21 March 2014
February 2014
(27) America – Another rise on the Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank for the Marilyn hardback, up to #5 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section.
(26) South London – another trip into the Capital to catch-up with some old friends.
(24) America – Another rise for Marilyn, up to #6 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com; while, in the Macmillan.com listings, it could found at the #27 position. (“Not bad for a book, which first appeared back in September 2010, aye?”)
- Leafy Berkshire - Another frantic day of KISS and Beatles-related activities.
- The latest edition of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s article on the one-off, 1974 LWT music program, What The Butler Saw, dropped through the letter-boxes of subscribers across the country.
(22) America – Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank: #8 in “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn”.
(21) London – Another highly-productive KISS meeting, in a building one owned by the London Porn baron, the late, great, Paul Raymond.
(18 / 19) Leafy Berkshire – Further in-depth, KISS and Beatles research.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the KISS-movie and the (highly-exciting new Beatles project) resumed this morning. (“Never stops here, ya know.”)
(15) Leafy Berkshire – A return appearance to the fine diner of John Barratt, with a night full of fine top food, fine wine and delightful conversation. (“Many thanks, mate! Enjoyed it immensely.”)
(14) Amazon UK - A big hello to the Amazon.com reviewer, Rose Kinnison who kindly posted this lovely review of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years on the website today. “…very good book very detail about her life… it was hard to put down at times… everything was great about this book… good author.” Thank you, Rose. I appreciate it.
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Record Collector came calling again. Keith’s latest piece for Rockin’ The Box today focused on Joe Brown’s 1969 LWT series, Set ‘Em Up, Joe!
(10, 11 & 14) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the official KISS-movie resumed this morning.
(9) Leafy Berkshire – A climb of 4 places to no.23 for Marilyn in the Macmillan.com “Paperback Bestsellers” chart.
- By digital phone lines, Keith discussed the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in America on two local BBC Radio stations this morning.
(8) USA – Hey, hey, well I never; the hardback edition of Marilyn climbed to #8 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon.com.
(7) Central London – Keith attended another (most constructive) KISS production meeting. This was followed by a catch-up with one of the world’s leading comedy historians; Robert Ross, aka Lord Robert of Ross-shire. (“Great seeing you again, mate. It’s been too long!”) Several (many, many) beers were had by all… “Far too many, in all honesty. Phew!”
(6) USA – A nice leap up to the #12 position for the hardback Marilyn in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
- Leafy Berkshire – Further in-depth work on the forthcoming KISS movie…
(3 & 4) Leafy Berkshire – Two days of further, highly extensive, archive work on the new, official KISS movie, entitled, You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best…- Meanwhile, also on the 4th, Keith received another, mighty impressive job offer; one he just could not turn down. More news soon!
(26) South London – another trip into the Capital to catch-up with some old friends.
(24) America – Another rise for Marilyn, up to #6 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon.com; while, in the Macmillan.com listings, it could found at the #27 position. (“Not bad for a book, which first appeared back in September 2010, aye?”)
- Leafy Berkshire - Another frantic day of KISS and Beatles-related activities.
- The latest edition of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s article on the one-off, 1974 LWT music program, What The Butler Saw, dropped through the letter-boxes of subscribers across the country.
(22) America – Amazon.com Best Sellers Rank: #8 in “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn”.
(21) London – Another highly-productive KISS meeting, in a building one owned by the London Porn baron, the late, great, Paul Raymond.
(18 / 19) Leafy Berkshire – Further in-depth, KISS and Beatles research.
(17) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the KISS-movie and the (highly-exciting new Beatles project) resumed this morning. (“Never stops here, ya know.”)
(15) Leafy Berkshire – A return appearance to the fine diner of John Barratt, with a night full of fine top food, fine wine and delightful conversation. (“Many thanks, mate! Enjoyed it immensely.”)
(14) Amazon UK - A big hello to the Amazon.com reviewer, Rose Kinnison who kindly posted this lovely review of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years on the website today. “…very good book very detail about her life… it was hard to put down at times… everything was great about this book… good author.” Thank you, Rose. I appreciate it.
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Record Collector came calling again. Keith’s latest piece for Rockin’ The Box today focused on Joe Brown’s 1969 LWT series, Set ‘Em Up, Joe!
(10, 11 & 14) Leafy Berkshire – Work on the official KISS-movie resumed this morning.
(9) Leafy Berkshire – A climb of 4 places to no.23 for Marilyn in the Macmillan.com “Paperback Bestsellers” chart.
- By digital phone lines, Keith discussed the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in America on two local BBC Radio stations this morning.
(8) USA – Hey, hey, well I never; the hardback edition of Marilyn climbed to #8 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of Amazon.com.
(7) Central London – Keith attended another (most constructive) KISS production meeting. This was followed by a catch-up with one of the world’s leading comedy historians; Robert Ross, aka Lord Robert of Ross-shire. (“Great seeing you again, mate. It’s been too long!”) Several (many, many) beers were had by all… “Far too many, in all honesty. Phew!”
(6) USA – A nice leap up to the #12 position for the hardback Marilyn in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
- Leafy Berkshire – Further in-depth work on the forthcoming KISS movie…
(3 & 4) Leafy Berkshire – Two days of further, highly extensive, archive work on the new, official KISS movie, entitled, You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best…- Meanwhile, also on the 4th, Keith received another, mighty impressive job offer; one he just could not turn down. More news soon!
January 2014
(27 - 31) Leafy Berkshire – Another day of extensive research on the new, officially endorsed KISS-movie! Work on which continued for the remainder of the month.
- USA – Another Top 20 position! A rise of two positions for Marilyn, who was to be found at the no.19 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
(25) Leafy Berkshire…to the World – Official announcement, via webmistress, Anne Marie and his website, of Keith’s involvement, as Chief Archive researcher on the Officially endorsed, new KISS Movie, You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best. For the UK-side of things, he will be working with the (Monty Python, Status Quo etc.) director, Alan G. Parker, producer, Alexa Morris and (Dr. Who) editor, Ceres Doyle. It is Keith's second big assignment of the year… the other being a major one concerning The Fab Four!
(24) Central London, Editing Studio – meeting for an exciting new movie! All will be revealed tomorrow!
(23) USA – On the Amazon Best Sellers Rank, Keith’s paperback Marilyn was seen at #9 in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(22) South London – Another catch-up over a few glasses of wine with Keith’s dear, long-time mate, colleague, confidante, Tel.
(20 & 21) Leafy Berkshire – Work on this rather exciting “movie” project gets underway properly over these two days, which meant an abundance of emails and phone calls. Not to mention the highly exciting, unrelated Beatles project which is concurrently going on at the same time. (“All go here!” thankfully.)
(19) USA – Marilyn was still at the no.21 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
(15 - 17) Leafy Berkshire – head was down for some serious, Beatles-related typing. It carried on for three straight days, until Friday, January 17.
(14) Central London – meet-up with film producer, Alexa Morris. A most interesting discussion about an exciting new project was the topic of the day. More news soon! A further meet-up was pencilled-in for Friday of the following week. Also, a big hello to the X-Factor television presenter, Dermot O’Leary, who Keith encountered prior to his meeting.
(13) USA - Another leap up the listings. Marilyn climbed to the no.21 position, up from no.25 position, in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
- Work concluded on his latest RC article.
- Keith was also saddened to learn about the most untimely death of the editor, Andy Mathews, whom he worked with on The Beatles’ Anthology series. “He was a pleasure to operate with,” Keith recalled, “and most eager to answer my questions and share his experiences of the series with me.”
(10) Canada – Well, it had to happen. The paperback version of Keith’s Marilyn finally fell out of the Amazon Canada Hot, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies listings; and thus marked the end of an uninterrupted 29-week run in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
- Leafy Berkshire – Work began on Keith’s latest Record Collector Rockin’ piece; the one-off LWT/ITV show, What The Butler Saw, from 1974.
(7 – 9) Leafy Berkshire – Three more days of serious, heavy-duty typing on his new Beatles adventure.
(6) Leafy Berkshire – The first serious workday of 2014. Keith spent the hours carrying out further research on his forthcoming, rather interesting Beatles project. More news soon!
(5) USA – Oh yes! Another big race up the listings when Marilyn leaped to the no.25 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts, climbing sharply from the previous week’s no.86 position.
(3) UK – Many thanks to “Sleepless in Stonehenge (England)” for his/her 4 out of 5 stars review of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk. “Very good,” they wrote. “This is the first biography I’ve read about Monroe… Seems very thoroughly researched and in no part surprising.” A very Happy 2014 to you, Sleepless in Stonehenge!
(4) Canada – Marilyn stood at the #3 position in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 28-week run in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(1) Leafy Berkshire – A very Happy & Prosperous New Year to you all!
- USA – Another Top 20 position! A rise of two positions for Marilyn, who was to be found at the no.19 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
(25) Leafy Berkshire…to the World – Official announcement, via webmistress, Anne Marie and his website, of Keith’s involvement, as Chief Archive researcher on the Officially endorsed, new KISS Movie, You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best. For the UK-side of things, he will be working with the (Monty Python, Status Quo etc.) director, Alan G. Parker, producer, Alexa Morris and (Dr. Who) editor, Ceres Doyle. It is Keith's second big assignment of the year… the other being a major one concerning The Fab Four!
(24) Central London, Editing Studio – meeting for an exciting new movie! All will be revealed tomorrow!
(23) USA – On the Amazon Best Sellers Rank, Keith’s paperback Marilyn was seen at #9 in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section of the site.
(22) South London – Another catch-up over a few glasses of wine with Keith’s dear, long-time mate, colleague, confidante, Tel.
(20 & 21) Leafy Berkshire – Work on this rather exciting “movie” project gets underway properly over these two days, which meant an abundance of emails and phone calls. Not to mention the highly exciting, unrelated Beatles project which is concurrently going on at the same time. (“All go here!” thankfully.)
(19) USA – Marilyn was still at the no.21 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
(15 - 17) Leafy Berkshire – head was down for some serious, Beatles-related typing. It carried on for three straight days, until Friday, January 17.
(14) Central London – meet-up with film producer, Alexa Morris. A most interesting discussion about an exciting new project was the topic of the day. More news soon! A further meet-up was pencilled-in for Friday of the following week. Also, a big hello to the X-Factor television presenter, Dermot O’Leary, who Keith encountered prior to his meeting.
(13) USA - Another leap up the listings. Marilyn climbed to the no.21 position, up from no.25 position, in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts.
- Work concluded on his latest RC article.
- Keith was also saddened to learn about the most untimely death of the editor, Andy Mathews, whom he worked with on The Beatles’ Anthology series. “He was a pleasure to operate with,” Keith recalled, “and most eager to answer my questions and share his experiences of the series with me.”
(10) Canada – Well, it had to happen. The paperback version of Keith’s Marilyn finally fell out of the Amazon Canada Hot, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies listings; and thus marked the end of an uninterrupted 29-week run in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
- Leafy Berkshire – Work began on Keith’s latest Record Collector Rockin’ piece; the one-off LWT/ITV show, What The Butler Saw, from 1974.
(7 – 9) Leafy Berkshire – Three more days of serious, heavy-duty typing on his new Beatles adventure.
(6) Leafy Berkshire – The first serious workday of 2014. Keith spent the hours carrying out further research on his forthcoming, rather interesting Beatles project. More news soon!
(5) USA – Oh yes! Another big race up the listings when Marilyn leaped to the no.25 position in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts, climbing sharply from the previous week’s no.86 position.
(3) UK – Many thanks to “Sleepless in Stonehenge (England)” for his/her 4 out of 5 stars review of Marilyn on Amazon.co.uk. “Very good,” they wrote. “This is the first biography I’ve read about Monroe… Seems very thoroughly researched and in no part surprising.” A very Happy 2014 to you, Sleepless in Stonehenge!
(4) Canada – Marilyn stood at the #3 position in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 28-week run in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(1) Leafy Berkshire – A very Happy & Prosperous New Year to you all!
December 2013
(31) Leafy Berkshire/ The World – Well, the end of another year. 2013 has been so successful and spectacular in so many ways. And a Christmas No.1 to wrap-up the year too. Fingers crossed 2014 will be even better. See you then.
(28) Canada – Paperback Marilyn stood at the #2 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada; beaten to the Top Spot by Last of the Summer Wine by Alan Bell (“damn cheek,” I hear you cry). But anyway, Keith’s runners-up position meant that the paperback edition had been in either the Top 10 or 20 Charts for an uninterrupted, record-breaking, ground-breaking 27-week run! (It first troubled that listing on June 17 this year.)
(26) Italy – Boxing Day saw Marilyn at n.11 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” Kindle Store and n.30 in the “Libri > Arte, musica e cinema > Cinema e television” sections on Amazon Italy.
(25) Canada – Yes indeed. Keith achieved his first-ever Christmas No 1! And unsurprisingly, it was on Amazon Canada where the paperback Marilyn stayed at the Top Spot in the “Hot, best-selling new and future releases” section on the site. While on the same domain, on the very same day, the publication was to be found at #9 in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” area. Overjoyed to say the least! Happy Christmas everyone!
- Keith spent the great day, relaxing, chilling, and volunteering with his family at Oxford House, Berkshire. A most enjoyable day was had by all. (“Thanks to everyone for making the – potentially distressing - day so truly, truly special.”)
(21) Canada – Incredible! Just 9 days after its release, the paperback version of Marilyn raced back to the #1 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada. The good news didn’t end there! It also reached #1 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn”, the #13 spot in the “Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and the #15 position in the “Amazon Bestsellers” sections of the site. Will there be a Christmas No.1 we wonder?
- While in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts, Marilyn climbed sharply from 272 to the no.86 position.
- Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013 Christmas Tour continued with a return visit to John Barratt’s utterly fine bistro, for another round of fine conversation and top, top food, this time…sweet & sour Chicken. (“Thanks, John! You’re a top chef… and star!”)
(20) Italy –In Italy, in the Amazon.it Kindle Store, Keith’s Marilyn was to be found at n.11 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” listings on the site.
(19) Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013 Christmas Tour got underway.
(18) Leafy Berkshire – Via email, Keith was informed by Sarah Robertson of the Canadian Gage Group that the latest edition of ‘Contemporary Authors’ (edition 344) was due within the next three months. And why is that issue so important? Well, because it contains Keith’s entry!
(16) USA / Canada – Marilyn got off to a good start in the Macmillan Best-Selling paperback charts, even outstripping Python, Michael Palin’s Hemmingway’s Chair and Jackie As Editor, a book on the literary life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (As Frank Sinatra once said to me, “Never name drop.”)
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Keith penned his latest Rockin’ The Box, a tribute to the late, great Lou Reed who passed away in October. It was his final Record Collector article of the year. Here’s to 2014!!
(12) Italy – A nice leap up to the n.9 position for Marilyn in the “Kindle Store > eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section on Amazon Italy.
(11) South London – Another visit to the Big City…for a Christmas catch-up (and working lunch) with Keith’s old chum, Tel.
(10) USA / Canada / Berkshire – Well, it’s finally here! The softback version of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years was finally released. And on that day, it could be found in the #4 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 25-week straight run in either the Top 5, 10, 15 or 20 charts on the site. While on Amazon Italy, Marilyn could be found at n.47 in the Kindle Store “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the site.
- UK / Europe – On the same day, the superb 2013 movie, Good Ol’ Freda, on which Keith was archive consultant, received its UK TV premiere at 9pm on More4. (Quite a day indeed!)
(9) Leafy Berkshire – With just one day to go before its big US / Canadian release, Keith’s consignment of paperback copies of Marilyn arrived in the UK.
(8) Leafy Berkshire – Even more typing on the new, forthcoming, particularly exciting new Fab Four project.
(6) Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013, annual Birthday Tour got underway.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Further batch of typing on the new, forthcoming, rather exciting new Beatles project, which Keith has just been commissioned for.
(1) Canada – With just a week before its release, the upcoming Marilyn paperback was still to be found at #3 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada, which meant that it had been placed in that listing now for 24-straight weeks.
(28) Canada – Paperback Marilyn stood at the #2 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada; beaten to the Top Spot by Last of the Summer Wine by Alan Bell (“damn cheek,” I hear you cry). But anyway, Keith’s runners-up position meant that the paperback edition had been in either the Top 10 or 20 Charts for an uninterrupted, record-breaking, ground-breaking 27-week run! (It first troubled that listing on June 17 this year.)
(26) Italy – Boxing Day saw Marilyn at n.11 in the “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” Kindle Store and n.30 in the “Libri > Arte, musica e cinema > Cinema e television” sections on Amazon Italy.
(25) Canada – Yes indeed. Keith achieved his first-ever Christmas No 1! And unsurprisingly, it was on Amazon Canada where the paperback Marilyn stayed at the Top Spot in the “Hot, best-selling new and future releases” section on the site. While on the same domain, on the very same day, the publication was to be found at #9 in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” area. Overjoyed to say the least! Happy Christmas everyone!
- Keith spent the great day, relaxing, chilling, and volunteering with his family at Oxford House, Berkshire. A most enjoyable day was had by all. (“Thanks to everyone for making the – potentially distressing - day so truly, truly special.”)
(21) Canada – Incredible! Just 9 days after its release, the paperback version of Marilyn raced back to the #1 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada. The good news didn’t end there! It also reached #1 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn”, the #13 spot in the “Books > Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and the #15 position in the “Amazon Bestsellers” sections of the site. Will there be a Christmas No.1 we wonder?
- While in the Macmillan “Bestselling Paperback” charts, Marilyn climbed sharply from 272 to the no.86 position.
- Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013 Christmas Tour continued with a return visit to John Barratt’s utterly fine bistro, for another round of fine conversation and top, top food, this time…sweet & sour Chicken. (“Thanks, John! You’re a top chef… and star!”)
(20) Italy –In Italy, in the Amazon.it Kindle Store, Keith’s Marilyn was to be found at n.11 in the “Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” listings on the site.
(19) Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013 Christmas Tour got underway.
(18) Leafy Berkshire – Via email, Keith was informed by Sarah Robertson of the Canadian Gage Group that the latest edition of ‘Contemporary Authors’ (edition 344) was due within the next three months. And why is that issue so important? Well, because it contains Keith’s entry!
(16) USA / Canada – Marilyn got off to a good start in the Macmillan Best-Selling paperback charts, even outstripping Python, Michael Palin’s Hemmingway’s Chair and Jackie As Editor, a book on the literary life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (As Frank Sinatra once said to me, “Never name drop.”)
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Keith penned his latest Rockin’ The Box, a tribute to the late, great Lou Reed who passed away in October. It was his final Record Collector article of the year. Here’s to 2014!!
(12) Italy – A nice leap up to the n.9 position for Marilyn in the “Kindle Store > eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section on Amazon Italy.
(11) South London – Another visit to the Big City…for a Christmas catch-up (and working lunch) with Keith’s old chum, Tel.
(10) USA / Canada / Berkshire – Well, it’s finally here! The softback version of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years was finally released. And on that day, it could be found in the #4 position in the Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 25-week straight run in either the Top 5, 10, 15 or 20 charts on the site. While on Amazon Italy, Marilyn could be found at n.47 in the Kindle Store “eBook Kindle > Arte, cinema e fotografia > Cinema e television” section of the site.
- UK / Europe – On the same day, the superb 2013 movie, Good Ol’ Freda, on which Keith was archive consultant, received its UK TV premiere at 9pm on More4. (Quite a day indeed!)
(9) Leafy Berkshire – With just one day to go before its big US / Canadian release, Keith’s consignment of paperback copies of Marilyn arrived in the UK.
(8) Leafy Berkshire – Even more typing on the new, forthcoming, particularly exciting new Fab Four project.
(6) Leafy Berkshire – Keith’s 2013, annual Birthday Tour got underway.
(2) Leafy Berkshire – Further batch of typing on the new, forthcoming, rather exciting new Beatles project, which Keith has just been commissioned for.
(1) Canada – With just a week before its release, the upcoming Marilyn paperback was still to be found at #3 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada, which meant that it had been placed in that listing now for 24-straight weeks.
Saturday, 25 January 2014
New Photo
Monday, 6 January 2014
November 2013
(29) Canada – Still hanging in there. The upcoming Marilyn paperback (set for release in America / Canada in just two weeks time) was to be found at #3 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada. It meant that it had been placed in those listing for almost 24 straight-weeks!!
(26 – 27) Leafy Berkshire – With contracts duly signed, Keith duly put his head down and typed, for two straight days, text intended for the new, highly-exciting Beatles project.
(22) UK – The fiftieth anniversary of JFK’s tragic assassination and Keith was to be found discussing the tragic event and in particular his supposed relationship with actress, Marilyn Monroe on two BBC Radio shows.
- It’s announced that Good Ol’ Freda, the movie based on the life of The Beatles’ Fan Club secretary, Freda Kelly, on which Keith was the archive consultant, will be screened on More4 in the UK and Europe on December 10.
(21) London, West End – A day intended to be spent with legendary photographer, Philip Townsend, discussing a new project, didn’t quite (cough, cough) go to plan.
(20) Canada – The forthcoming Marilyn softback was to be found at #6 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
(19) Canada - The upcoming Marilyn paperback (set for release in America/ Canada on December 10) was to be found at the lofty #3 position in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 22-week in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(18) UK – It’s finally here! (Via UPS) The very first paperback copy of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years arrived in England! Thomas Dunne Books in New York did a truly superb job!! “Thank you all!”
- Leafy Berkshire – Record Collector magazine calls. A review of the superb new Gene Clark DVD, The Byrd Who Flew Alone and Keith’s latest Rockin’ The Box (Pop Goes New Year from 1983) were typed-out.
(16) Leafy Berkshire – That time again; a return appearance to John Barratt’s bistro. Chicken Curry (amongst the finest you could eat) was served and accompanied the fine conversation quite delightfully. (“Thanks, John, mate!”)
(14) 12 Bar Club, West End London – Book launch of the new, highly-recommended, Terry Rawlings/ Paul Spendell paperback, Brian Jones: The Final Truth (Rock Book Shop publications); another top night, with live bands & top, top company, including Nelson Bragg, Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys’ drummer. (“Sorry to bore you, mate with a multitude of questions about them!”)
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Another massive, exceptionally busy day of phone calls, emails, researching and typing, the latter two for the new, upcoming, still secretive Beatles project. Time was also spent today confirming to the newspaper, The Liverpool Echo Marilyn Monroe never once paid a visit to the city of Liverpool during her visit to our shores in 1956. (Thanks Anne Marie for the tip-off!)
(12) Leafy Berkshire – A busy day preparing and sending-out treatments of the Marilyn TV/movie idea, to contacts made at the Factual Televisual Festival the previous week…”nothing ventured, nothing gained, aye?”
(11) Canada - The upcoming Marilyn softback (set for release on December 10) was to be found at #8 in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 21-week in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(6 & 7) London, West End – Return appearance to the BAFTAs. Keith, as a guest of NBC America, was in attendance at the sold-out, prestigious, media, two-day, Factual Televisual Festival. A highly enjoyable time was had by all; after which, our Mr Badman hastily jumped onto the train (in true Beatlemania style) for an excursion to “Peter Lawford-land” to tie-up some loose-ends.
(4) Canada – The softback of Marilyn was at #8 in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 20-week, fifth-straight month run in either the Top 10 or 20 charts on the site. While it was also to be found – for the very first time - at #2 in the “Hot New Releases in People (( M ))” and at #5 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” sections of the site.
- The latest issue of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s piece on Peter Gabriel’s 1977 appearance on LWT/ITV’s Supersonic Saturday Scene, landed on door mats across the country.
(1) Canada - What a cracking start to the Month! Despite the fact it’s not set to be released for another 6 weeks, the softback edition of Keith’s Marilyn raced back to the #1 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
- Furthermore, it also climbed to the #6 position in the “Hot New Releases in Biographies”, the #12 slot in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and the #71 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers” listings on the site.
- While, on the same day, on the same site, the hardback version of the book was sitting in the #13 slot in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” chart. Phew!
(26 – 27) Leafy Berkshire – With contracts duly signed, Keith duly put his head down and typed, for two straight days, text intended for the new, highly-exciting Beatles project.
(22) UK – The fiftieth anniversary of JFK’s tragic assassination and Keith was to be found discussing the tragic event and in particular his supposed relationship with actress, Marilyn Monroe on two BBC Radio shows.
- It’s announced that Good Ol’ Freda, the movie based on the life of The Beatles’ Fan Club secretary, Freda Kelly, on which Keith was the archive consultant, will be screened on More4 in the UK and Europe on December 10.
(21) London, West End – A day intended to be spent with legendary photographer, Philip Townsend, discussing a new project, didn’t quite (cough, cough) go to plan.
(20) Canada – The forthcoming Marilyn softback was to be found at #6 in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
(19) Canada - The upcoming Marilyn paperback (set for release in America/ Canada on December 10) was to be found at the lofty #3 position in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 22-week in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(18) UK – It’s finally here! (Via UPS) The very first paperback copy of Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years arrived in England! Thomas Dunne Books in New York did a truly superb job!! “Thank you all!”
- Leafy Berkshire – Record Collector magazine calls. A review of the superb new Gene Clark DVD, The Byrd Who Flew Alone and Keith’s latest Rockin’ The Box (Pop Goes New Year from 1983) were typed-out.
(16) Leafy Berkshire – That time again; a return appearance to John Barratt’s bistro. Chicken Curry (amongst the finest you could eat) was served and accompanied the fine conversation quite delightfully. (“Thanks, John, mate!”)
(14) 12 Bar Club, West End London – Book launch of the new, highly-recommended, Terry Rawlings/ Paul Spendell paperback, Brian Jones: The Final Truth (Rock Book Shop publications); another top night, with live bands & top, top company, including Nelson Bragg, Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys’ drummer. (“Sorry to bore you, mate with a multitude of questions about them!”)
(13) Leafy Berkshire – Another massive, exceptionally busy day of phone calls, emails, researching and typing, the latter two for the new, upcoming, still secretive Beatles project. Time was also spent today confirming to the newspaper, The Liverpool Echo Marilyn Monroe never once paid a visit to the city of Liverpool during her visit to our shores in 1956. (Thanks Anne Marie for the tip-off!)
(12) Leafy Berkshire – A busy day preparing and sending-out treatments of the Marilyn TV/movie idea, to contacts made at the Factual Televisual Festival the previous week…”nothing ventured, nothing gained, aye?”
(11) Canada - The upcoming Marilyn softback (set for release on December 10) was to be found at #8 in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 21-week in the Top 5, 10 or 20 charts on the site.
(6 & 7) London, West End – Return appearance to the BAFTAs. Keith, as a guest of NBC America, was in attendance at the sold-out, prestigious, media, two-day, Factual Televisual Festival. A highly enjoyable time was had by all; after which, our Mr Badman hastily jumped onto the train (in true Beatlemania style) for an excursion to “Peter Lawford-land” to tie-up some loose-ends.
(4) Canada – The softback of Marilyn was at #8 in the Amazon Hot New, “best-selling new and future releases” in biographies section on Amazon Canada, and thus marked an uninterrupted 20-week, fifth-straight month run in either the Top 10 or 20 charts on the site. While it was also to be found – for the very first time - at #2 in the “Hot New Releases in People (( M ))” and at #5 in the “Best Sellers in Monroe, Marilyn” sections of the site.
- The latest issue of Record Collector, featuring Keith’s piece on Peter Gabriel’s 1977 appearance on LWT/ITV’s Supersonic Saturday Scene, landed on door mats across the country.
(1) Canada - What a cracking start to the Month! Despite the fact it’s not set to be released for another 6 weeks, the softback edition of Keith’s Marilyn raced back to the #1 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” section on Amazon Canada.
- Furthermore, it also climbed to the #6 position in the “Hot New Releases in Biographies”, the #12 slot in the “Humour & Entertainment > Movies > Biographies” and the #71 position in the “Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers” listings on the site.
- While, on the same day, on the same site, the hardback version of the book was sitting in the #13 slot in the “Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn” chart. Phew!
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