Robert Fripp

Robert Fripp's Diary

Friday 03 April 2009

DGM HQ A significant moment

09.50

DGM HQ.

A significant moment: David has come through the door bearing a cheque from DGM to RF, representing my part of the DGM positive-result of the EMI dissension. DGM does not pay me for my work in the Chamber of Venality, neither does it pay for my overview of the KC catalogue (which would probably best be referred to as Executive Production). Neither do I get paid from KC royalties for this work (a longer story). However, given that so much of my time is spent in administrative & dissentive wranglings, it seems likely that this will change.

This, and the more musically-oriented area of my responsibilities such as re-mastering, makes It pretty much impossible for me to earn a living as a working player while engaged in KC Executive Production activities. Probably 80% of my contribution to KC is unseen (and unpaid – did I mention that?).

In response to the question – when is KC going out again? – one possible answer might be:

When the Crims walks onstage, they bring 100%. To match their 100%, this represents 500% for me: because of the invisible 80%.

That’s roughly indicated, but roughly accurate nonetheless.

Back to the cheque: what happens when this significant moment of arriving-chequeness arrives?...

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It is carried upstairs & presented to Nicky Bookkeeper, moves into the system of moneyising, a system that has little resonance for me. My professional life is such that income appears in the form of cheques and/or wire transfers (on those occasions when I am paid, that is). While this makes me a happy boy, it is a process so far removed from anything tangible that I kinda understand the Argentinian way of doing business (read also Italian business procedures).

Big Ben is Vicarising…

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Mr. Stormy has given up the attempt to smile & drum simultaneously (cf 2nd April 2009)…

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… and is instead exercising the muscles around his mouth while listening…

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Some DGM visitors might consider even this a challenge too far for most drummers. May they be re-assured: our dear old Mr. Stormy is made of fiercer stuff than most drummers. After all, he is a plumber too.

The street I…

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II...

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10.45    Hugh the Fierce has recently arrived, weighed down by mobile aspects of the DGM Art Department.

Here in the Chamber of Venality, data transfers are underway.

13.21    A visit to the DGM Art Department…

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Hugh has many questions regarding the DGM Archive, such as where is this? when is this? who is the photographer?…

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This is 1979, at the end of the Frippertonics tour of Europe & North America. Hugh is impressed that I remember the photographer. This was a club in Montreal (possibly Quebec) and I had just asked the bar person for milk – jus des vaches, s’il vous plait.

Other archival items of terror, wonder & arising memories appear I…

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II…

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… crossing over into East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie with David Bowie during the Heroes sessions in 1977.

Contributing editor to Musician during its glory years under the editorship of Vic Garbarini…

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Saturday Night Live in 1979 with Phoebe Snow & Linda Ronstadt…

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Photo sessions in NYC c. 1984 I…

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II…

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With Rat Scabies & Captain Sensible at The Damned soundcheck (Hammersmith Odeon / Apollo 1982)…

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Well. Once upon a time, I had a musical career, if this photography is to be believed. Please note: this is all pre-Endless Grief.

Moving along the hall, I pass DGM Sound Archiving on the floor of the landing I…

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II...

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… the original cassette board recordings of The League Of Gentlemen (1980).

At the end of the corridor is the DGM Reception & Accounting Department where Nicky is tearing out her hair…

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… whenever she seriously considers the incomings & outgoings of my affairs.

Nevermind! I tell Nicky. This cheque for The Roches comes to $86!...

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That’s all right then. Quiescence returns…

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14.39    Discussion with David re: the present position of dissension & disputation with Sanctuary UMG.

15.24    A walk around the block I...

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II…

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III...

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… the first DGM office…

IV…

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V...

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VI...

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VII...

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VIII...

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IX...

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18.32    Nicky Bookkeeper has just left, Hugh the Fierce is going out the door. David remains upstairs. We have been checking Schizoid for the new version of Guitar Hero.

Lotsa e-flurrying. The May GC Course in Raft Island is full.

I have been proposed as a fellow for TED.  The applications for Oxford close on April 3rd. – hey! that’s today! - and the site suggests an application will take perhaps 2 hours. A massive influx of e-horror has kept this one unopened until today. The application involves what I see as personal trumpet blowing, as well as a lot of time. I don’t have 2 hours this evening to affirm that I am worthy of being a TED fellow because:

1.    I don’t feel I am;
2.    I need 2 hours’ practising guitar more than filling in an application form.

22.17    Practising. Hooray!

23.38 A large data-transfer is werning its way to a close. The floor has been waiting for this for some time.

Done!

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