Just About Me - The Forgotten Bits 1

Approx 1972, I was working for the solicitors, I had to walk from the Law Courts in the Strand to Somerset House, as I got closer I noticed a fairly large crowd standing outside, there was a side gate entrance to Somerset House and ignoring all the people I walked on in, as I got in I noticed a large statue in the courtyard covered by a large sheet, suddenly the crowd started to applaud a big black limousine, I stood still very near the statue, The Queen stepped out and unveiled the statue, funny thing is I don't recall her saying anything, she must have done so but I seem to remember her simply getting back in the car and driving off, not even a "Hello Paul".

In 1979, I worked for a company named ESS Security, I felt quite honoured to be asked to work as Front of House security for the Royal premier of the mega movie hit Alien , starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt and Veronica Cartwright. It was attended by Prince Charles , I also had to go to the same cinema all week because it was such a popular film and lots of people came to see it, I personally must have seen that film at least 20 times, I never liked it then and doubt I would now. Quite a few years later I worked with Joe on the premier of Miss Saigon, we did the after party on the South Bank of the River Thames, we were there all week whilst they erected a giant marquee, they then sailed down to the party on chinese junk's.

I only ever worked once at Wembley Arena, the concert was by the American group the Commodores, I was stationed on the door that led through to the dressing rooms when a tall black guy went to walk past me, I told him that without a pass he was not coming in, he replied that without him their was no show, then their ain't no show son says I. He turned and walked away, a short while later he returned on this time he had the promoter Harvey Goldsmith with him, Harvey asked me why I had refused the guy admission, he has no pass I said, he is Lionel Ritchie he says, I had never heard of him let alone knew what he looked like, in fairness he supported my stance, and the show went ahead. He didnt do too badly in the music game and I reckon I secretley helped his career along.