I was recently asked this.
Which made me think...
What is my claim to fame?
If any?
My grandfather served with Montgomery in WW2
Does that count?
My ex girlfriend was a dancer in a Prodigy video?
1:13
Does that?
What about going on a two week bender with a Hollywood B celeb? Won't name them though.
I feel I have hardly lived an exciting life, but what about you?
Do you have a claim to fame?
I’m a nobody, I’ve known some extraordinary people though.
My brother set up Expedia.com. It was an idea until my brother met with them, when he left it was set up and fully operational. He is the computer whiz in the family and I’m the computer gee whiz.
My sister was married to the English singer Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep. She got the looks and personality in the family.
Thinking about it, I’m actually friends with some big name people who are remarkable. I’m a nobody though.
Originally Posted by svaglic
In the early 2000’s my brother had a couch set with very distinctive upholstery. At the time there was an American Home Shopping Network product they sold on TV. For the life of me I can’t remember if it was Flying Lure, Orbitrek, or yet another revolutionary mattress. Maybe Mojave sunglasses with the changeable lenses? Anyway in one commercial there was an American couple sat on a couch exactly like my brother’s. Practically I’m almost a TV star.
My mum’s sister divorced her then husband and married Big Daddy the famous wrestler from the 70s. On the day of my Grandad’s funeral in 1980 he turned up and left early to go to London to film Jim’ll Fix It.
This allows me to say: there is nothing as queer as folk, says my Uncle Shirley. (Real name Shirley Crabtree for those who don’t know).
He still owes me £1. I used to deal in records and he wanted a copy of The Seekers ‘We shall not be Moved’ - his entrance tune when he wrestled. I got him a copy and passed it on, but never got my money back.
I see John Parrot mentioned above, he lived in the next street to me as a kid. He's about 3 years older than me but we shared the same junior school and were in the same play of which he played the lead role of Aladdin.
I think I was just a street urchin IIRC.
From my own perspective - I once featured on Top Gear casually walking up the pit lane smoking a fag (back in the day). Had no idea Clarkson and the crew were there on the day but clocked it after recording a Top Gear show when VHS vids were the norm.
Also attended a book presentation from Johnny Herbert who after the Q & A, came and sat with us and chatted for about 15 mins about life and times. For a not so lofty guy, I remember thinking his hands were goalkeeper massive haha
Last edited by reggie747; 30th July 2022 at 14:55.
Both Vivian Westwood and Bob Geldof have called me a c**t
I once met comedian Peter Cooke at a party - ‘my mate says you’re a Demi-god of comedy’ - Peter - ‘tell your mate he’s a c**t’! - also at the party was police squad actor Leslie Nielsen who laughed his head off at Peters comment! - I should add I used to work at a well known film magazine hence the party invite
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Been in a west end show playing a guard on death row who injects and executes the condemned.. I’ve held their hand and cradled Madonna, Margot Robbie, Sienna Miller, Meg Ryan, Sacha Baron Cohen, Poppy & Cara Delevingne, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ruby Wax, Gemma Arterton, Anna Friel, Kate Winslett. I also help run a small soho members club frequented by celebs. I always have dance with Jarvis Cockers Mrs when they visit, in case anyone takes pictures of him doing his bad dad dancing. This Thursday I was with Gail Porter in soho having a few drinks. Many years ago Faye Dunaway made me a cup of tea, i was a photographer for 13 years and knew and used to work with her husband Terry O’Neill. Also worked with Terence Donovan and was at the Robert Palmer addicted to love video shoot. There’s more, but that’ll do for now
My grandad was the first British soldier into liberated Paris. It was on his daughters (my mum’s) 5th birthday. My gran was at home and it came on the news in the pub where she worked. It was her day off. Someone came to get her to listen to the wireless as she lived next door. She had no idea where he was. We have the BBC transcript of him being interviewed surrounded by Parisians and also have the newspaper cutting. He was clearly overwhelmed and is saying flowers, lipstick, kisses a lot.
I own one of Terence Donovan's LF Speed Graphic cameras — with full provenance including the auction catalogue. Unfortunately it's not one of TD's, "... made out of an old chest of drawers ...." LF cameras.
Last edited by sundial; 8th August 2022 at 12:48.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
When I was working in a country pub as a student, I'd get to serve Jack Charlton (world cup winner 1966 and ROI manager)
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I beat Stephen Hendry in a race to 7 racks at 8 ball pool.
As a very young Prison Officer, back in the late 1990's I was part of the escort team who took Peter McMullan ( Para Regt and IRA ) to court in York, I made it on News at 10 and Calendar News, a Yorkshire news channel.
No claim to fame myself really but i live a stones throw away from where loads of very famous music was recorded decades ago and some of the biggest stars on earth were here. Freddie Mercury, famous rock bands, that kind of thing
I am a King.
Used to be on TV every morning
I was in the second "N" of Morning on the Good Morning Britain opening titles
Skip to 1.45, I'm the one waving ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqv-...el=TvamArchive
I have in a small way worked for a large number of politicians and members of the Royal Family...not bad for a working class lad from Accrington.
I had a conversation with Torville and Dean on a New York street this year.
I hold the unofficial World Record for the most money raised for charity involving imitation ants.
Last edited by unclealec; 30th July 2022 at 10:45.
Jim Davidson ( comedian ) tried some of my dinner in a curry house in the late 80's....does that count ?
Best Neil
I don't think I've got a personal claim to fame... I was approached by a TV studio wanting to feature my shop on a post-covid "bounce-back" sort of show but I didn't really fancy that.
Met loads of famous people, I've played (and been comprehensively beaten by!) some famous players at darts and snooker, and I've bumped into what feels like the entire cast of Coronation Street on various nights out in Manchester.
Until recently we had a Premier league footballer next door and an lesser known actor (stage and screen) living opposite. Both have now moved. Maybe they didn't like my BBQ skills.
**edit - a real highlight was playing poker against Vicky Coren and Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott in a tournament in Nottingham many years ago. Only famous in certain circles I suppose but a big deal to poker players I'd say.
Last edited by kevkojak; 30th July 2022 at 10:01.
That brings back memories!
In 2018 I got a Nautilus from a UK AD without any previous purchase history
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Antony Cotton*from Corrie once told me he liked my trainers whilst out in Manchester.
Beat that
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I played against Mako Vunipola in a 7s tournament at school. I think I probably broke my little finger (of all things) trying to tackle him.
Absolute beast even at 15.
I propped against Geoff Rowe.
I was drinking with Anthony in Wellington Bks mess after this year’s Trooping the Colour.Antony Cotton*from Corrie once told me he liked my trainers whilst out in Manchester.
Beat that
Smashing chap.
Was neighbour of Ran’ Fiennes for a few years.
Would talk over the gate as he jogged on the spot during his daily run.
My historical claim is that in 1710 an ancestor was the last Lord Mayor of London to attend the inauguration parade on horseback. The story is that he was so drunk he kept falling from his steed. After that all new Lord Mayors were transported by carriage, which led directly to the construction of the famous gold coach that’s still in use today.
Charlie and Ronnie drank at the pub i worked in for a couple of summers. nice blokes could seriously hold their beer.
Bob Dylan gave me $4.50
Christian Sarron tutored me on a track for half a day.
'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.
I had to look her up, just saying...mind you I´m clueless on ´celebs´ in general.
Chatting with Lady Archer in her dressing gown whilst she stroked her ginger pussy.
Breaking wind in Princess Anne's Scimitar.
Did you get to wear any more of her clothes?
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
I remember a similar thread from 9 years ago, does that count?
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...ght=claim+fame
Cheers,
Gary
I knew we had done it before, but didn't seem like 9 years ago!
Cheers..
Jase
A mate recently found a video on YouTube from a illegal rave in Cambridge in 1992, Im on it a few times dancing away completely off my tits, hope my kids never see it!
Cheers..
Jase
…pinched Paula Yate’s arse on live TV at a concert in the 80’s
Got thoroughly drunk in a Clontarf bar with Paddy Crerrand & Wilf McGuiness
Been clay pigeon shooting with Eric Cantona
Robbie Brightwell was a schoolmate of my Dads
Robbie and Anne Packer were at my mum and dad’s wedding.
My first wife used to work for Robbie at Le Coq Sportif in Holmes Chappel.
A friends daughter babysits for their son who plays for Man City
My uncle was a groom at the Queens stud.
One afternoon, the stud manager was having tea on his lawn with an old lady.
Old lady: Good afternoon Eric
Uncle Eric: Good afternoon Mam.
Old lady: Hello young man.
8 year old me: Hello
Me to Eric: who’s that?
Eric: That’s the Queens mum.
I was asked to go on Radio Northampton to talk about computers when I was fifteen but my parents had arranged to go on holiday the same day so I had to listen to Wayne Smith whilst we were driving out of town, he had an Atari and only played games and didn't know anything about programming or anything. Knob.
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
Hardly claims to fame but were for me in a small way...
David Coverdale (Whitesnake) was in my class at school and best mate, We used to train together in athletics, he being a good discus thrower and I was at javelin. Took his 2 Alsation dogs on Saltburn beach a few times. Lost touch when he joined Deep Purple but he came to see me once when he was in Deep Purple.
Went to see him recently at Newcastle Arena but security was too tight and missed him. If he could have met anyone that night in the audience I would have been the chosen one LOL.
My Dad was friendly with Geoff Boycott and he stayed at our house a couple of times in the late 50's.
Police career...
Waded in to some Skinheads once and pulled a lad out damaging railway property.... turned out to be the UK's most wanted football hooligan. I was commended and rewarded by the British Transport Police and a commendation from my own Chief Constable.
Went on the World's longest overland expedition (Comex) as a winner of best Police Cadet for 3 years running.
Later career in audio.....
Some notable clients ... Sacha Distel, Peter Sallis, Dirty Den off East Enders, Ellery Hanley (Rugby), Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece. Steve Gibson (Director Middlesbrough FC).
Asked to go to Abbey Rd Studio 2 to evaluate some speakers. John Williams (Classical guitar) was there and asked me to advise him on speakers for his own studio. Advised Steve Hackett (ex Genesis) too on home & studio speakers.
Invited to go to the 2012 Prog Rock Awards and met loads of giants of rock, too many to mention.
Dan Spitz the former Anthrax guitarist and now master watchmaker follows me on Instagram.
What do I win?
Forgot to mention I did some BBC broadcasts about hifi and home cinema and phone in's from the public. That was nerve-wracking!
Babette Cole illustrated my first published story
I cycled Lands End to John o groats with Dermot Murnaghan, I had no idea who he was until the last day. Decent bloke who always took his turn on the front.
I cycled Lands End to John o groats with Dermot Murnaghan, I had no idea who he was until the last day. Decent bloke who always took his turn on the front.
Also played football with Mark Lawrinson.
I humbled the (U.S.) S.E.C. back in the '80s when they arrogantly decided to charge me along with a handful of tech execs. After two weeks of trying to make their case in federal court, the judge issued a Summary Dismissal, saying not only did the S.E.C. fail to prove its case, they actually proved my innocence! The judge ordered the S.E.C. to pay my lawyer fees, which exceeded $300k. The business editor of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune dedicated a full column to the debacle.
From the age of 15 I worked in a local night club called the rock garden flipping burgers to rocker's on a Friday night and new wave, punk rockers on a Saturday night.
At that time I was an avid listener to John peel and working in the club was a dream.
I saw some things!
I would turn up to watch the sound checks on many occasions and met lots of groups in their early days.
One of many things stand out, sting of the police asking were to get some food, the local chippy called yk chow was always a winner.
Gary numan of the then tubeway army buying drinks and generally not being serious!
Wish I had a camera then.
Cor, that's a good one. Well done. :-)I humbled the (U.S.) S.E.C. back in the '80s when they arrogantly decided to charge me along with a handful of tech execs. After two weeks of trying to make their case in federal court, the judge issued a Summary Dismissal, saying not only did the S.E.C. fail to prove its case, they actually proved my innocence! The judge ordered the S.E.C. to pay my lawyer fees, which exceeded $300k. The business editor of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune dedicated a full column to the debacle.
When I swam competitively, I shared a (communal) shower with David Wilkie and neither of us dropped the soap for the other to pick up :-)
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