Christmas Messages from the FAC Board Chairs

As 2010 draws to a close, the 3 newly appointed Co-chairs of the FAC put together a few personal words about what they’ve been up to, and what’s coming in 2011…

Nick Mason (Pink Floyd)

“Originally I thought the FAC would involve me in a little light emailing and the occasional meeting…in fact it’s a torrent of emails and ideas, lots of meetings, talking and discussions, and apart from feeling like a really useful organisation, I should really admit it’s fun.

It’s fun because after forty odd years waving my arms in time with the music its an opportunity to share experiences with musicians from different genres and generations and hopefully actually put this to good use. As well as that there’s the chance to compare notes on all the weird and wonderful crew, engineers fans, record execs, managers, agents, and ‘colleagues’ that have decorated (or graffitied) our lives…..

I’m increasingly conscious of how talented and technically advanced so many young musicians are, and just how difficult it is to find a way in the 21st Century, with all its hi-tech developments and opportunities, to actually make a living in the music business. It would seem churlish not to try and find ways of helping as many of these people as possible. If we can’t help I’m not sure who can or will.

At the same time there are issues facing many older artists. Catalogues unavailable and copyrights running out just as the Freedom Pass comes through the door (yes, I’ve got mine!).

2010 has been extraordinary really. So many doors have been revealed that we haven’t even had time to open them all or explore beyond. We’ve generally had remarkable support and enthusiasm, not only from or members but also PPL & Fran Nevrkla in particular, along with the MMF. We’ve started to work alongside the Musicians’ Union, which particularly pleases me, since I’ve been a member since Humphrey Lyttelton insisted we should join when we supported them at a Cambridge May ball in 1966.

There’s lots more to say but this is probably going out as a tweet anyway, in which case I’ll distil it into 140 characters:

FAC=Torrent of meetings+organisation.Fun.C21 artists tech-clever,yet
need help.Oldies-Catalogues,copyrights.2010 doors opened.Thanks to PPL

And that’s what’s wrong with Twitter…..

Happy Christmas

Love

Nick”

Mick Mason (Pink Floyd). FAC Board Director and Co-Chair.

Ed O’Brien (Radiohead)

“Happy Christmas good people of the FAC and beyond…

I spent most of the last year in the studio working on our new album… I’m unable to deal with anything else when we’re recording… it’s all consuming and I can’t keep those plates spinning…

Despite this, had a brilliant couple of days with music students at Dartmouth and Falmouth… I’ve always been sceptical of schools/colleges that offer ‘popular’ music courses, but I’m happy to say it was more like art college. There are some great young musicians there making bold, innovative and exciting music, and some cool tutors/lecturers encouraging and challenging them. I learn as much from them, as they do from me… In fact I’m not sure what they learn from me, but I had a great time!

More of this in 2011 – have a great year and good luck to each and every one of you…

Ed”

Ed O’Brien (Radiohead). FAC Board Director and Co-Chair.

Sandie Shaw

“I have been a Chair of FAC for a few months now. It is a bit like riding a wild bucking bronco (this should only be attempted with a seat belt and a crash helmet). However, it is huge fun for me to exercise my skills at something I care deeply about, and at the same
time great entertainment for the crowd.

I know that if I fall off we now have an amazing team of artists to haul me back on again. It has also given me the unique opportunity to be sandwiched between Nick Mason (Oh He’s Only The Drummer) and Ed O’Brien (Daddy Long Legs). A benefit not to be underestimated.

I have never worked so hard, had so many sleepless nights, been so inspired or felt so at home with kindred spirits – The Dream Job then.

If you are not yet a member, you are on my list – I know where you live, and I am on fire, oh no, that’s my laptop!!

Sandie x x”

Sandie Shaw. FAC Board Director and Co-Chair.