Extracts
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Update
from eBeast - 18th May 2007:
Dear Camel Fans,
At long last, our return to England is complete. As with most things, it has taken far longer than we had anticipated, but most things do it seems. It was more than worth the effort. We are both so happy to be back home.
This eBeast is more of a personal message. We would like to share some personal news with you:
Back in 1992, when Camel had well and truly returned to the forefront of their musical niche, Andrew began to display some unusual physical symptoms that necessitated a visit to the doctor. After some tests, he was diagnosed with a little-known blood disorder called Polycythaemia Vera (PV). It's rather like an upside-down leukaemia where there are too many red blood cells as opposed to too many white blood cells. For most, fortunately, PV is a slow-moving disorder and it hasn't had a tremendous impact on our daily lives. In fact, it has been quite cooperative. However, it is a progressive disorder, and has a very specific course that it runs if the patient responds well to treatment. Andrew has responded very well to all the treatments, at each stage, and seems to have been on a very 'normal' course. As time has passed, his health has gradually become less robust as it once was. Many of you know that he lost his voice on the past two tours, and a couple of shows had to be cancelled due to illness (Camel's only performance in Ireland). His immune system has to work harder than normal, and being exposed to such a demanding tour schedule with so many different environments, it has been taxed considerably. He has had to deal with more than his fair share of colds, chest and/or throat infections. Nothing terribly serious, but it's not conducive to intensive touring. Ultimately, we were forced to announce the Farewell Tour, though Andrew was already thinking about the 'Retirement Sucks' tour.
We have now come to the latter stage of PV, and a condition known as Myelofibrosis (MF) is taking its place. Once again, this isn't necessarily a fast-moving disorder. It can be for some, but Andrew is a strong-willed person and has virtually followed the medical text-book to date. I feel he will continue on this positive route. His physical symptoms have changed thought, and they're having a more direct effect on our lives than the PV symptoms. Fatigue is the most common symptom, and with the recent move, we have both been considerably more tired than usual, so it's not surprising. Andrew would be the first to tell you that he isn't exactly speedy when it comes to writing music that satisfies his heart. MF is having a direct effect on this, so he's slower than he has been in the past. But he's still thinking/writing/playing. The spirit is willing, the flesh is a little under the weather at times.
There are a couple of reasons we have elected to tell you about this. The first is, of course, that he hasn't been in the limelight of musical output of late. Rather than continue the roaring sound of silence, we wanted to let you all know why. The other reason is a bit more down to earth. You have all been much like an extended family to us, and we feel you should know. Your support, both emotional and financial, has accorded us a life of musical freedom, and we have said many times in the past that we are eternally grateful. We say it again.
That, in a nutshell, is how things are with us. We have thought that some of you may want to write to Andrew. Since he needs to conserve his energy to focus on musical pursuits and his general health, he won't be able to receive nor reply to emails. Instead, we have set up a special Guest Book where you can post words of encouragement. That way, Andrew can easily read them when he has the opportunity, and take strength from your words. Remember, just because there has been a medical diagnosis, life is not therefore cast in stone. The power of our determination is the only thing that can impress a stone.
We see this glass as more than half full, and not empty in any way. Presently, we are looking for a home to buy, where we can build a new studio and get on with the business we both love. It's easy to look at the darker side of life, but I was certainly never one to take the easy path. There are so many blessings in our lives that deserve far more acknowledgement, from the simple song of the blackbird, to the strong relationship we have shared for nearly 30 years now. One of the beautiful things about this stage of life is gaining the understanding that it's really all about the little details, things that happen in the unexpected swiftness of a breeze. They are moments that make up the true quality of our lives. Everything in life is only as significant as we make it. That is the wonder of choice, where we think we have none.
Our choice is to keep our eyes on the prize. We were given this life to live, not to stand idly by and watch what falls upon us. We are planning a new studio album and we are looking at the feasibility of some brief, mini-tours, as it were, as opposed to a 3 month odyssey of consecutive rehearsal and performance dates, with nothing but travel in between. Not only do we know that isn't good for Andrew's health, we just don't want to do it any more. Once Upon a Time, it was incredibly exciting to go from city to city, crammed on a bus, playing cards, watching the horizon change and fall behind with ever new horizons to chase. We think we'd like to stroll through it all now, taking a bit more time to savour those horizons and expand the pleasure of more intimate performances.
Life isn't easy, nor fair. No one ever said it would be. But we can take life easier, and that's the special give of life for us right now. Yesterday, 17th May, was Andrew's birthday. For me, it was the best day that ever happened in the Universe.
With our fondest regards to each and everyone of you,
Susan Hoover
Update
from eBeast - 22nd October 2006:
Postcard from Andy
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to send you a card to tell you I'm now permanently back in England and really chuffed to be back home. I've had lots of reuninons with good friends, and am particularly enjoying catching up on old times.
It won't be long now, before my studio is set up again and I can return to the joy of recording.
I'm told that our website and shop will be back in business before xmas, and that we'll have the 1984 concert, Total Pressure, on DVD. Blimey! Was I ever that young?
Hope this message finds you all well. Must dash. It's time to feed the camels.
Cheers,
Andy Lat
Update
from eBeast - 13th May 2006:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast May 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- WHO'S ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON?
-- TOTAL PRESSURE -- COMING SOON!
-- HIGHLY'S MERCHANT SHOP NEWS
-- WORDS FROM ANDY
Hello Camel Trackers
WHO'S ON THE DARK
SIDE OF THE MOON?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring of 2006 has seen a great deal of unexpected activity behind the scenes.
Earlier this spring, Andrew Latimer was approached by Andy Fairweather Low
and asked if he would be interested in joining Roger Waters on his forthcoming
tour. It seems that Roger is touring this summer, and will be performing the
whole of Dark Side of the Moon during the second half of the concert. Roger
needed a guitarist who could play, and sing, like David Gilmour.
As Andrew is always interested in new challenges, and especially such an interesting
one, he presented Roger with the appropriate material and then met with the
band for a rehearsal. As there was no question about his playing ability,
his vocal ability was all that needed proving. Although their voices are very
similar in many aspects, Gilmour sings fully one and a half tones above Latimer's
range and this put a fierce strain on his vocal chords. On recent Camel tours,
Andrew has encountered difficulties with singing due to the general pressure
he was under. Realising his voice wouldn't manage an entire tour, Andrew and
Roger "had a good ol' chin wag" about the feasibility of his doing
it, and agreed it was too risky. Thus the guitarist appearing on the Roger
Waters tour will be Dave Kilminster.
Of course we at CP were just a tad disappointed, but Andrew so enjoyed the experience, the excitement was palpable. Hearing his reports that Roger was a "gracious and really nice bloke" made the experience that much more memorable for all of us. Roger has invited Andrew and Susan to the London and Shoreline performances, so if you're up for a great concert you just might see them there. We're all certainly going to a show (check out http://www.roger-waters.com for info). All at CP wish Roger, and his band, a successful tour. And, of course, you never know what the future may hold. Afterall, who would have thought Andrew might one day be on stage playing Pink Floyd?!
TOTAL PRESSURE --
COMING SOON!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As you can imagine, this flurry of activity disrupted CP. Andrew likes to
personally autograph the DVDs whenever possible, and does so when he comes
back to the USA. Dividing their time between the US and the UK has meant unpredictable
schedules for both Andrew and Susan, but we are now able to tell you that
Total Pressure will soon be in production. It really is a great pleasure to
bring this project to fruition, since it is no longer available on VHS.
Here are the details of this long-awaited, release:
Total Pressure is
the entire concert recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in 1984, and is presented
in wide screen format and without added story visuals to interrupt the flow
of the concert.
For unknown reasons, PolyGram reportedly erased the original master tapes
of Camel's 1984 concert two years after recording. That master contained four
tracks that were not included on the Pressure Points video/DVD. A safety copy
had been made during post-production, however the sound is not of the same
quality as the originally released Pressure Points. Therefore, CP has decided
to present these four "lost tracks" as added material.
Also offered as bonus material is the brief interview with Andrew Latimer that had formed a portion of the Mirror Image program, which aired on UK television in 1985. Once again, the master tape was erased, and a production copy is all that remains. While not of the best quality, it is nonetheless part of Camel's history, and Camel Productions has had many requests for this short interview to be released. There won't be a better time to do so. Total Pressure is the perfect outlet for offering this rare footage, making it, at long last, truly total:
TRACK LISTING
Pressure Points
Drafted
Captured
Lies
Refugee
Vopos
Stationary Traveller
West Berlin
Fingertips
Sasquatch
Wait
Cloak and Dagger Man
Long Goodbyes
Rhayader
Rhayader Goes to Town
Lady Fantasy
ADDED PRESSURE:
La Princess Perdue
Unevensong
Never Let Go
Hymn to Her
BONUS MATERIAL:
A brief interview with Andrew Latimer for Mirror Image, originally aired in
the UK in 1985.
HIGHLY'S MERCHANT
SHOP NEWS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Due to the many requests we've received, CP will again take PREORDERS for
t-shirts when we accept them for the Total Pressure DVD. Don't forget that
your card will be charged immediately, but your shirt and/or DVD will not
ship until our preorder limit is met. Also, we ship all orders at once, so
when stock is in, your order will go out in the sequence it was received.
Preordering has been very successful at CP, chiefly because we don't offer
anything until we are well into production and have a very clear idea of delivery
dates. As soon as we're ready, we'll let you know.
Cheers from The Merchanteers
Paris, Emma, and Harry.
WORDS FROM ANDY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just like to add my warm wishes to you all as I've been absent for a while.
The writing of a new project is progressing well, but as you have heard there's
been a few distractions. Hearing from Andy Fairweather and consequently meeting
Roger was an extremely enjoyable experience. It all happened very quickly
and before I knew what was happening I was playing "Comfortably Numb"
at full blast somewhere in London. The band sounded great, and then...Roger
asked me to belt out "Breathe". Singing softly, I could manage it,
but needing to belt it out was a whole other story. I did a fairly croaky
rendition (Tom Waits would have been envious) but the cruncher was "Wish
you were here". Roger, forever the quintessential Englishman, smiled
and said "bit high for you?" We talked for quite awhile. What a
nice chap he is, very easy to talk to. I felt like I'd known him for ages.
The rest of the band were equally friendly, especially Andy F. and Snowy White
-- great blokes. So, all in all a great journey, most enjoyable. Dave Kilminster
got the gig and although I don't know much about him, I am sure Roger made
a good choice. I wish them well and look forward to attending a show.
Even though we have been a little quiet for some time, focusing on moving,
you are still very much in our thoughts. So thanks again for your never ending
support. We'll be back soon.
My best wishes,
Andy
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
web: http://www.camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update from eBeast - 30th
December 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE NATURE OF THE eBEAST DECEMBER 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAREWELL 2005
-- RELEASES IN THE PIPELINE
-- CAMEL AT AMAZON.COM
-- A PERSPECTIVE FROM SUSAN HOOVER
Greetings Camel Trackers,
This will be the last of CP's 2005 eBeast newsletters. We're all enjoying a short break now and we'll be back on 3rd January, when Highly Collectable's merchant shop will reopen.
But before this year's
end, Emma, Harry, Sean and I wanted to send everybody our very personal wish
of peace and goodwill.
RELEASES IN THE PIPELINE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We also want to let you know what's in the pipeline. CP is working on obtaining
the necessary licenses to release 1976 and 1977 live recordings as a whole.
As soon as the agreement and the licensing fees are sorted, and manufacturing
is underway, we'll open for our preorders. We'll let you know when we're ready.
CP is also giving every effort to releasing, on DVD, Total Pressure, the full
concert recorded at London's Hammersmith Odeon, portions of which are contained
on Pressure Points. Previously released on VHS, Total Pressure was, for a
time, out of print. CP once again has the rights to release this great concert,
including the unreleased tracks that were allegedly erased by PolyGram shortly
after Pressure Points had been released. We continue to say allegedly because
we live in hope that, one day, these tracks will be discovered in some attic
or basement in a London borough. It still seems unbelievable that the tracks
were erased, but that is what PolyGram informed the band back in 1985 and
they have yet to be found. It's pure luck that the band had copies. And if
you're wondering why the tracks weren't included originally, it was because
Decca and PolyGram thought the footage was too dark. While darker than the
rest (stage lighting was brightened during the show), it is still superb footage
of some great tracks. Total Pressure is the entire concert and doesn't have
the extra visuals included on Pressure Points.
More details to follow in the New Year.
CAMEL AT AMAZON.COM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CP has linked with Amazon.com to enable fans to purchase, via one-click, much
of Camel's back catalogue and, the band will earn a little money from each
sale. CP emphasizes 'a little money', as that's not the object. All recordings
prior to 1991 (Dust and Dreams) are owned by Decca Records/Universal Records
(the one exception being the first Camel album on MCA which is also owned
by Universal now), and can't be offered directly by CP without a license agreement.
With so many titles, this isn't possible, so CP is pleased to be able to offer
the next best thing: a reliable source for purchase.
You can't combine any purchases at Highly Collectable's shop with purchases
at Amazon. Any order you place through Amazon.com is filled and shipped by
Amazon.com. Once you order from them, you'll be dealing directly with them.
Of course, we hope you'll do the majority of your shopping with us before
you click through to Amazon to get those titles CP is unable to offer. For
a list of titles offered at Amazon click here.
That's it from The Merchanteers. Thanks to you all for allowing us to keep our jobs. We're looking forward to seeing you next year.
Paris, Emma, Harry and Sean.
A PERSPECTIVE FROM
SUSAN HOOVER
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As many of you know, there is a track on Harbour of Tears titled The Hour
Candle. Andrew wrote this track shortly after the death of his father, Stan
Latimer, in 1993. He called it The Hour Candle because we lit a small candle,
in his memory, which burned for almost an hour. During the hour, we would
sit with the candlelight and reminisce the good -- and not so good -- times
that all families have. We would cry. We would laugh. Sitting with a little
flame for this little hour gave us both enormous comfort. It seemed to bring
Stan into the room with us, as if he were visiting. When the flame went out,
always by itself, for we never blow out an Hour Candle, we would watch the
smoke trail upwards, swirling as it dissipated. The hour always went quickly
by, but we felt we could bring him back to us by lighting another candle.
As these 12 years have passed, we have maintained this tradition, expanding
it to lighting a candle not just for those who had passed away, but for anyone
whom we thought needed comfort, including ourselves. During 2005, we burned
many Hour Candles. Somehow, it has seemed a long year, with disasters on colossal
scales. When, last year, I wrote of our personal experience of having family
in the Tsunami zone, I could have no idea of the natural disasters our world
was yet to face. With each catastrophe, we personally became more aware of
our good fortunes, our blessings.
Andrew and I have our own challenges to face each day, as many do. I know that ours paled in comparison to the events of 2005. We contributed financially, but it felt inadequate. Ultimately, I chose to take a path that led me to New Orleans, where I volunteered on the Animal Rescue team. It was a recent trip, so I did not deal with the horrors of earlier days. But I was still quite overwhelmed by the tremendous need. I quickly found that I would not only meet animals in need. In the unimaginable devastation of the Lower 9th Ward, where the animals have a basic need to be fed because their humans will not likely return again, I also met humans with a very basic need: someone to listen. They had stories to tell, but among the ruins that surrounded them, there was no one to listen. In the Lower 9th Ward, I found a great and unexpected reward, simply for the taking. I listened. Sometimes for a few minutes; sometimes much longer. I found qualities in these people that made me think much kinder of our species. They taught me a different perspective on respect, and acceptance. And they taught me a very different perspective on need. No one, during the entire time I was there, ever asked me for a thing. But many, many people thanked me, for no obvious reason. I wanted to thank them, but it seemed so inappropriate. Instead, I listened. I shook hands. I said, 'Take care'. Thankfully, what is often a throwaway platitude was taken from the heart. I have never experienced such warmth and tenderness from the touch of a human I knew I would never see again, yet never forget. I think they gave me far more than I gave them.
So this year, when we light our Hour Candle at midnight, we truly hope you will light yours. If it can't be at midnight, light it whenever you can sit with that tiny light, for just an hour, to reflect on those we've known & loved, those we do love, and the many good fortunes of our lives--those blessings we all have but somehow overlook when the tougher aspects of life get over our heads. Light a flame for the sake of it. For the sake of just listening to any heart that has something to say, even if it's merely the sound of your own heart beating. That is absolutely worth listening to.
We wish you all good health, happiness and, as always, peace in your life.
Susan Hoover
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update
from eBeast - 14th December 2005:
December
2005
Greetings Camel Trackers!
Just a quick reminder from The Merchanteers that Highly Collectable's Merchant Shop will close for a holiday break as of 22nd December 2005. Until then, The Merchanteers are happily packing presents.
Thanks to our wonderful new shop and system, CP will not close for such a lengthy period of time this season. We'll reopen on 2nd January 2006, in case anyone is in need of a belated gift. But if you get your orders in now, you won't be caught short.
We'll have more news just before we close.
Cheers from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
web: http://www.camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update
from eBeast - 13th October 2005:
October 2005
CAMEL FOOTAGE II now shipping!
-- NOW AVAILABLE - click on the image to order now
-- T-SHIRTS IN STOCK - click on image to order
Camel Trackers...
As soon as the ink is dry on Andrew Latimer's personal autograph,
the Merchanteers are stuffing, packing, taping and shipping the new Camel
Footage II DVD.
NOW AVAILABLE - click on the image to order now
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It won't be in the shops for another week! For CAMEL FOOTAGE II details and
track listing, click on the image.
T-SHIRTS IN STOCK - click on image to order
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As well as our new Rain Dances re-issue shirt, Moonmadness t-shirts are in
stock. Both are selling very well, so don't miss out. Once stock is depleted,
CP will again accept only preorders, so delays are possible.
It's back to work and...
Cheers from The Merchanteers
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update from eBeast - 26th September 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast September 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CP IS OPEN FOR PREORDERS!
-- PREORDER NOW: CAMEL FOOTAGE II -- $20
-- NOSTALIGIA RULES: Rain Dances T-Shirts
eBeasters,
Highly Collectable’s Merchant shop is now accepting preorders
for Camel Footage II.
PREORDER NOW: CAMEL FOOTAGE II -- $20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Click on the image, and you will be cordially transported to
our order chamber.
In case you didn’t receive our last eBeast newsletter, here are the details:
Aristillus – (Intro)
Arubaluba – (Guildford Civic Hall, 1973)
White Rider – (Hammersmith Odeon, 1976)
Another Night - (Hammersmith Odeon, 1976)
Rhayader – (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Rhayader Goes To Town -(Sight & Sound The Hippodrome 1977)
Skylines - (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Highways Of The Sun - (Sight & Sound, The Hippodrome, 1977)
Never Let Go - (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Lies – (The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1981)
Drafted - (Hammersmith Odeon, 1984)
Slow Yourself Down – (The Troubadour, Los Angeles, 2000)
Eyes Of Ireland - (The Troubadour, Los Angeles, 2000)
Fox Hill – (The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, 2003)
The Last Farewell – (Outro)
Running time: Approximately 80 mins.
Official release date: 10th October 2005
Price: $20
Remember, there are NO REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS. This means you can play it on any player that accepts NTSC in conjunction with a television that accepts the NTSC signal. Check with the shop or manufacturer of your equipment if you’re not sure.
NOSTALIGIA RULES: Rain Dances T-Shirts
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the Moonmadness shirt has been such a success, CP has decided to offer
the 1977 Rain Dances shirt for a touch of nostalgia. Faithfully reproduced
from the original, the shirt is dark blue with white print.
CP is testing the waters to see if a size medium will be successful, so be aware that size medium may be a limited offer. It will remain on offer only if it proves successful.
All shirts (except for tour tees) are now available for preordering.
If you’re thinking of buying t-shirts as Xmas presents, please don’t
leave it too long as stock may not be readily available.
DON'T FORGET-- preordering means your order will not go out until stock is
fully available. You will be in the queue to get the first copies or shirts
that come in. We will not ship anything separately, either. If you order an
in-stock item along with a preorder item, it will not ship before all items
are in stock. CP anticipates shipping within the next 2-3 weeks.
And yes, Andrew Latimer will autograph the new DVD.
Cheers from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Emma, Harry & Sean
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update from eBeast - 15th September 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast September 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAMEL FOOTAGE II -- coming soon!
-- From Camel Productions
Greetings Camel Trackers,
Camel Footage II is now in manufacturing. Here is the track listing:
Aristillus (Intro)
Arubaluba (Guildford Civic Hall, 1973)
White Rider (Hammersmith Odeon, 1976)
Another Night (Hammersmith Odeon, 1976)
Rhayader (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Rhayader Goes To Town (Sight & Sound The Hippodrome 1977)
Skylines (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Highways Of The Sun (Sight & Sound, The Hippodrome, 1977)
Never Let Go (Sight and Sound at The Hippodrome, 1977)
Lies (The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1981)
Drafted (Hammersmith Odeon, 1984)
Slow Yourself Down (Acoustic version at The Troubadour, Los Angeles, 2000)
Eyes Of Ireland (Acoustic version at The Troubadour, Los Angeles, 2000)
Fox Hill (The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, 2003)
The Last Farewell (Outro)
Running time: 80 mins
Official release date: 10th October 2005
Price $25
Remember, there are NO REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS. This means you can play it on
any player that accepts NTSC in conjunction with a television that accepts
the NTSC signal. Check with the shop where you purchased your equipment, or
the manufacturer if you’re uncertain.
CP will soon begin accepting preorders. This brief missive is to provide the promised details concerning the track listing and anticipated release date. As soon as CP is open for preorders, you’ll hear from us again.
Cheers from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Emma, Harry & Sean
From Camel Productions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
web: http://www.camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update from eBeast - 16th August 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast August 05
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- HIGHLY'S LIKELY TO STAY
-- NEW DVD: CAMEL FOOTAGE II
-- ABOUT PREORDERS...
-- FAREWELL TOUR DVD/CD
Greetings Camel Trackers,
HIGHLY'S LIKELY TO
STAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Highly Collectable's Merchant Shop is likely to stay put for the time being.
The Merchanteers have hatched an idea to make things a bit easier for Andrew
Latimer and Susan Hoover as they enter the next phase of moving continents.
Actually, it was Harry's suggestion (the idea of his retirement has already
lost its appeal) to keep Camel's shop going here in the USA until everything
is in place in the UK, which may yet be a considerable period of time.
Andrew and Susan must not only find a new home, but also new business premises, a new internet shop site, new merchant provider and new payment gateway processor. Our memories of the extraordinary length of time it took to revamp our shop page and get it functioning properly (more than 8 months, and the whole time the shop was closed!), brought us to this simple solution.
So Highly Collectable's Shop will remain as is for an indefinite period, and that means CP can now restock merchandise, and we can offer some new goodies, too...
NEW DVD: CAMEL FOOTAGE
II
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The legal processes are reaching a conclusion and soon, CP's Camel Footage
II DVD will be available. The entire track listing can't be released until
the licenses are all sorted out but it will be every bit as collectable as
Footage I, with approximately 80 mins. of recorded performances throughout
the band's career, including some never-before-seen clips.
Confirmed tracks are: Another Night (recorded at London's Hammersmith Odeon
in 1976), Skylines (BBC Sight & Sound, 1977) and an acoustic version of
Slow Yourself Down (recorded at the Troubadour in 2000).
To avoid any disappointments regarding delivery time, we'll open for pre-orders as soon as everything is in the final stages of manufacturing. An estimated time- frame is about 4-6 weeks -- plenty of time for the holiday season.
ABOUT PREORDERS...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Because CP still needs to keep stock at a manageable level, we have decided
to take preorders for t-shirts. This means your credit card will be charged
at the time you order, as usual, but the orders will be a little behind in
delivery as we won't have them silk- screened until we have a reliable order
quantity. CP thinks it will only mean a couple of weeks delay. We've had so
many queries about shirts, we feel this is the best way to supply the demand
without trying to second-guess it.
Given the popular demand for a t-shirt in a 'medium' size, as well as our
usual large, x-large, and xx-large, we will offer a shirts in 'medium'. The
preorder process will help CP to understand the true demand for the different
sizes. As soon as we're ready to accept preorders for t-shirts and Camel Footage
II, we'll send out an eBeast.
FAREWELL TOUR DVD/CD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few folks have asked about the status of the Farewell Tour audio and video
recordings. You may have guessed by now that the seemingly perpetual curse
on the band for easy live recording success has continued to thrive. As this
eBeast goes to 'press', we still have no promising news to proffer, but we
haven't given up yet. If and when we have good news, you'll be the first to
know.
For now, CP looks forward to Footage II and some new goodies to offer. We're
all keen to get back to the Camel Shop and roll up our sleeves.
Cheers from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 27th April 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast April 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- Homeward Bound
-- In The Meantime
-- Does Retirement Suck?
Friends,
At last, a quiet moment
to sit down and organise some thoughts to send your way.
Homeward Bound
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My thanks to all who sent their good wishes for our move back to the UK. It
is a big decision, and an even bigger process, so your words of encouragement
have been much appreciated. It's a process that will take time to be completed,
though. Moving house is one thing. Moving continents is a whole other way
of changing the roof over your head. It's exciting and, at times, a bit daunting.
But since there's no rush, we'll take it as it comes.
I am very much looking forward to returning to England but that does not mean
I haven't enjoyed my time here in America. I will always look back on our
life here with great fondness. After all, this is where Camel Productions
was 'born'.
In The Meantime
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Because such a move is an unpredictable change, we are continuing to work
on projects for the future. Right now, we have Camel Footage II steadily working
its way through the legal process and is soon to enter the editing stages.
I'm not sure when that will be scheduled for release, but Paris and Emma will
be sure to let you know in a Camel newsletter.
I'm writing material for a new Camel album as often as time will permit. I
prefer to settle in to a definite period for writing, so I don't get distracted,
but that's quite difficult right now, with the move to the UK being a rather
large distraction. Still, I grab the moment when I can.
I'm also still looking forward to completing the Brew project after I get settled in England. Although Doug's demanding work schedule and Andy's delicate health pose scheduling problems, and may prevent us from ever undertaking anything particularly ambitious, I so enjoyed seeing them again, and am very much looking forward to finishing our project. Also, Ton Scherpenzeel and I have been in close contact since the Farewell Tour, and we've been cooking up some ideas, too. The great thing about being a bit older, a bit wiser (and perhaps a bit sillier, yes), is that we are all more aware of how important it is to have fun making music.
Andy & Doug
Andy, Doug &
Andrew
Doing a wave
Does Retirement Suck?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One special reason I am excited about going home is that we feel there could
be a chance to tour again. It would be in small bursts, as opposed to a full-
blown, 2 or 3 month tour, but some touring is better than no touring. We just
might make it back to America, too. We all felt badly about having to cancel
our last show in America, due to Denis Clement's heart ailment (Denis is doing
great now). And, with a bit of luck, we might be able to return to Mexico
to perform the show that was lost due to the promoter's inability to meet
the financial deadlines, forcing us to abandon that part of the tour at the
'11th hour'. There has been talk of working with a new promoter, under better
circumstances. Of course, this is only talk, but that is how things get started.
While I have made many good friends here in the USA, there really is no place
like home. Shame I can't take the weather with me, but it just goes to show
that what resides in your soul is the the driving force.
Paris will keep you up to date with Camel news. Here's hoping we have a chance to meet again on the 'Retirement Sucks' tour.
My thanks and very
fond regards to you all,
Andy Latimer
(Camel thank Juan
Joy for his wonderful photos of the band and Andrew Latimer, taken during
the 2003 Farewell Tour, at NEARfest)
Contact Information (newsletter subscription info below)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update
from eBeast - 26th February 2005:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Nature of the eBeast
February 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- The eBeast Mailing List
-- CP On The Move
-- Fate Of The Merchanteers
Camel Trackers,
A message from The Merchanteers... CP is open for business!
This message contains some important, general CP information.
A more detailed newsletter, with news of Camel and the future, will be forthcoming.
The eBeast Mailing List
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CP is now able to send out newsletters in a much more direct and personal
way than we'd done before. This means each person who registers for the eBeast
is the only person who can edit or delete their email address. If you look
at the bottom of this message, you will see links for Update Profile/Email
Address and SafeUnsubscribe. These links are subscriber-specific, meaning
that when you click on any of those links, it is your address, and only your
address, that can be viewed, changed or deleted.
We make a special request that you use only one email address to receive the
eBeast. CP pays a very dear premium for the software, and if our list rises
above a certain level, the cost rises dramatically. If you would take a moment
to make sure that you have only one address registered, and to delete any
others you may have, CP would be most grateful.
You can copy these links and keep them safe for future use, when you need to make changes. A please remember to permit the eBeast beyond the Spam gates! CP will be deleting all bounced emails and we don't want to lose you.
CP On The Move
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The pending move to the UK is slowly getting underway. There is much to accomplish
before the physical move takes place and, while the location of CP does not
really effect anyone directly, it does effect the level of our stock. We must
keep it deliberately low so our apparel section is a little thin just now.
CDs and DVDs are in constant supply and Harry is in fine fettle for packing
and shipping. Orders are going out quickly now, and delivery times seem to
be quite good.
Fate Of The Merchanteers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We've had a number of messages asking how we feel about the relocation of
CP. As it happens, I, Emma and Sean are able to continue to with with CP,
commuting on the internet highway. Harry, alas, will retire. Harry will be
sorely missed but he tells us he was ready to hang up his packing hat, and
promises to stay in touch.
I know I can speak for all of us when I say that we've had a most unique experience
in working with CP. We've had many laughs, shed a few tears, and survived
some unexpected frustrations, but it has absolutely been a privilege for me
to work with each of them. They have, on many occasions, kept me sane and
reminded me that humour is a human's greatest asset.
So thank you for your kind words and thoughts. Andrew Latimer and Susan Hoover will send their own newsletter soon, so please be sure you've entered CP in your address books.
Cheers to all from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Emma, Sean, and Harry, too.
Camel Productions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ebeast@camelproductions.com
web: http://www.camelproductions.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Camel Productions | PO Box 4876 | Mtn. View, | CA | 94040
Update from eBeast - 7th December 2004:
eBeasters,
A brief holiday update...
MOONMADNESS T-SHIRTS: Due to unexpectedly high demand -- and because it's the holiday season -- we have restocked the Moonmadness t-shirt in sizes Large and X-large. Once again, supply is limited and we will definitely not restock before next year so don't be left out and order now.
LITTLE GEMS: We also have some little gems we've found in the
attic -- Japanese pressings from our Japanese record company. This is extremely
limited stock, as CP was only allocated a small number.
Until stock runs out, you can order the following compact discs:
A Nod and a Wink (with bonus track "After All These Years)
Camel on the Road 1972
Gods of Light
Never Let Go
Coming of Age
Harbour of Tears
Rajaz
All can be found on our site in the SPECIALS and the MISC. sections.
The prices for these cds will be no different from normal stock. The copies
have Japanese liner notes and are sealed in shrink wrap, so
they can't be autographed, but it is our understanding that these copies are
now out of print. It is Highly Unlikely they will be pressed in Japan again.
One they're gone... they're gone.
CP's attic also rendered some copies of Dust and Dreams on cassette. This is a super bargain at $5 each.
CHANGES: For some time, now, we have hinted about upcoming changes at CP. Although a definite date hasn't been set, Andrew Latimer and Susan Hoover have decided to return to England. As Camel Productions is such an intimately run company, CP will make this change also, and CP USA will shut down. This is the primary reason our stock has been kept so low.
For our shop, this means that all items will ship from the UK,
once the changeover is made, and it also means that prices will no longer
be in US dollars. Currency will change to Euro. But for now,
everything is still in US dollars, so with the weak state of the US currency,
non-US fans can take advantage of getting more for their money and US fans
can take advantage of no price or currency change,
and the lower postal rates.
Andrew Latimer and Susan Hoover will send out a personal message,
before CP shuts down for the season. Happy hols to all from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 19th November 2004:
Fellow Trackers,
NEW CAMEL DVD: Highly Collectable's Merchant shop will now accept pre orders for the new DVD 'CAMEL FOOTAGE'. Visit our shop for the details on this vintage footage DVD.
We had expected to
release the DVD last week, but news came from the plant that a slight audio
'glitch' had been discovered on one of the older recordings. Upon close examination,
we all agreed there is,
indeed, a glitch in the sound for a few seconds. Unfortunately, upon checking
the master tape supplied by the BBC, the audio glitch is there as well. No
one can say why or if it was there all along and just not noticed. But the
fact is that these tapes are nearly 30 years old. It's impossible to know
when, where or how this happened. We at CP are grateful to have them at all.
So if you feel that an audio imperfection lasting a few seconds would spoil your enjoyment of this rare, historical footage, please think twice before purchasing. CP will not be granting refunds nor replacing any DVDs with this flaw. All copies will be the same.
FORMATS: All DVDs released from CP are available only in NTSC. Most DVD players in Europe will accept the NTSC signal, providing the television can accept it also. Be sure that your DVD player AND your television or monitor are compatible with this format. Check with the shop or the manufacturer of your equipment if you are uncertain.
AUTOGRAPHS: Andrew Latimer will be signing all copies ordered through our web site (autographed copies will not be available through any other source).
MERCHANDISE: We are
also restocked with Dust and Dreams and Moonmadness t-shirts in all sizes
but they are in extremely limited quantities. CP will undergo some exciting,
but major, changes again
in this coming new year, so stock levels are being deliberately kept low.
Highly's new shop has a very useful stock feature, so if the items are sold
out, they can't be added to your cart.
ORDER FULFILLMENTS:
All orders are first-come, first-served. With the new shop system, you have
an order number and your order is filled in that sequence. We anticipate that
the majority of orders
will contain at least one copy of the new DVD, so, until CAMEL FOOTAGE is
here at the warehouse, we will not be shipping any orders. We anticipate the
DVD to be in stock on the 22nd November and on that day, we'll all be working
overtime.
HOWEVER, if you choose
to mail in your order, your order number has no bearing. We are able to collect
the mail only twice a week, so until your order is received, it is not guaranteed.
You may find
that one or more of the items you order are out of stock by the time your
check or money order reaches us. CP can't hold back orders while waiting for
a check to arrive. If you pay online with a credit
card, or by fax with a credit card, your order is guaranteed as far as is
possible, with exceptions for unexpected, defective goods (such as a torn
shirt) discovered just prior to shipping.
SHIP DATES: To maximize everyone's time, we won't be shipping any orders before the DVD arrives on 22nd NOVEMBER.
CANADIAN CUSTOMS:
We have had reports that certain customs facilities in Canada have closed
down which has dramatically slowed shipments to Canada. This is beyond our
control, completely. We
have no definite information concerning delivery times. We only know that
it's taking much longer than usual. If you live in Canada, please order as
early as possible.
As usual, we will close down from 15th December - 15th February so it's going to be a fast and furious holiday season for CP!
Cheers from the Merchanteers,
Paris, Emma, Harry & Sean
Update from eBeast - 1st November 2004:
Greetings Camel Trackers,
As 2004 winds down, CP is winding up with some new goodies...
But first, a bit of news:
FAREWELL TOUR RECORDINGS: The live DVD and CD from the Farewell Tour are, as you may have noticed, on hold. As always, the recordings pose some interesting hallenges for Andrew Latimer in the studio. Little Barn studios will be undergoing some major changes in the not too distant future, and Andrew has elected to wait until his new setup is finalised, before proceeding with the mixing and mastering of the recordings.
BREW ALBUM: This, too, has been put on hold temporarily. The time the trio spent together wasn't quite enough to finish off the intended album, and they are looking forward to additional recording sessions in 2005, which is really just 'round the corner. Andrew told us that two weeks just wasn't enough time and he's looking forward to having the luxury of more time with Doug Ferguson and Andy Ward, which, he tells us, is very possible in the new year.
NEW STUDIO ALBUM: Since the live recordings have been put on hold, Andrew has returned to writing and a new studio album is starting to take shape. Although he could not give us definite release dates for any of the intended projects, CP feels certain that we'll have a new studio album in the not too distant future.
MERCHANDISE: We will
soon have sizes L and XL Moonmadness t-shirts back in stock along with size
XL Dust and Dreams t-shirts. These shirts will be in LIMITED SUPPLY, so if
you want one, please do not hesitate. As mentioned in our previous eBeast
newsletter, we will NOT restock any tour t-shirts. The Farewell Tour shirts
are in very short supply but CP found a few left over from the Euro tour,
so those shirts will be mailed from the UK if you order one. Again, please
do not hesitate if you want one.
NEW DVD: CP is excited to announce the pending release of "Camel Footage".
Containing vintage 70's footage from The Old Grey Whistle Test, Sight and
Sound, and Mirror Image to never-before-seen amateur footage shot during the
1992 tour and previously unreleased footage from 1997. This is a gem of audio
visual material that Camel fans
have been begging for these past 10 years.
ADDED BONUS: Unreleased material recorded during the reunion of Latimer, Ward and Ferguson, entitled "Left Luggage".
Camel Footage features performances from Andrew Latimer, Peter Bardens, Andy Ward, Doug Ferguson, Richard Sinclair, Mel Collins, Colin Bass, Jan Schelhaas, Kit Watkins, Chris Rainbow, Ton Scherpenzeel, Richie Close, Paul Burgess, Mickey Simmonds, Dave Stewart, and Foss Patterson.
___________________________________________________________
RELEASE DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
NUMBER OF TRACKS: 14
RUN TIME: Approx 80 mins.
___________________________________________________________
TRACK LISTING:
1973 - Guildford Civic
Hall
Track: Never Let Go
Musicians: Latimer, Bardens, Ferguson and Ward
1975 - BBC Old Grey
Whistle Test, in BBC studios
Tracks: The Snow Goose, Friendship, Rhayader Goes To Town
Musicians: Latimer, Bardens, Ferguson and Ward
1977 - BBC Sight and
Sound at the Hippodrome
Tracks: First Light, Metrognome, Unevensong, Lunar Sea, Rain Dances
Musicians: Latimer, Bardens, Ward, Sinclair and Collins
1981 - Shepperton
Studios, Michael Appleton for Old Grey Whistle Test
Track: City Life
Musicians: Latimer, Ward, Bass, Watkins and Schelhaas
1984 - Hammersmith
Odeon, London; Mike Mansfield for Mirror Image
Track: Captured
Musicians: Latimer, Bass, Burgess, Rainbow, Scherpenzeel
1992 - Town &
Country, London - Amateur Footage of low quality but a great gig
Tracks: Hopeless Anger, Whispers in the Rain
Musicians: Latimer, Bass, Simmonds and Burgess
1997 - Billboad Live,
Los Angeles - David Minasian; previously
unreleased footage.
Tracks: Preparation, Dunkirk
Musicians: Latimer, Bass, Patterson and Stewart
BONUS TRACK: Left
Luggage
Recorded at Little Barn Studios, California
Musicians: Latimer, Ward and Ferguson
___________________________________________________________
As soon as we know
when to expect the DVDs from the manufacturing
plant, we'll open the shop for preorders. Andrew Latimer will
definitely be around during the holiday season to autograph DVDs and
CDs.
Don't forget, 'Left
Luggage' is still available as a download on our
site. There are a few fun photos from Doug Ferguson and Andy Ward's
visit, too:
http://www.camelproductions.com/brew.html
More news soon!
Cheers from the Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 18th August 2004:
eBeasters,
A general missive to bring you up to date on Highly Collectable's Merchant shop...
RE MASTERED: Stationary Traveller is stocked and ready to go!
Please visit Highly Collectable's Merchant Shop and collect your treasure now.
http://www1.storehost.com/stores/Store.xfm?Store_id=703&page_id=5
Andrew Latimer is back in town and will be autographing copies.
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING: If you had difficulty ordering from the new shop and received an error message that the bank could not verify your card details, please try again. Our webmaster found the problem and we believe it's now fixed. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
Please take extra care when entering your credit card details. If you get an error message from the shop, please re enter your credit card number, making sure that all numbers are correctly entered, as well as the expiration date and the CVV code number.
DVD: The first draft of the upcoming DVD 'Camel Footage' is now being perused by Andrew Latimer. Usually it takes two or three attempts before the look and feel is right, so we still don't have a definitive release date but we're sure it will be before xmas.
T-SHIRTS: We will be restocking some of our apparel section
over the next few weeks, so don't worry that you won't have some goodies to
satisfy your xmas list. It's hard to think of xmas in the middle of
July, but the shops and manufacturers work a full 90 days ahead of every year,
so CP must follow suit.We will not be restocking any tour t-shirts.
All for now,
Very best wishes from The Merchanteers --
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 28th July 2004:
eBeasters,
HIGHLY COLLECTABLE'S MERCHANT SHOP is open for business! Browse the Bazaar (and sometimes Bizarre). Select your treasures and, if you create your own Personal Camel Account (PCA), you can safely store your details and order history in our vaults. You can return again and again, without ever needing to re enter all the data.
Some of the items in Highly's shop are available only in limited supply and will not reappear once all are sold. We are especially low on tour t-shirts. They are on a first-come, first-served basis.
For shipping, you are able to find out your shipping charges without entering any personal details. After you've selected your treasures, scroll down the page a bit and you'll find two fields. Either use the zip code field or the country field and you can find out how much the shipping charges are estimated to be.
As this is a new system for us, Harry, Emma, Sean and I ask your patience. Everyone has worked long and hard on setting this shop up -- a full nine months since we actually started. So the opening of Highly's shop is truly a birth to celebrate! We're bound to have some hiccups, so please bear with us.
BREW DOWNLOAD: As a little gift of thanks for your patience during our long down time, Andrew Latimer has put up a download of a jam from the Brew session, called "Left Luggage". We asked Andrew why such a strange title and he replied:
"When we all got together, we had a load of old baggage from years past. By the end of the session, we'd left it all behind so I thought I'd call this little jam 'Left Luggage'. We had a great fun with it".
We've included a bit of fun graphic work from Debbie Dyke and a few snapshots taken while Doug, Andy and Andrew took a few moments to relax and enjoy themselves: http://www.camelproductions.com/brew.html
STATIONARY TRAVELLER
REMASTER: A little surprise on the horizon is a remastering of Camel' 1984
album. Originally, Stationary Traveller was meant to begin with a track called
"In the Arms of Waltzing Frauleins" but the record company had their
doubts and so, back into the studio went Andrew for a marathon writing, recording,
mixing &
mastering session which produced 'Pressure Points'. The record company edited
the first few minutes to open the album and later released the entire track
on a 10" single (on vinyl). At long last, the album begins as was intended,
but now includes the BONUS TRACK of the full-length 'Pressure Points'. We
anticipate release date around the 1st of August but,of course, we'll let
you know in an eBeast update.
DVD: So many queries about the DVD from the tour and still no definitive answers. In the meantime, by popular demand, Andrew Latimer is putting together a DVD called 'Camel Footage' which will contain the full length performances of many of the archival material found on Curriculum Vitae. Such things take time for licenses to be cleared but we are looking for a pre-xmas release, with an eye towards October. Stay tuned.
Best wishes to all
from Highly's Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update
from eBeast - 21st June 2004:
Hello Everyone,
I know it has been a long time since we've had substantial Camel news. For this missive, both Andrew and I have elected to write to you. Paris, Harry and Emma are all enjoying a bit of well-earned, time off.
HIGHLY COLLECTABLE'S MERCHANT SHOP: We have nearly reached the end of our unexpectedly long journey into eCommerce. Highly Collectable's Merchant shop is expected to open in the coming week. We'll send out a special message announcing the exact date.
We certainly did not expect so much time to elapse but we found ourselves in the middle of a something resembling a domino's game. Each move we made seemed to topple verything else, unexpectedly.The short story is, we have had a complete overhaul of our entire operating system here at Camel Productions. In effect, we have started over from the bottom, rebuilding our foundation, step by step. A rather painful process in its duration, but now that we are nearing the end of our immediate challenges, we are all rather excited at finding ourselves in this new world that is Camel Productions. Instead of saying "oh no" every day, we're now saying "all right!!".
These changes will not have any effect on the outer workings of Camel. Everything is behind the scenes, such as new computers, for instance. What you will notice is that our new shop is a vast improvement on its predecessor. Transactions will all be processed real time and we are no longer using customer numbers. In fact, the new shop has the ability for you to set up your own account and keep track of your orders. We're calling this the Personal Camel Account (PCA) and we think it's going to be a terrific addition to our set up. You'll be able to keep track of everything you ordered. The only important thing to remember is to use the same email address. If you always use the same email address when ordering or writing to CP, you'll have access to your own account and can make changes (your home address, phone number, etc.) any time you like, from any computer, anywhere in the world.
There are a few things that still need sorting but they are mostly cosmetic. And we do expect a few snags, initially, when we reopen. With so many changes in our working environment, we're bound to stumble occasionally. But we'll get used to the new procedures and we guarantee we'll give our level best to making sure things go smoothly for all of you. One thing I know for sure, those who work with us at CP are among the most generous and kind hearted people I've ever met. I've known them to drive many miles out of their way to make sure a package was delivered to the post office. With friends like this, it's easy to guarantee that they'll do their best. DVD: We know everyone is anxious for news Camel's Farewell Tour DVD , and any new product to come. We still haven't any definitive news but things are in progress and when ready, we'll let you know. Better to stay our enthusiasm for the day when we can give a reliable date for the release.
FAREWELL TOUR: While the Farewell Tour has certainly come to pass, it's not forgotten by any means. It just took a bit longer than we expected to recover from. It was an emotional affair for all of us -- the band, crew, myself, and those who lent us a hand -- and on many different levels. To offset the high costs, the band needs to perform nearly every single night. They enjoy this schedule, as they would always rather be playing, but the resulting physical strain leaves them vulnerable to illness. On this last tour, not a single band member escaped unscathed. As most everyone already knows, they all fell ill early on in the tour, one after the other, yet not a single performance was missed. Each musician took the stage with fierce determination and gave everything they had to the audience. I say, unabashedly, that I've never worked with finer people and am proud to have done so.
I also had the enormous pleasure of seeing 'old' friends on this tour and was also able to meet 'new' friends... people whose names are known to us but whom we'd never before met. This was super. We were all so honoured by the reception each and every audience gave the band. Even though the tour was many months ago, it sits in our memories as if it were just last week. The final three performances felt as if the band had stepped through the looking glass into a world of magic and wonder.
Camel seem to encounter the most unusual challenges during a tour and the Farewell Tour was no exception. What was exceptional, however, was the source of support in our times of need. We haven't yet had the opportunity to tell you about our experiences behind the scenes and I'd like to mention a few people we hold dear. First up, James Evinson. James attended 18 out of 19 European performances! During this time, he endeared himself to the band and was affectionately dubbed The Cameleer. James helped in so many ways, not least during the selling of merchandise when the venue's seller did not show up. I personally recall being quite overwhelmed at The Stables, in Milton Keynes, when James appeared, promptly rolled up his sleeves, and got to work. We will remain ever grateful for his kind heart and his tremendous support. James is an Honourary Member of the band now and, if there ever is another tour, James Evinson will be at the top of every guest list.
Alongside James is Alastair Cook. Al leapt in to save the day when Camel's tour manager had to return to the UK unexpectedly and the merchandise sales were suddenly unsupervised. Putting his life on hold, Al joined the entourage and became a Jack of All Trades, helping in every aspect of Camel's daily workings. Cheerful, energetic and an absolute delight to work with, Al was a real asset. It was yet another special testament to the good fortune that comes from the unfortunate. Of course, Al is also an Honourary Member of Camel and we all hope to have a chance to work with him again.
There is one other person who must bear a very special mention. An Honourary Member at the least; my right hand (literally as it happened) at the most: Debbie Dyke. Debbie contributed her talent, effort and generous time to us all. She saw us through some major setbacks, and never hesitated to jump into the fray to do whatever needed doing to help us keep the show on the road, both in America and in Europe. Debbie will forever be a part of Camel.
I wanted to thank
these people individually because they often made sacrifices to help. They
missed some of the shows, and their enjoyment of other shows was impacted
by the pressure they found themselves under. Helping out can be fun. More
often, it is being caught up in the less pleasant aspects of putting a show
on the road. Apart from the Camel entourage of 11 people, there are many other
personalities that all come together on the night of a performance. Language
barriers alone can pose numerous obstacles, there are
delays, equipment problems, misunderstandings, and tempers can flare. When
the lights go down and the first chord is struck, none of these things are
visible to an audience. The band are able to concentrate on performing and
enjoying themselves; the audience can just soak it all in. It is because of
people like James, Al and. especially, Debbie that Camel were able to give
so much to an audience. Camel is not the only band with supportive friends
and fans. But Camel is, without doubt, among the most privileged to have such
a strength of support from so many fine people all over this wonderful world.
I will close my section now and turn the eBeast over to Andrew. Paris, Harry & Emma will be back soon to attend to the shop orders. Thank you all for your patience and kind messages these last months.
My best regards,
Susan Hoover
-------------------------------------------------
A NOTE FROM ANDREW:
I know there has been a lot of interest in the Brew project that we recorded a few months back. I wanted to take a moment to explain where things are just now.
Seeing Doug and Andy together again after all these years was truly a healing experience. I didn't know if we would all get along. Would we still relate to each other in the same way we did 30 years ago? My confidence that all would be well was not misplaced. After the initial shock of seeing what the passing years had done to each of us, we quickly slotted into our previous roles. I had quite forgotten how funny these two guys were and each day of our 2 weeks together was filled with laughter.
You can imagine that, after all this time of not seeing one another, we had an awful lot of catching up to do. We also had a lot of emotional baggage to unpack and deal with. So, the first week was one of getting to know each other again as we explored our musical roots, getting our old sound back together, and playing through the numbers I had written for the project.
The second week, we got down to the business of recording and several tracks were laid down. We were all pretty excited and listening to the playback really brought back some great memories. But, inevitably, we didn't have enough time to finish completely. Really, by the end of the second week, we were only just getting started. That's when Andy and Doug had to go back to the UK. We promised to get together again soon.
It was a complete success for us, maybe not in terms of recording an album for immediate release, but definitely in terms of rekindling the friendship of three people who had forgotten they were friends. So I can't say exactly when the album will be finished, but we will finish it. We all want to get back together and explore the musical possibilities as well as strengthening the bond that once was broken and is now repaired.
For now, we'll offer a little jam for download, to give a taste of the fun we had playing and improvising music together again. I've called it 'Left Luggage' as a silly title to illustrate how great it is to unpack old baggage from the past and let it go. Our good friend, Jeff Gebhardt, will arrange to post the track on our site very soon.
I'm told we're reopening our online shop soon and, when it's all ready, the internet address for the download of the Brew jam will be announced with the next newsletter.
As always, I thank you for your kinds words of support and the generosity of your spirit.
My very best wishes
to you all,
Andy Latimer
Update from eBeast - 25th April 2004:
eBeasters,
This is a just a general message to thank you all for your kind messages of support, and to let you know what's happening with our shop...
It is obvious that we are well past our 15th February deadline to open Highly Collectable's newly designed shop Merchant Shop. Unfortunately, we still cannot give you a definite opening date, but we do hope it will be soon.
The CP Team has been working overtime to get the shop up and running again but we have encountered a series of problems. Each problem solved seemed to create a new one. In order to cope with this, CP had to make unexpected changes which required even more time to learn new sytems and software applications.
It is not possible to open our shop yet because, for various reasons, the information is not being received correctly. With the new shop, everything is handled online...your credit card will be processed online, and duly charged to your account. We want to make sure it's absolutely right before we open for business.
In the midst of this activity, the Camel site was hacked and our server had to shut us down for a short period. Many of you may have received spam as a result of this predicament and we apologise for this incovnenience, even though it was completely beyond our control. Fortunately, no private information is stored on our site and we hope this was no more than an annoyance to those who may have been spammed as a result. The action, however, disabled our ability to send out a newsletter as it was necessary to implement greater security features and wait for things to settle.
On a much brighter side, the new shop is beautifully designed and set up by Debbie Dyke and Andrew McGowan with tremendous behind-the-scenes support from Jeff Gebhardt. Each has worked long hours and CP is grateful for their continued support. This lengthy process has taken us all by surprise as we had expected an 8 week period would be adequate. Still, we all feel there is light at the end of the tunnel and will send an update as soon as possible.
We'll have Camel news in our next missive. For now, we wanted you all to know what is happening and why you haven't heard from CP in so long.
Best wishes to all
from Highly's Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 21st February2004:
Camel Trackers,
After a well-earned break, CP is revving up for business again.
HIGHLY COLLECTABLE'S MERCHANT SHOP: We've had numerous mails asking when our new shop will open. We are close to launch date, but we have decided not to reopen until the new shop is absolutely ready, passing all the test runs necessary to be sure it will work perfectly first time out. This will be a superb ecommerce site with improved security, faster page loading, better information, immediate credit card processing and order acknowledgement.
FAREWELL TOUR: Those who managed to get to a gig gave Camel a Farewell Tour to remember. Nearly all the shows were sold out with only a few exceptions that were not expected to sell out due to their locations. But the audiences were equal on all shows: Fantastic.
Although things got off to a shakey start with a wicked flu virus attacking one band member after another, it was a mercifully short virus, lasting about 48 hours. Refusing to cancel any of the shows in Spain, the band supported one another on stage. Those who felt well gave extra energy to the audience. It was comraderie at its finest, from start to finish. In our next eBeast, we'll have some words from each of the band members talking of their Best and Worst Tour Moments.
TOUR DVD/LIVE ALBUM: Andrew Latimer has begun sorting out the live tapes and video recordings from the Farewell Tour. Both the Santa Cruz, Calif. and NEARfest shows were audio and video recorded. All three of the UK shows were audio recorded. Which will be offered for sale? We'll have to wait until Andrew has been able to have a good listen and decide.
So, just a short note from Paris, Emma and Harry, to keep you apprised of what's going on at CP, and to close this eBeast, here's a personal note from Andrew Latimer:
"Now that the tour is well and truly over I wanted to send a big 'thank you'.
You brought so much positive energy and great affection to each concert. You waited in the cold just to wish us well, you cheered so loudly it almost deafened the band. You e-mailed such touching words of gratitude and stories of your travels brought tears to my eyes. For our Farewell Tour, you left us with unforgettable memories.
I feel extremely lucky and priviliged to have such friends and if I can find the strength and energy, I'll bring the Camel back! Until then we shall continue to record new Camel albums with the hope that our friendship will grow.
With great affection I wish you Health, Happiness and Peace".
Andy Latimer
Update from eBeast - 2nd December 2003:
Fellow Camel Trackers,
Just a short missive to say that everyone has returned safely from what was both a rewarding and emotional touring experience. Because we have had many of our number fall ill with that dreadful flu each band and crew member also suffered with -- one after the other -- we have been running on half steam at CP since tour's end. But band, crew and all at CP are all returned to good health and The Merchanteers are back in full force.
In our last message, CP appealed to fans to support the Sheffield gig and the call was heard. All three UK gigs were sold out and bursting at the seams with a tremendous energy. Most of the shows on this tour were sold out and all were supported with passion. At the end, the band joked about not wanting to retire from such a wonderfully attended tour. All agreed, the audiences were the most enthusiastic and most numerous in years.
There are stories yet to tell but they must wait for our next eBeast.
As we have only two weeks left before CP closes, we are focusing on our merchandise so holiday presents will reach their destination in time. We are fully stocked up with goodies but have only a LIMITED number of T-shirts and sweatshirts. It's all first come, first served.
DON'T FORGET: CP will be CLOSED for our usual end of year period: 15th December 2003 through 15th February 2004
So do get your orders in as soon as possible. Harry, Emma and I will be working 6 days a week so there will always be someone here to get the orders out.
More news soon, when we will do some serious Camel Tracking... 'til then,
Cheers
from the Merchanteers
Paris, Harry, Emma, and Sean
Update from eBeast - 12th October 2003:
A short update with news and some answers to recent queries...
SHEFFIELD:
A rather surprising report from the promoter that most of the=
tickets sold
are internet sales from from distant shores and not to fans=
living in a general
vicinity of Sheffield. 70% of the tickets are sold but=
CP wants a SELL-OUT
for this last show. Many fans complained there wasn't=
a show in the midlands.
We've done our best and though it may not be next=
door to you, it's closer
than London. The Scots are coming down in force=
to support the show since
a date in Scotland was not viable. If you=
haven't gotten a ticket yet, CP
appeals to you to support the show. Make=
this last UK date a sellout like
the other two and give Camel the send off=
they deserve.
PARIS:
If you are trying to order tickets for Paris, we are informed that=
the phone
numbers we have been given -- and have published in our=
newsletters and on
our website -- are incorrect. The correct numbers are: =
0820092292 and from
abroad 33820092292. If you are calling from abroad,=
you need to dial the
international numbers first (in America they are 011).
The
other problem is that you must speak French. Many thanks to Bernd=
Herzog
for this info.=20
We
are trying to discover some English-speaking ways to buy tickets and if=
we
do, we'll pass it on.
HOLLAND: For Groningen, you can order tickets from this website:
https://tickets.lvp.nl/trs/vrst.php?ev=3D7477&origin=3D0
It's
in Dutch but not difficult to understand. A terriffic web site to help=
with
simple translations is http://www.freetranslation.com/
ADDITIONAL
TOUR DATES: There are none. Due to Ton Scherpenzeel's inability=
to get
on an airplane, he is not available for any dates outside the=
European continent.
The European tour ends on 29th October.
Although
American keyboardist Tom Brislin, performed with Camel on the brief=
US tour
earlier this year, he is not available for any more shows. Tom=
wants to focus
on his own band, and as a result, there will be no further=
USA dates. CP
had hoped to add more shows, and to return to Atlanta, but=
these hopes are
officially dashed. Camel's Farewell Tour is on the road,=
winding toward the
last show in Sheffield, England.
=46INAL
WORD: While it is true that you cannot know the future, this tour=
is sincerely
the last for Camel. Yes, anything is possible. The Bluebird=
of Paradise could
bring a windfall of financial fortune and entice Andy=
Latimer to get out
there again but, as we all know -- and Camel have=
certainly experienced in
the past -- life is what happens while you're busy=
making plans. Some fans
have expressed their feeling that this isn't=
really the last tour, that it's
a sort of gimmick. Well, a gimmick it=
certainly is not, so unless you've
seen the Bluebird of Paradise heading in=
the band's direction, Camel are
saying their fond farewell to you on this=
tour. Will you be there to hear
it? Personally, I wouldn't miss it for=
the world.
See
you at the show. I'll be the tall, dark and gorgeous one wearing a=
Camel
t-shirt.
Hope to have some gig reviews in our next eBeast. 'til then,
Cheers
from,
Harry, Emma, Sean and Paris
Update from eBeast - 4th October 2003:
Camel Trackers,
Camel's Farewell Tour will soon kick off as the band head out for Spain today! Rehearsals have gone so well, the band took a day off yesterday to visit Amsterdam for some last-minute shopping.
For those of you who have always loved the incredible sound of Andrew Latimer's guitar, you're in for a real treat. He will be touring with not one, but TWO Vox AC30 amps for a stereo sound on stage. This beloved amp is a real blast from the past and the very wellspring of Andy's sound. The rehearsal venue staff have described it as 'heavenly'.
Ton Scherpenzeel will add another bit of magic with a Leslie loudspeaker to get that rich, vintage Hammond sound. This is a real tribute to the Camel sound.
Colin Bass is reportedly in superb vocal form and Denis Clement is stronger than ever, playing with extraordinary energy. This final segment of Camel's Farewell Tour is well and truly on the road.
BELGIUM -- NEW VENUE!
It pays to be a squeaky wheel. The high demand for tickets for this sold out show originally at The Spirit of 66 has resulted in the show being moved to a larger venue:
Grand
Theâtre de Verviers
Rue des Artistes
4800 Verviers
Check out the Spirit of 66 web site http://www.spiritof66.com and click on 'agenda' for further information. This is a wonderful opportunity to show the band how much they are appreciated. More than double the size of the original venue so...SELL IT OUT!
LONDON -- SOLD OUT!
London's Astoria is sold out! Well done to all who have supported this venue. A sold out show always makes a band feel good but to sell them out before the start of the tour adds a real touch of excitement.
SHEFFIELD -- GOING FAST!
This venue is more than halfway sold out, so please do not put off getting tickets. CP has had many emails from shocked fans who were caught out by the Astoria and Verviers being sold out. Do not procrastinate. Get your tickets and ensure you will have a chance to see the band's last concert show. http://www.corporation.org.uk
There will not be any more shows added to the tour.
NEARLY SOLD OUT ALERTS -- The following shows are over half sold or nearly sold out:
Spain:
Granada's Teatro Isabella (http://www.brmusic.net) and Barcelona's Bikini (http://www.bikinibcn.com)
Germany:
Bonn's Harmonie (http://www2.harmonie-bonn.de)
Holland: Amsterdam, 'Paradiso' (http://www.paradiso.nl); Rotterdam's 'Nighttown' (http://www.nighttown.nl); Utrecht's 'Tivoli' (http://www.tivoli.nl);
SHOWS NEEDING SUPPORT -- The following shows have quite a few tickets left and need your support:
Spain: Murcia's 'Sala Gamma' (T: 34 932 465512 http://www.salagamma.com ) Madrid's 'Macumba' (T: 34 932 465512); Bergara's 'Sala Jam' (T: 34 932 465512 http://www.salajam.com)
France: Paris - 'Elysee Montmartre' (T: 00331 5507 ) One of the most beautiful cities in the world has very sad ticket sales! (http://www.elyseemontmartre.com)
Germany: Paderborn's 'Capitol' ( http://www.capitol-musiktheater.de)
Holland: Maastricht's 'Platte Zaol' (T: 31 15 212 1980 http://www.plattezaol.nl ); Groningen's 'Oosterport' Ticketservice.nl, Tel.: +31 (0)50/3680288
MERCHANDISE: In response to many emails, Camel will have merchandise on sale at the shows, including all 3 of the DVDs now on offer, Coming of Age, Curriculum Vitae and Pressure Points. The purchase of merchandise is a direct contribution towards financial support of the tour.
ON THE ROAD: The rising excitement surrounding the Farewell Tour has a swirling mixture of nostalgia and anticipation, with an undeniable touch of sweet sorrow. All good things must come to an end, but this is also where beginnings come from. Camel will go on, creating new music and the future holds much promise. But no one knows what lies ahead. It is the here and now that can be relied upon. Camel are here, now. In years past, they have given many of us memories of a lifetime and we have one last, special opportunity to make a new memory to hold together all the times that came before, a chance to say thanks and bid Camel a truly fond, Fare Well.
Best
wishes,
Paris Ford
Update from eBeast - 5th September 2003:
Camel Trackers,
EXTRA GIG DATE: WEDNESDAY - 29TH OCTOBER 2003
Club:
The Corporation,
Milton Street,
Sheffield, S1 4JU
Website
http://www.corporation.org.uk/
Box office 0114 251 7000 / 0115 912 9000
E-mail
bryn@austinslackpromotions.co.uk
Capacity 750
Age restrictions No age restrictions
Handicap
fac. Ramps and Toilets
Doors open 7.00pm
Show 8.30pm
Cheers
from the Merchanteers!
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
http://www.camelproductions.com
Camel's
eBeast Newsletter info:
Update from eBeast - 4th September 2003:
EXTRA UK DATE CONFIRMED
Camel Trackers,
They tell us it's true! An extra date in the UK will happen (and if it isn't true... we'll give you their contact info so you can tell them what you think!).
However we are optimistic and excited. Here are the details:
Club:
The Corporation,
Milton Street,
Sheffield, S1 4JU
Website
http://www.corporation.org.uk/
Box office 0114 251 7000 / 0115 912 9000
E-mail
bryn@austinslackpromotions.co.uk
Capacity 750
Age restrictions No age restrictions
Handicap
fac. Ramps and Toilets
Doors open 7.00pm
Show 8.30pm
SELL IT OUT!
Also, just yesterday, CP heard from Denis Clement. He is 'fighting fit', playing lots of local gigs in Quebec and is looking forward to the Camel tour with great relish. He asked that we send his thanks to everyone who wrote messages of good wishes for him.
Cheers
from the Merchanteers!
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 29th August 2003:
CAMEL Trackers...
We've just heard that the Leadmill, Sheffield, is NOT confirmed afterall. There appears to be a scheduling conflict the promoter was unaware of.
We are advised to wait while the organisers attempt to sort it out.
We'll let you know as soon as we can. With the problem of The Stables being virtually sold out before CP sent out the info in our eBeast, we wanted to be sure to get this info to you as quickly as possible. But this is exactly why CP waits so long. If the organisers can't reschedule the show, it will now be a terrible disappointment.
Keep the faith!
'til soon...
Update from eBeast - 28th August 2003:
Cheers
from The Merchanteers,
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
CAMEL Trackers...
EXTRA DATE: Some last-minute, excellent news! Camel have added one more show on the UK schedule:
Wed., 29th October 2003: The Leadmill, Sheffield
http://leadmill.co.uk
This is a real surprise and a very happy one, too. As it should be, England will have the chance to truly say Farewell to one of their own. SELL IT OUT!
More info will be posted on our site as soon as it's provided by the venue. We don't know if tickets are on sale yet but it is confirmed so give them a shout! In the UK, the box office number is: 0114 2212828
SPECIALLY AUTOGRAPHED CDs: We are all sold out! If you've ordered one and we don't have it, we'll notify you before we charge your card.
Cheers
from The Merchanteers!
Paris, Harry, Emma and Sean
Update from eBeast - 25th August 2003:
eBeasters,
A quick note to say the specially autographed 'Gods of Light' Cds are all sold out!
We still have a few autographhed copies of 'Camel on the Road 1972'.
If you want a copy, please, just go to our site and order. There are no special order instructions. An autographed copy goes to whomever orders first.