Meat in Observer Mag

Mike Piercy · 07 Dec 2003, 12:53

Meat is featured in the Observer magazine today (Sunday). Lynn Barber has written a 4 page article BAT MAN which contains pictures of Meat throughout the years, refers to his health and contains a mix of interview and history.

You could say it was a mixed review, but nevetheless good too keep.

Mike

Deb · 07 Dec 2003, 18:18

Thanx for letting us know Mike :)

If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website.

www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk

direct link:
http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.u...ne_7.12.03.htm

Deb

sherrie87 · 07 Dec 2003, 19:19

Deb,

Thanks for posting it, but I have a question- when I click on it, it's at a readable size for about 10 seconds, then switches to a smaller version that is completely illegible. Any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong?

Sherrie

Deb · 07 Dec 2003, 19:32

Hi Sherrie

It's something windows does. If you go to bottom right of picture and click around it will come up with a magnifine glass type thing, if you click on that it'll go bigger again.

Hope this helps

Deb

martha_mae · 07 Dec 2003, 19:57

Hi Mike thanks for letting us know

& Sultonfan for posting the link

Vickip · 07 Dec 2003, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by sultonfan

Thanx for letting us know Mike :)

If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website.

www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk

direct link:
http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.u...ne_7.12.03.htm

Deb

Thanks Deb :)
Vicki

mellis107 · 07 Dec 2003, 21:05

Dunno why, but that article made me a bit sad....

mike

DIZZY DRUMMER · 07 Dec 2003, 21:14

Nice large picture of Meat, but I'm with u - Mellis107 - the article itself made me feel sad, and slightly defensive about Meat. Don't know why, interviewer seemed quite negative (not what Meat needs now)

Lauren · 07 Dec 2003, 21:30

The way i read it - don't know if you guys agree - but the interviewer seemed to have the upmost respect for meats music and career but didn't seem to like the man himself very much. He seemed very cynical about meats sense of humour (regularly referring back to his 'lies') and made several (i thought unkind) remarks about his age, appearance and so on. What was expected after what the mans just been through!!!!!!
Anyway. i've said my piece now, thanks for listening.

Vickip · 07 Dec 2003, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lauren

The way i read it - don't know if you guys agree - but the interviewer seemed to have the upmost respect for meats music and career but didn't seem to like the man himself very much. He seemed very cynical about meats sense of humour (regularly referring back to his 'lies') and made several (i thought unkind) remarks about his age, appearance and so on. What was expected after what the mans just been through!!!!!!
Anyway. i've said my piece now, thanks for listening.

Yes .. I absolutely agree with you Lauren.

Vicki

Kathy · 08 Dec 2003, 00:51

Thanks very much for the link. On the whole though, this article made me not just sad, but angry - from little things like the sidebar Steinman quote out of context, to the relentless references to the author's belief that Meat is over the hill ("grumpy old codger"?? Give me a break!) to outlandish statements like Meat can only sing "when he feels like it." What does that mean?? And the harping on the age thing again. How come the ages of lots of female actresses are totally unknown and no one seems to care, but every journalist that comes along feels the need to devil Meat about it ad nauseum. OK my blood pressure is getting the better of me.
-Kathy

ChrissybabezNI · 08 Dec 2003, 02:32

I agree that article had quite a bit of negativity

tbuck · 08 Dec 2003, 02:49

Well, they say any press is good press and it was a quite lengthy article.

While obviously not written by a fan of Meat, it didn't particularly bother me. The overall tone could have been different and more positive towards Meat, but the author wrote what they deemed the truth. At that point Meat probably was not fully recovered from his health problems. She could have cut him a break. However, I found some of it an interesting glimpse of the human side of Meat.

What I really didn't care for was her quoting John Aizlewood. His review of Wembley was CRAP. IMHO He didn't even know that Kasim was set up to open and implied he was sent out as a last minute change to buy Meat more time. Hey Johnny, do your homework

when the stool is center stage, Kasim's opening! Aizlewood's review riled me much more than this article.

Thanks for sharing Mike and Deb.

T

meatfan · 08 Dec 2003, 03:53

Debs,

You are a STAR!

Heather.

rockfenris2005 · 08 Dec 2003, 04:55

I could immediately relate with his comments about him not being as grandiose as he is on television. I had that experience in Melbourne, and it was frightening to see such a frail man, instead of the giant I had always envisioned. It's strange, but he's still a great soul.

DIZZY DRUMMER · 08 Dec 2003, 07:44

Who wouldn't be a "grumpy old codger" after what Meat has been through over the last few months.

Meat has run himself into the ground to do this last world tour. 17th at Wembley must have been awful for him and the fans there. give him a break

I personally think that there was no need to keep going on about Meat's size and appearance. He has always been big, we know that, but we love him anyway. It doesn't matter what someone looks like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts

Sorry for the moan - but had to get it off my chest.

Bart · 08 Dec 2003, 10:26

The article is not negative at all. The writer is jut confues about the way he is on stage and the way he is in real life. On stage he seems 20 years younger. In real life its just an old man. I am just wondering myself about it all the time.

evil nickname · 08 Dec 2003, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherrie87

Thanks for posting it, but I have a question- when I click on it, it's at a readable size for about 10 seconds, then switches to a smaller version that is completely illegible. Any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong? :roll:

It's not actually a Windows thing, it's more an Internet Explorer thing: go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced, and scroll down to the multimedia section. Just uncheck 'Enable Automatic Image Resizing' and all images stay their original size.
On the other hand, if you hover with your mouse over the image, after some seconds a big ugly button should appear in the lower left-hand corner. Push that one to get back to the original size.

Vickip · 08 Dec 2003, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by evil nickname

It's not actually a Windows thing, it's more an Internet Explorer thing: go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced, and scroll down to the multimedia section. Just uncheck 'Enable Automatic Image Resizing' and all images stay their original size.
On the other hand, if you hover with your mouse over the image, after some seconds a big ugly button should appear in the lower left-hand corner. Push that one to get back to the original size.

Thanks for the help !
Vicki

DebGreaves · 08 Dec 2003, 22:21

I agree Fallen Angel, its whats on the inside that counts not what people look like

Debs

little_dancer · 08 Dec 2003, 23:49

You are correct about that one Deb- but to be fair- HE STILL LOOKS GREAT- Once again, if I look that good at 52 (or 47 or whatever) I'll be quite happy!

The author, IMHO, was annoyed at Meat's comment Re: Journalists that she mentions at the beginning (which I can't begrudge him for) and just ran with a negative spin.

Regarding: 'Lying' about age and name- well, if that's as creative as the questions are going to get, why not make up a harmless story or two???

As a personal example- I have some large, pretty obvious scars on my chest- initially when people asked me about them, I said they were from a previous surgery yadda yadda and told the truth- but because they are SO OBVIOUS- people just keep asking me, usually complete strangers at the gym, on the beach, in the pool- In all honesty, I lie about them all the time now (my favorite is telling people that I was an assistant in a magicians act, and the 'sawing in half' part went totally wrong once

) I mean why should I keep repeating myself everytime I'm wearing a tank top?

How many times does Meat get asked about 'origin of the name' and age stuff??? Hell- if he didn't make up stories, he'd probably fall asleep in the interview!!!

The pics were lovely though...

Oh Meat, I hope you're feeling well!!

angel eyes · 09 Dec 2003, 04:01

All I can say is thumbs up for Meat - thumbs down for the "writer".

He is a human being and all the rubbish about his weight, lies etc was uneccessaryand uncalled for

I've been to a few concerts and he has always given 100% so I don't know where the singing if he feels like it comes from.

Take it all with a pinch of salt Meat.

We all LOVE you!!!

Love

Angelxxx

Winston · 09 Dec 2003, 11:45

I'm with Bart on this one. I didn't see anything negative about that interview. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Tyler are mentioned by Meat so it can't all be that bad

CarylB · 09 Dec 2003, 14:49

I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it? .. and his comments about British journalists sent this one into a negative set .. and if you're expecting to meet the huge larger than life character from the stage you'll often be surprised, because the man who takes him on there is actually quite shy and totally without pretension or "star" trappings.

It was still a great Sunday read

and some great pictures .. and yes, he must get bored silly with the same old questions .. if they eally want to know why don't they do what I did and check the Texas State registers of births? Journalists who can't be bothered to investigate!! .. lol

Lauren · 09 Dec 2003, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarylB

I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it?

Fair comment caryl, but it seems that the actual article was written after everything was cleared up so maybe the author could have been a little kinder when regarding the interview armed with all the facts?

07 Dec 2003, 12:53	#1
Mike Piercy cat out of hell Join Date: 20.10.2003 Location: With the black cat where the rubber meets the road Posts: 618	Meat in Observer Mag Meat is featured in the Observer magazine today (Sunday). Lynn Barber has written a 4 page article BAT MAN which contains pictures of Meat throughout the years, refers to his health and contains a mix of interview and history. You could say it was a mixed review, but nevetheless good too keep. Mike

07 Dec 2003, 18:18	#2
Deb Mega Loafer Join Date: 26.04.2003 Location: Did I say that?... Posts: 4,162	Thanx for letting us know Mike :) If anyone wants to see it who couldn't get a copy i've scanned it and added it to my website. www.debsmeatyworld.co.uk direct link: http://www.pumpkinpie.coldpizza.co.u...ne_7.12.03.htm Deb

07 Dec 2003, 19:19	#3
sherrie87 Mega Loafer Join Date: 20.02.2003 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,262	Deb, Thanks for posting it, but I have a question- when I click on it, it's at a readable size for about 10 seconds, then switches to a smaller version that is completely illegible. Any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong? Sherrie

07 Dec 2003, 19:32	#4
Deb Mega Loafer Join Date: 26.04.2003 Location: Did I say that?... Posts: 4,162	Hi Sherrie It's something windows does. If you go to bottom right of picture and click around it will come up with a magnifine glass type thing, if you click on that it'll go bigger again. Hope this helps Deb

07 Dec 2003, 19:57	#5
martha_mae Senior Loafer Join Date: 29.04.2003 Location: In the graveyard of the universe.... Posts: 122	Hi Mike thanks for letting us know & Sultonfan for posting the link

07 Dec 2003, 21:05	#7
mellis107 Senior Loafer Join Date: 05.02.2003 Location: Rotherham, England Posts: 127	Dunno why, but that article made me a bit sad.... mike

07 Dec 2003, 21:14	#8
DIZZY DRUMMER Always Ready For A Bang Join Date: 30.11.2003 Location: Left In The Dark .......... AGAIN Posts: 6,389	Nice large picture of Meat, but I'm with u - Mellis107 - the article itself made me feel sad, and slightly defensive about Meat. Don't know why, interviewer seemed quite negative (not what Meat needs now)

07 Dec 2003, 21:30	#9
Lauren Super Loafer Join Date: 19.11.2003 Location: Rotherham, UK Posts: 224	The way i read it - don't know if you guys agree - but the interviewer seemed to have the upmost respect for meats music and career but didn't seem to like the man himself very much. He seemed very cynical about meats sense of humour (regularly referring back to his 'lies') and made several (i thought unkind) remarks about his age, appearance and so on. What was expected after what the mans just been through!!!!!! Anyway. i've said my piece now, thanks for listening.

08 Dec 2003, 00:51	#11
Kathy Super Loafer Join Date: 02.10.2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio USA Posts: 610	Thanks very much for the link. On the whole though, this article made me not just sad, but angry - from little things like the sidebar Steinman quote out of context, to the relentless references to the author's belief that Meat is over the hill ("grumpy old codger"?? Give me a break!) to outlandish statements like Meat can only sing "when he feels like it." What does that mean?? And the harping on the age thing again. How come the ages of lots of female actresses are totally unknown and no one seems to care, but every journalist that comes along feels the need to devil Meat about it ad nauseum. OK my blood pressure is getting the better of me. -Kathy

08 Dec 2003, 02:32	#12
ChrissybabezNI Super Loafer Join Date: 18.11.2003 Location: Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland Posts: 352	I agree that article had quite a bit of negativity

08 Dec 2003, 02:49	#13
tbuck Super Loafer Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: USA Posts: 355	Well, they say any press is good press and it was a quite lengthy article. While obviously not written by a fan of Meat, it didn't particularly bother me. The overall tone could have been different and more positive towards Meat, but the author wrote what they deemed the truth. At that point Meat probably was not fully recovered from his health problems. She could have cut him a break. However, I found some of it an interesting glimpse of the human side of Meat. What I really didn't care for was her quoting John Aizlewood. His review of Wembley was CRAP. IMHO He didn't even know that Kasim was set up to open and implied he was sent out as a last minute change to buy Meat more time. Hey Johnny, do your homework when the stool is center stage, Kasim's opening! Aizlewood's review riled me much more than this article. Thanks for sharing Mike and Deb. T

08 Dec 2003, 03:53	#14
meatfan Super Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Posts: 251	Debs, You are a STAR! Heather.

08 Dec 2003, 04:55	#15
rockfenris2005 Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.02.2003 Location: Posts: 2,217	I could immediately relate with his comments about him not being as grandiose as he is on television. I had that experience in Melbourne, and it was frightening to see such a frail man, instead of the giant I had always envisioned. It's strange, but he's still a great soul.

08 Dec 2003, 07:44	#16
DIZZY DRUMMER Always Ready For A Bang Join Date: 30.11.2003 Location: Left In The Dark .......... AGAIN Posts: 6,389	Who wouldn't be a "grumpy old codger" after what Meat has been through over the last few months. Meat has run himself into the ground to do this last world tour. 17th at Wembley must have been awful for him and the fans there. give him a break I personally think that there was no need to keep going on about Meat's size and appearance. He has always been big, we know that, but we love him anyway. It doesn't matter what someone looks like on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts Sorry for the moan - but had to get it off my chest.

08 Dec 2003, 10:26	#17
Bart Bald Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.03.2003 Location: Holland, but I prefer Greece Posts: 2,243	The article is not negative at all. The writer is jut confues about the way he is on stage and the way he is in real life. On stage he seems 20 years younger. In real life its just an old man. I am just wondering myself about it all the time.

08 Dec 2003, 22:21	#20
DebGreaves Senior Loafer Join Date: 24.11.2003 Location: South Yorkshire Posts: 167	I agree Fallen Angel, its whats on the inside that counts not what people look like Debs

08 Dec 2003, 23:49	#21
little_dancer Super Loafer Join Date: 23.06.2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 363	You are correct about that one Deb- but to be fair- HE STILL LOOKS GREAT- Once again, if I look that good at 52 (or 47 or whatever) I'll be quite happy! The author, IMHO, was annoyed at Meat's comment Re: Journalists that she mentions at the beginning (which I can't begrudge him for) and just ran with a negative spin. Regarding: 'Lying' about age and name- well, if that's as creative as the questions are going to get, why not make up a harmless story or two??? As a personal example- I have some large, pretty obvious scars on my chest- initially when people asked me about them, I said they were from a previous surgery yadda yadda and told the truth- but because they are SO OBVIOUS- people just keep asking me, usually complete strangers at the gym, on the beach, in the pool- In all honesty, I lie about them all the time now (my favorite is telling people that I was an assistant in a magicians act, and the 'sawing in half' part went totally wrong once ) I mean why should I keep repeating myself everytime I'm wearing a tank top? How many times does Meat get asked about 'origin of the name' and age stuff??? Hell- if he didn't make up stories, he'd probably fall asleep in the interview!!! The pics were lovely though... Oh Meat, I hope you're feeling well!!

09 Dec 2003, 04:01	#22
angel eyes Senior Loafer Join Date: 18.11.2003 Location: North East Posts: 183	All I can say is thumbs up for Meat - thumbs down for the "writer". He is a human being and all the rubbish about his weight, lies etc was uneccessaryand uncalled for I've been to a few concerts and he has always given 100% so I don't know where the singing if he feels like it comes from. Take it all with a pinch of salt Meat. We all LOVE you!!! Love Angelxxx

09 Dec 2003, 11:45	#23
Winston Super Loafer Join Date: 02.04.2003 Location: Lion's Den Posts: 745	I'm with Bart on this one. I didn't see anything negative about that interview. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Tyler are mentioned by Meat so it can't all be that bad

09 Dec 2003, 14:49	#24
CarylB Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.04.2003 Location: Sheffield UK Posts: 5,910	I agree with Terry and Little Dancer .. I got the impression the the journalist was seeing Meat when he was still unwell .. before they realised what was actually wrong with him for so many years and corrected it? .. and his comments about British journalists sent this one into a negative set .. and if you're expecting to meet the huge larger than life character from the stage you'll often be surprised, because the man who takes him on there is actually quite shy and totally without pretension or "star" trappings. It was still a great Sunday read and some great pictures .. and yes, he must get bored silly with the same old questions .. if they eally want to know why don't they do what I did and check the Texas State registers of births? Journalists who can't be bothered to investigate!! .. lol