RECORD STORE TALES #1216: A Chuckle with Blaze Bayley

“I know it’s not ideal, but how about 7:30 AM on Monday morning?” asked Blaze Bayley’s manager Mark Appleton.  It was Saturday and we had less than two days’ notice, but I had planned ahead for this possibility.  I brought my laptop home from work on the Friday, just in case I somehow had to balance the Blaze interview with work.  I am fortunate that I have the option to work from home occasionally.  7:30 AM would be perfect.  I start work at 8:30 AM, so that gave me plenty of time to do the interview with Blaze (30 to 45 minutes is what we were promised), and log into work with time to make a coffee.

I woke up early on the Monday morning and logged into my work laptop.  I answered a couple emails and did some work, and then hit the shower preparing for Blaze.

I was nervous, but felt that I had a good plan.  I didn’t have to miss any work, or even be late, to do the Blaze interview.  I had already gotten work started.  It would be no problem to finish up with Blaze and then right to work, even if I’d be running an adrenaline high.

The Blaze interview went smashingly well.  At the 45 minute point, Harrison asked him how he was doing for time?  He had lots of time, so we kept going.  The clock ticked closer and closer to 8:30, but I was still OK.  Blaze was inspired and inspiring.  We had to keep going as long as he was willing.

Blaze finished answering a question from Harrison at 8:35.  Harrison asked how he was doing for time again, and Blaze responded “a couple more.” Harrison threw it back to me.  As we went well overtime, I asked Blaze my final question which was about hooking up with the Absolva band, and the Appleton brothers.

“In music,” he said, “people don’t talk about being on time.  Be on time!  And actually show up.  Be on time!”  As he praised the punctuality of the Appletons, I was already ten minutes late for work myself.  Anxiety building!

We wrapped up at 8:45, and I logged back into work, only 15 minutes late.  In order to hear Blaze’s words about being on time for work, I was making myself late for work.  I think that’s just really funny.

Thanks for the advice Blaze!  I’m always really early, except for this one time, I swear!

Interview with Blaze Bayley