When are you going to post the rest of this story, James. Been waiting more than a week to hear the rest of it. Otherwise, I hope you're well. Take care now. Kind regards. Liz.
Dancing with a catheter bag is quite possibly the ultimate making the best of a bad situation moment I've ever seen. Great title for an Album too. 'They can rebuild him...' - glad things are on the up.
CHAPTER 1 - THE CAUTION December 31st, 2016. I wanted to go out so bad, join my friends and have some fun but in the following month I had a trip to London, a trip to Nashville, L.A and then New York. Last time I went out I was uber careful not to pick up any germs and yet ended up a cough that lasted a month. So the only thing I did on New Year’s eve was walk down the street listening to the distant fireworks surrounding me. I noticed how they sounded like they were from the scene where Voldemort talks Harry through his mind…so I literally walked along the street impersonating Voldemort….that’s how I spent the first 15 minutes of 2017.
Ah, now I'm up to speed on your latest chapter re your dreadful malady. Reading the early bits, it seems you're a bit Howard Hughes in your approach to things, or, is that because you are prone to catching things, i.e., flu-type stuff from just about anything outside of your normal environment? Not prying, just curious...and trying to understand more about what makes you tick. Your song was fantastic. Your vocals were great; I didn't hear 'that note' that you mention! lol But, I am getting on a bit, so, maybe it's me!? LOL Reminds me when I was 15yrs (a long time ago), due to go and join the Army the next day; woke up in the a.m., alone, at home, and the room was positively spinning - like when one is totally inebriated, although I was not. I could not move without being violently sick...but there was nothing to come-up but my lungs, as everything else had already gone! I couldn't call or phone anyone. I knew I just had to struggle up and get dressed and get to the Doctor - whose surgery was about a mile and a half away, across a very busy 4-lane road. Long story short: I struggled, like a drunken person, stumbling, reeling, retching - all the way down; it was hell. Eventually, I actually crawled up to the door and pressed the bell - it was an old Victorian or Edwardian house, and then just collapsed from exhaustion. Shortly, a young locum Dr. appeared, along with a nurse, he took one look in my eyes, lifted me up in his arms, put me into his car, and drove me straight away to the QE Neuro Hospital (which, in those days, had only recently been completed). When I got there, still as sick as a dog, I recall all the sad faces looking at me; there was not much hope, it seemed. They didn't think I would make it; soon, my Mother (a geriatric nurse) was looking over me, weeping... Man, that was hard to bear; I had to cheer her up! Lots of tests, including electrodes dotted all over my head, and lots of other places, too! Still, they were not hopeful. A 'bleed' + a clot on the brain, it seemed. I had to cheer a lot of them up, I recall. I was okay! There was another lad in there, now, he was really ill; him and I had a load of fun by ourselves... and eventually, I got better and left... But I remember all of it to this day, if I choose to dip into that pool of memories, which, I normally wouldn't. I did so, and wrote this, because, I thought it might help. Maybe? Maybe not?! But, one thing I always remember, and, whenever I was in a dark place (many, many times) - there is always someone else much worse-off than me, so, chin-up and crack on! So, Jame, chin-up and crack on! PS A small suggestion: Positively Brilliant Artistic Productions!
Touching video footage. Awesome guitar solos (the one at the end sounds wicked). Good to see you never stop dancing :D And great to hear you are on your way to recovery!
What an amazing bit of art. For a few years now, I have been so happy to see a new James Bell performance uploaded. It is so cool to see how both deep and broad your drive and talents are. Life threatening illness detours your life. I found that out, too. I am so happy for you that you have ways to fight back. You're gonna be alright.
Wow James this all explains alot of my questions about your illnes (which was none of my business to ask). I am so sorry you had to go through all of that . I have followed you for many years now. I am so glad you are still here to make your music. I TRULY wish you all the best and brightest future and good health. God Bless you. Stay strong and carry on.
Liked this beaty song very much and enjoyed the video skills. Altogether sensitive to the situation - your hospital experience. Here you've made something good from the bad, but then optimism runs through many of your tracks. So glad you fought your way through incredibly tough time - lived to tell the tale ... lived to make your music - and managed some humour.
You are so Strong The Navy taught me too Never Give Up and I see you are like this also keep going on the new music we have seen shows us your strength keep bringing them and we will keep buying them and listening to them and let us know what is up and what you need so we can try and contribute
I am a 70 year old who found his way here via your Hendrix Watchtower and Little Wing vids. So sorry you had to meet the NHS so young, but it is great you seem to be coming through it. Keep up the music - the film production is great too!
CHAPTER 3 - THE NAIVE The next day woke up with the sneezes and blurry eyes. Thought it would go soon. The next day I woke up with aches and sweats. Thought it be over by the next week. The next day I woke up feeling weak. Still thought it was nothing. On sunday I woke feeling sick, freezing cold but soaking and couldn't eat anything. I had one box of strawberries through that whole day. Found myself hunched over the toilet and was ill three times. The first left me slightly blind in one eye. The second even more blind and the third was crazy. Suddenly it felt there was someone inside me trying to push my eye out of it's socket. And then I was fully blind in the right and partially blind in the left eye. There I lay on the floor, dripping sweat and condemn my life for all it's bad luck. AKA crying and repeatedly saying "FML FML FML". The nashville trip was supposed to be within the next week. Even if I recovered, I would be out of practice. I got in the shower with what little vision remained and went to bed without telling anyone what had happened. I just assumed it would all go away on it's own.
WOW! What a wonderful song, James! Superb guitar work and the singing was excellent! I can only imagine what you (and your family) went through during that dreadful time... I still pray that you'll be off all meds and take on the world with your beautiful music. As the video shows, the NHS is a truly a godsend. 🙂
Someone said "Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger"..I am sorry you had to go through all of that-- hope you are feeling much better now! EXCELLENT work James-- If released that is going on my workout soundtrack!
James, please forgive this belated commentary. It is remarkable that you were able to accomplish this piece, and others, when youe illness was likely at its worse. I always admire your moxy and dedication to the art, despite terrible circumstances.
E' evidente che stare male non è mai una cosa bella, ed essere chiusi per 30 giorni in una stanza d'ospedale, ci fa crescere la percezione delle cose intorno a noi in maniera esponenziale rendendoci più sensibili a tutto ciò che ci circonda. James hai trasformato una cosa negativa in qualcosa che ti ha fatto crescere un po' di piu. Quello che ieri ti è sembrato farti più debole....trasformalo in qualcosa che ti RENDE PIÙ FORTE....continua cosi.
Wow James, thanks for sharing. The song is, as always, awesome! Your art is the more sweet. You a hero, to yourself and to all who have to fight such battles. Be well and thrive! :)
James Bell X Fortunately not as an in-patient, but about once a year I go to the right at the main entrance and get lost figuring my way to the Trent Building to get my CPAP machine checked - it's quite a rabbit warren, walk to the end of the corridor then down two floors, then walk into the next building, then down another floor and then try to find the sleep and ventilation unit! :)
Yh tbh I can't fathom it but maybe that's cause there's people around to ask and I never wear my glasses anyway so I just tell them what I'm looking for and they give directions :-)
The important thing is you are well now and my advice is about don't push the situation, take all the things ease and go forward with any rush. Best wishes for u!
I have been following you for over 5 years, finally making a comment. I'm sorry that you had to go through that ordeal, but I do believe it made you stronger!!! I to hate MRI'S just spent 2 hours in that tube of NOISE that they give headphones for music LMFAO like you can hear the music. Get to do them every three months for life now 😢 sucks I know. I hope that you get back to normal real quick. Your music is progressing so nice, I look forward to seeing you grow your Tallent you will brake through with all that talent in the future! I look forward to it too!!! 😉
It took great courage to relive your illness through your lyrics. Congrads man, you have recovered. So glad you are here providing all with your musical artistry - another great song. What I have always noticed about you is that you respect people and are willing to engage with them regardless of age. You showed appreciation to all in this vid that made recovery possible. I respect you, for who you, a classy young man.
I honestly want to just connect with as many as I can :p That would be great. I hope one day my song/s will take somebody back to a certain point in their life.
Art expresses itself to the highest level after experiencing suffering ... and after suffering you appreciate the little things of everyday life. Be happy James and... continue to give us good music.
Beautiful song and video. It amazes me how strong you have been and that you haven't let life get in the way of you making music... High five to that! Hoping your recovery is still going well x
Excellent video showing what you've been through James. It's really well thought out and must have taken a great deal of effort to put together. Awesome all round. Keep getting better now. 👍
Love the song & vid James,,,that goes without saying, been a fan of your music a very long time,,,for many reasons,,,most of which is in part because you write from the heart, (true to yourself without barriers), & also because I can relate so immensely ( as I guess many others do ), but for me, it's like looking into a mirror of my past,,,and I guess that's why I feel such a connection to you, even if that sounds weird, ( please don't mind me saying that, I mean it in a very genuine & good way),,,I'm very interested in hearing the rest of your story , as I was quite concerned when I first heard about you becoming ill, but felt it was none of my business to pry, so I'm kind of glad you're explaining things here,,,very brave of you, but also very mature & healthy to come to terms with such an experience...As you know I've been battling many health issues as well, and if it's any consolation to you, the more positive your outlook & the more fearless your battle, the better you will feel,,,,The song, video, & story tells me you've taken that path, and will most certainly influence & comfort others, as it has for me, (although I wish you well & was sad this has happened to you),,,But an old man, now gone but very present in my life, once told me, "Nothing in life happens by mistake, these are the things that make us who we are, and make our lives what it is",,,It took me a long time to understand what he meant, but when I finally did, life had a whole new meaning to me,,,It's a battle for you now, but one that I know you will win,,,Any time you feel bad, alone, or afraid in life,,,just remember that saying,,,and remember also, that "this" old man is by your side, and will be always,,,,Rock On, my friend ~ You have a lifetime of songs to make the world a better place , and as "I" always say; "Life is an endless Song" ,,,,Best Wishes & Regards Always, James ! `~Peace !
Get well soon bro, gonna buy this song later on tonight, amazing track, love the dancing and solo. When u are in top shape, tab the solo, i will buy it for sure.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MATE!! You are a very nice lad. The crazy thing is that I don't how I did that last part of the solo at all.....It's going to take ages to figure out ahahaha Now I don't need to feel so bad when I can't learn other people's solos...I can do a similar thing but when I listened back to that after recording it I was like...what the hell did I just do?
hah thanks! and thats cool bro, u were in your element and improv'd, nonetheless the solo suited that dance so well, u should trademark it as the catheter shuffle.
Wow James, powerful song. I'm so glad that you are so much better and take the time to give credit to our much maligned NHS. Maybe you have to wait for routine ops but nobody better in emergencies.
James Bell X Wow James, I have just read chapters 1-4. You have been through a hell of a lot mate. The fact that you have come through the worse of it and are still with us shows an inner strength that will serve you well in the future.
CHAPTER 2 - THE BUILDUP Anyway, the trip to London was planned 2 weeks into July. I had been getting stingy eyes from using screens for more than 2 hours but I assumed this was just a phase plus I wasn't sleeping much. The night in London before the day of the session I had there, I went to pick up a new acoustic guitar from a buddy who was moving back to Sweden. I am always mega careful not to touch anything outdoors or on the tube that I don't need to however Im also very bad with balance so occasionally grab onto the pole things. I'm afraid I might have touched my lips at one point because I had an itch... When I got back to the hotel I held the TV remote with a tissue and even then I would still wash my hands every time... I put the start of "Wolf of wall street" on (English TV premiere on film 4) and realise I wouldn't be able to watch it to the end if i wanted to be fresh the next day. Turned it off only to hear that the people in the next room had there TV on very loud that was going to stop me sleeping. So I put Wolf of wall street back on, I kept turning the volume down to check if the noise next door had gone...but it was there in the end till 3am in the morning. The walls were paper thin and I think they turned it on and went out....I guess some people are just that selfish?? The next day in the session, I was very tired . I had to keep asking the producer to repeat himself, i couldn't play the way I wanted to and the strangest thing was that the room was randomly rocking back and fourth. I told the producer but we both thought I'd be fine, just a bit of tiredness....oh how wrong we were. On the train home...I got to my reserved seat...which is always by a window with a table so I can have space for my guitar. But there was someone in it...I wanted to do what everyone else would do and say hey that's my seat but it would feel ridiculous with so many other seats free (even though none with a table). I ended sitting in front of a woman who kept sneezing over and over. When I got home I remember feeling very tired, a weight pressing against my head, and I sneezed.... and i was like great...look what my kindness has caused. This is why I don't believe in karma at all.
CHAPTER 4 - THE DOCTOR Still the next day I could hardly see and told mum. She forced me go to the doctors which was hard because here's the new thing....now I could barely walk. At the doctors...she was looking at me as if there was something terribly wrong with me. She checked a sample which took a worryingly long time (on my end) and all she could deduce was that I was starving. That was it. But my temperature was 39 degrees...apparently I was very close to having a fit...my hands and fingers were curling up. Ironically it looked just like when Leonardo Dicrapio takes that drug in Wolf of wall streets that makes him fall to the floor and have to crawl to his car. That reference gave the paramedics a chuckle. I was still joking around because I refused to believe it was anything serious. After connecting me to a drip they took me to the hospital by ambulance and took off the 4 layers I was wearing (A shirt, a hoodie, a gown and a coat).
medical stuff can be scary. glad you made it. i have had my own stuff, i am 60. believe me, it gets worse as you get older. take care of your body. it is the thing that holds your brain. don't be like me. time is counting down.
Some of our greatest art and music were born out of life's trials and hard times . No one can listen to Pink Floyd for instance and not hear the deep thought , amazing observations even some prophetic insights . Much of it born out of pain , desires for answers and even with some members bouts with mental darkness . Other artist deal with it differently and create with it differently . David Bowie created amazing characters , changed his whole image and even changed his voice ( used it like no one I've ever heard before or since ) . He was a genius at creating sound and image . If you would have seen Alice Cooper at an early age . You would have found a awkward looking kid , a son of Minister , an obvious rebel and someone who had or developed a wicked and very funny sense of humor . Those of us who took the time to read his amazing lyrics , visualize and hear the backhanded comedy ( sarcasm and wit ) in his songs learned how truly great a performer he really is and got the inside jokes . Alice developed this " I'm going to CHASE YOU DOWN AND EAT YOUR LIVER ...... ( Big smile ) just kidding , kind of outlook on some serious and not so serious subjects . He wrote songs that could have been sung by Frank Sinatra that were eye opening and emotional and he wrote songs that could have been sung by our darkest fears ( but with a big smile and a tap dance LOL ) . All of these people displayed their minds and hearts for us and sometimes were pretty raw and rare to the point of being deep inside their own fears . You have great talent James and you've shown qualities of these artists mentioned above . What is so important for you to do is write these songs and let them be your outlet . Let that be the place you put those pains and then put them aside and grow from it . You cannot judge at any point in a artists career how successful they are by how many people are fans , their recognition or how much praise they get from the music world . It is a very opportunity and right time , right artist based industry . You also cannot make your music to fit those times or opportunities because like Pink Floyd , Bowie or Alice Cooper sometimes...... YOU create that moment of success and the next wave of music . THAT comes from being yourself and developing yourself to the fullest . I know for a fact that the Alice Cooper band was HATED at first . I'm sure Bowie being so visual and different was also rejected many times and Pink Floyd was the slowest simmering band to become absolute legends in the rock world . You're doing fine .... Better than fine . Be James that's the artist we love and the one we know is bound for great things . I don't think you can decide when you will be a success or make it happen . I think you need to develop James and his own type of music and it will come ..... when it does . So , enjoy life , create music , chase the girls and have some jello it's good for your bones and joints and is the only food that is colorful and jiggles like BOOBS ! : ) PK
I am glad you are able to encourage James with such meaningful and profound comparison other artist. James has always had a great talent with the guitar. Then he challenged himself with singing and song writing. Those who have had the opportunity to see his earliest videos... see his growth and develop... and anguished when he was sick... to only observe what a powerful force that music has been to him. Can hardly wait to see his future creations. And thank you Trblemkr1 D
Hello, just to let you know he's just released (today) a UFO inspired album, including his vocals this time. The li n k is in the description of this video if you are interested. Thanks, Chris (Dad).
More chapters coming tomorrow :-)
When are you going to post the rest of this story, James. Been waiting more than a week to hear the rest of it. Otherwise, I hope you're well.
Take care now.
Kind regards.
Liz.
Dancing with a catheter bag is quite possibly the ultimate making the best of a bad situation moment I've ever seen. Great title for an Album too. 'They can rebuild him...' - glad things are on the up.
hahaha thank you , it also brought a whole new meaning to extremely painful dancing and dangerous dancing too :-)
CHAPTER 1 - THE CAUTION
December 31st, 2016. I wanted to go out so bad, join my friends and have some fun but in the following month I had a trip to London, a trip to Nashville, L.A and then New York. Last time I went out I was uber careful not to pick up any germs and yet ended up a cough that lasted a month. So the only thing I did on New Year’s eve was walk down the street listening to the distant fireworks surrounding me. I noticed how they sounded like they were from the scene where Voldemort talks Harry through his mind…so I literally walked along the street impersonating Voldemort….that’s how I spent the first 15 minutes of 2017.
Ah, now I'm up to speed on your latest chapter re your dreadful malady. Reading the early bits, it seems you're a bit Howard Hughes in your approach to things, or, is that because you are prone to catching things, i.e., flu-type stuff from just about anything outside of your normal environment? Not prying, just curious...and trying to understand more about what makes you tick.
Your song was fantastic. Your vocals were great; I didn't hear 'that note' that you mention! lol But, I am getting on a bit, so, maybe it's me!? LOL
Reminds me when I was 15yrs (a long time ago), due to go and join the Army the next day; woke up in the a.m., alone, at home, and the room was positively spinning - like when one is totally inebriated, although I was not. I could not move without being violently sick...but there was nothing to come-up but my lungs, as everything else had already gone! I couldn't call or phone anyone. I knew I just had to struggle up and get dressed and get to the Doctor - whose surgery was about a mile and a half away, across a very busy 4-lane road. Long story short: I struggled, like a drunken person, stumbling, reeling, retching - all the way down; it was hell. Eventually, I actually crawled up to the door and pressed the bell - it was an old Victorian or Edwardian house, and then just collapsed from exhaustion. Shortly, a young locum Dr. appeared, along with a nurse, he took one look in my eyes, lifted me up in his arms, put me into his car, and drove me straight away to the QE Neuro Hospital (which, in those days, had only recently been completed). When I got there, still as sick as a dog, I recall all the sad faces looking at me; there was not much hope, it seemed. They didn't think I would make it; soon, my Mother (a geriatric nurse) was looking over me, weeping... Man, that was hard to bear; I had to cheer her up! Lots of tests, including electrodes dotted all over my head, and lots of other places, too! Still, they were not hopeful. A 'bleed' + a clot on the brain, it seemed. I had to cheer a lot of them up, I recall. I was okay! There was another lad in there, now, he was really ill; him and I had a load of fun by ourselves... and eventually, I got better and left... But I remember all of it to this day, if I choose to dip into that pool of memories, which, I normally wouldn't. I did so, and wrote this, because, I thought it might help. Maybe? Maybe not?! But, one thing I always remember, and, whenever I was in a dark place (many, many times) - there is always someone else much worse-off than me, so, chin-up and crack on!
So, Jame, chin-up and crack on!
PS A small suggestion: Positively Brilliant Artistic Productions!
Touching video footage. Awesome guitar solos (the one at the end sounds wicked). Good to see you never stop dancing :D And great to hear you are on your way to recovery!
What an amazing bit of art. For a few years now, I have been so happy to see a new James Bell performance uploaded. It is so cool to see how both deep and broad your drive and talents are. Life threatening illness detours your life. I found that out, too. I am so happy for you that you have ways to fight back. You're gonna be alright.
Wow James this all explains alot of my questions about your illnes (which was none of my business to ask). I am so sorry you had to go through all of that .
I have followed you for many years now. I am so glad you are still here to make your music.
I TRULY wish you all the best and brightest future and good health. God Bless you. Stay strong and carry on.
Liked this beaty song very much and enjoyed the video skills. Altogether sensitive to the situation - your hospital experience. Here you've made something good from the bad, but then optimism runs through many of your tracks. So glad you fought your way through incredibly tough time - lived to tell the tale ... lived to make your music - and managed some humour.
You can buy this song here, gotta afford me medication innit - jamesbell.bandcamp.com/album/the-capital
You are so Strong The Navy taught me too Never Give Up and I see you are like this also keep going on the new music we have seen shows us your strength keep bringing them and we will keep buying them and listening to them and let us know what is up and what you need so we can try and contribute
Love the dancing scenes James. Can feel a lot of life in your music
I am a 70 year old who found his way here via your Hendrix Watchtower and Little Wing vids. So sorry you had to meet the NHS so young, but it is great you seem to be coming through it. Keep up the music - the film production is great too!
Very good Performances
CHAPTER 3 - THE NAIVE
The next day woke up with the sneezes and blurry eyes. Thought it would go soon.
The next day I woke up with aches and sweats. Thought it be over by the next week.
The next day I woke up feeling weak. Still thought it was nothing.
On sunday I woke feeling sick, freezing cold but soaking and couldn't eat anything.
I had one box of strawberries through that whole day.
Found myself hunched over the toilet and was ill three times. The first left me slightly blind in one eye. The second even more blind and the third was crazy. Suddenly it felt there was someone inside me trying to push my eye out of it's socket. And then I was fully blind in the right and partially blind in the left eye.
There I lay on the floor, dripping sweat and condemn my life for all it's bad luck. AKA crying and repeatedly saying "FML FML FML". The nashville trip was supposed to be within the next week. Even if I recovered, I would be out of practice.
I got in the shower with what little vision remained and went to bed without telling anyone what had happened. I just assumed it would all go away on it's own.
WOW! What a wonderful song, James! Superb guitar work and the singing was excellent! I can only imagine what you (and your family) went through during that dreadful time... I still pray that you'll be off all meds and take on the world with your beautiful music. As the video shows, the NHS is a truly a godsend. 🙂
What more can I say about your talent...thanks for sharing James. Loved it mate.
Astounding guitar solo I keep watching you over and over!
Someone said "Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger"..I am sorry you had to go through all of that-- hope you are feeling much better now! EXCELLENT work James-- If released that is going on my workout soundtrack!
James, Hope your totally better and feeling good. Be safe and continue to get better.I have had a bad cold now for two months. Get well from the USA!!
So we finally get the whole, sad story, along with some awesome music and video. I'm waiting for the rest of it.
Another great song James
James, please forgive this belated commentary. It is remarkable that you were able to accomplish this piece, and others, when youe illness was likely at its worse. I always admire your moxy and dedication to the art, despite terrible circumstances.
E' evidente che stare male non è mai una cosa bella, ed essere chiusi per 30 giorni in una stanza d'ospedale, ci fa crescere la percezione delle cose intorno a noi in maniera esponenziale rendendoci più sensibili a tutto ciò che ci circonda. James hai trasformato una cosa negativa in qualcosa che ti ha fatto crescere un po' di piu. Quello che ieri ti è sembrato farti più debole....trasformalo in qualcosa che ti RENDE PIÙ FORTE....continua cosi.
Wow James, thanks for sharing. The song is, as always, awesome! Your art is the more sweet. You a hero, to yourself and to all who have to fight such battles. Be well and thrive! :)
Excellent video and song, James, and I'm very glad you're feeling better. That's the Royal Stoke, isn't it? - great people!
Thank you :-) Yes it is, have you been?
James Bell X Fortunately not as an in-patient, but about once a year I go to the right at the main entrance and get lost figuring my way to the Trent Building to get my CPAP machine checked - it's quite a rabbit warren, walk to the end of the corridor then down two floors, then walk into the next building, then down another floor and then try to find the sleep and ventilation unit! :)
Yh tbh I can't fathom it but maybe that's cause there's people around to ask and I never wear my glasses anyway so I just tell them what I'm looking for and they give directions :-)
The important thing is you are well now and my advice is about don't push the situation, take all the things ease and go forward with any rush. Best wishes for u!
I have been following you for over 5 years, finally making a comment. I'm sorry that you had to go through that ordeal, but I do believe it made you stronger!!!
I to hate MRI'S just spent 2 hours in that tube of NOISE that they give headphones for music LMFAO like you can hear the music. Get to do them every three months for life now 😢 sucks I know. I hope that you get back to normal real quick. Your music is progressing so nice, I look forward to seeing you grow your Tallent you will brake through with all that talent in the future! I look forward to it too!!! 😉
Wow, what an ordeal. So glad you are hear to tell to story, The song is very powerful.
It took great courage to relive your illness through your lyrics. Congrads man, you have recovered. So glad you are here providing all with your musical artistry - another great song. What I have always noticed about you is that you respect people and are willing to engage with them regardless of age. You showed appreciation to all in this vid that made recovery possible. I respect you, for who you, a classy young man.
I honestly want to just connect with as many as I can :p That would be great. I hope one day my song/s will take somebody back to a certain point in their life.
So glad you made it through. Great work as usual and the raw honesty is off the charts. Keep getting stronger, hope to see you in the states soon.
Thankyou! I hope so too! it's going to get even more honest soon to a point it may be too far. But we'll see :D
Art expresses itself to the highest level after experiencing suffering ... and after suffering you appreciate the little things of everyday life. Be happy James and... continue to give us good music.
Beautiful song and video. It amazes me how strong you have been and that you haven't let life get in the way of you making music... High five to that! Hoping your recovery is still going well x
Wow, James... I hope you are better now and they figured out what was wrong. Stay strong. My thoughts are with you.
Excellent video showing what you've been through James. It's really well thought out and must have taken a great deal of effort to put together. Awesome all round. Keep getting better now. 👍
Love the song & vid James,,,that goes without saying, been a fan of your music a very long time,,,for many reasons,,,most of which is in part because you write from the heart, (true to yourself without barriers), & also because I can relate so immensely ( as I guess many others do ), but for me, it's like looking into a mirror of my past,,,and I guess that's why I feel such a connection to you, even if that sounds weird, ( please don't mind me saying that, I mean it in a very genuine & good way),,,I'm very interested in hearing the rest of your story , as I was quite concerned when I first heard about you becoming ill, but felt it was none of my business to pry, so I'm kind of glad you're explaining things here,,,very brave of you, but also very mature & healthy to come to terms with such an experience...As you know I've been battling many health issues as well, and if it's any consolation to you, the more positive your outlook & the more fearless your battle, the better you will feel,,,,The song, video, & story tells me you've taken that path, and will most certainly influence & comfort others, as it has for me, (although I wish you well & was sad this has happened to you),,,But an old man, now gone but very present in my life, once told me, "Nothing in life happens by mistake, these are the things that make us who we are, and make our lives what it is",,,It took me a long time to understand what he meant, but when I finally did, life had a whole new meaning to me,,,It's a battle for you now, but one that I know you will win,,,Any time you feel bad, alone, or afraid in life,,,just remember that saying,,,and remember also, that "this" old man is by your side, and will be always,,,,Rock On, my friend ~ You have a lifetime of songs to make the world a better place , and as "I" always say; "Life is an endless Song" ,,,,Best Wishes & Regards Always, James ! `~Peace !
Get well soon bro, gonna buy this song later on tonight, amazing track, love the dancing and solo. When u are in top shape, tab the solo, i will buy it for sure.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MATE!! You are a very nice lad. The crazy thing is that I don't how I did that last part of the solo at all.....It's going to take ages to figure out ahahaha Now I don't need to feel so bad when I can't learn other people's solos...I can do a similar thing but when I listened back to that after recording it I was like...what the hell did I just do?
hah thanks! and thats cool bro, u were in your element and improv'd, nonetheless the solo suited that dance so well, u should trademark it as the catheter shuffle.
hahahahahaha Maybe that could be my way of finding success...... They say if you have a catchy dance it doesn't even matter about the song :P
You're such an unbelievable nice person! Thank you very much for this great song and video!!!
Thank you! If only karma showed itself.
Wow James, powerful song. I'm so glad that you are so much better and take the time to give credit to our much maligned NHS. Maybe you have to wait for routine ops but nobody better in emergencies.
Thank you :-) The only problem with the NHS is that we need more of it :D
James Bell X Wow James, I have just read chapters 1-4. You have been through a hell of a lot mate. The fact that you have come through the worse of it and are still with us shows an inner strength that will serve you well in the future.
CHAPTER 2 - THE BUILDUP
Anyway, the trip to London was planned 2 weeks into July. I had been getting stingy eyes from using screens for more than 2 hours but I assumed this was just a phase plus I wasn't sleeping much.
The night in London before the day of the session I had there, I went to pick up a new acoustic guitar from a buddy who was moving back to Sweden. I am always mega careful not to touch anything outdoors or on the tube that I don't need to however Im also very bad with balance so occasionally grab onto the pole things. I'm afraid I might have touched my lips at one point because I had an itch...
When I got back to the hotel I held the TV remote with a tissue and even then I would still wash my hands every time... I put the start of "Wolf of wall street" on (English TV premiere on film 4) and realise I wouldn't be able to watch it to the end if i wanted to be fresh the next day. Turned it off only to hear that the people in the next room had there TV on very loud that was going to stop me sleeping. So I put Wolf of wall street back on, I kept turning the volume down to check if the noise next door had gone...but it was there in the end till 3am in the morning. The walls were paper thin and I think they turned it on and went out....I guess some people are just that selfish??
The next day in the session, I was very tired . I had to keep asking the producer to repeat himself, i couldn't play the way I wanted to and the strangest thing was that the room was randomly rocking back and fourth. I told the producer but we both thought I'd be fine, just a bit of tiredness....oh how wrong we were.
On the train home...I got to my reserved seat...which is always by a window with a table so I can have space for my guitar. But there was someone in it...I wanted to do what everyone else would do and say hey that's my seat but it would feel ridiculous with so many other seats free (even though none with a table). I ended sitting in front of a woman who kept sneezing over and over.
When I got home I remember feeling very tired, a weight pressing against my head, and I sneezed.... and i was like great...look what my kindness has caused. This is why I don't believe in karma at all.
The woman who kept sneezing on you is a prime suspect - the one who unknowingly passed the illness to you.
You're a true stunning artist James. This video and music are specials and uniques. Continue to amaze me with your art :D
CHAPTER 4 - THE DOCTOR
Still the next day I could hardly see and told mum. She forced me go to the doctors which was hard because here's the new thing....now I could barely walk.
At the doctors...she was looking at me as if there was something terribly wrong with me. She checked a sample which took a worryingly long time (on my end) and all she could deduce was that I was starving. That was it. But my temperature was 39 degrees...apparently I was very close to having a fit...my hands and fingers were curling up. Ironically it looked just like when Leonardo Dicrapio takes that drug in Wolf of wall streets that makes him fall to the floor and have to crawl to his car. That reference gave the paramedics a chuckle. I was still joking around because I refused to believe it was anything serious.
After connecting me to a drip they took me to the hospital by ambulance and took off the 4 layers I was wearing (A shirt, a hoodie, a gown and a coat).
ha i came back to delete what I wrote its magical
REALLY NICE SONG !!!!!!
brilliant -glad you'll be making so much more music
Thank you!! Nice profile picture!
medical stuff can be scary. glad you made it. i have had my own stuff, i am 60. believe me, it gets worse as you get older. take care of your body. it is the thing that holds your brain. don't be like me. time is counting down.
Amazing sir...
Thanks J :p
Some of our greatest art and music were born out of life's trials and hard times . No one can listen to Pink Floyd for instance and not hear the deep thought , amazing observations even some prophetic insights . Much of it born out of pain , desires for answers and even with some members bouts with mental darkness . Other artist deal with it differently and create with it differently . David Bowie created amazing characters , changed his whole image and even changed his voice ( used it like no one I've ever heard before or since ) . He was a genius at creating sound and image . If you would have seen Alice Cooper at an early age . You would have found a awkward looking kid , a son of Minister , an obvious rebel and someone who had or developed a wicked and very funny sense of humor . Those of us who took the time to read his amazing lyrics , visualize and hear the backhanded comedy ( sarcasm and wit ) in his songs learned how truly great a performer he really is and got the inside jokes . Alice developed this " I'm going to CHASE YOU DOWN AND EAT YOUR LIVER ...... ( Big smile ) just kidding , kind of outlook on some serious and not so serious subjects . He wrote songs that could have been sung by Frank Sinatra that were eye opening and emotional and he wrote songs that could have been sung by our darkest fears ( but with a big smile and a tap dance LOL ) . All of these people displayed their minds and hearts for us and sometimes were pretty raw and rare to the point of being deep inside their own fears . You have great talent James and you've shown qualities of these artists mentioned above . What is so important for you to do is write these songs and let them be your outlet . Let that be the place you put those pains and then put them aside and grow from it . You cannot judge at any point in a artists career how successful they are by how many people are fans , their recognition or how much praise they get from the music world . It is a very opportunity and right time , right artist based industry . You also cannot make your music to fit those times or opportunities because like Pink Floyd , Bowie or Alice Cooper sometimes...... YOU create that moment of success and the next wave of music . THAT comes from being yourself and developing yourself to the fullest . I know for a fact that the Alice Cooper band was HATED at first . I'm sure Bowie being so visual and different was also rejected many times and Pink Floyd was the slowest simmering band to become absolute legends in the rock world . You're doing fine .... Better than fine . Be James that's the artist we love and the one we know is bound for great things . I don't think you can decide when you will be a success or make it happen . I think you need to develop James and his own type of music and it will come ..... when it does . So , enjoy life , create music , chase the girls and have some jello it's good for your bones and joints and is the only food that is colorful and jiggles like BOOBS ! : ) PK
I am glad you are able to encourage James with such meaningful and profound comparison other artist. James has always had a great talent with the guitar. Then he challenged himself with singing and song writing. Those who have had the opportunity to see his earliest videos... see his growth and develop... and anguished when he was sick... to only observe what a powerful force that music has been to him. Can hardly wait to see his future creations. And thank you Trblemkr1 D
I hate hospitals! Voldemort huh? Appreciated the song.
I'm in progress of updating the description man haha.
Wow, you were really sick. What were you diagnosed with? Feel for you, I really do.
Glad you are much better!
So glad you had wonderful Doctors and Nurses at NHS and a strong heart. Watching your growth as an artist is simply amazing.
Thank you . Hopefully I have a chance to continue growing for as long as possible :P
I would strong encourage you to publish the lyrics to this song.... please.
I no you are beautiful James two
...and you didn't sink into only playing the blues to get you through? No, this song/vid is great.
hahhaha No . Maybe a little when no one was around. Thanks!!
See you soon
Jame is in. Love with Linda two
Hello, just to let you know he's just released (today) a UFO inspired album, including his vocals this time. The li n k is in the description of this video if you are interested. Thanks, Chris (Dad).
You definitely grew up. STOP! Life can go crazy!
Jame I love my jame two just my boy friend two