Henry McCullough, Rest In Peace

It's been a terribly long time since I wrote a post here, and I miss it. I happen to be reading the obituaries today and noticed that Henry McCullough has passed away today, according to Wikipedia. I was initially curious because of his connection with Paul McCartney and thought that he had toured with McCartney when I caught him concert some years ago.

However, McCullough's attachment to McCartney was many years prior: McCartney asked McCullough to join his new band "Wings" in 1971. The association was short lived and ended after about two years. In that time thought, McCullough was the lead guitarist for "My Love," "Hi, Hi, Hi" and "Live and Let Die."

McCartney sent a message upon hearing of McCullough's passing, "He was a pleasure to work with, a super talented musician with a lovely sense of humor.

In the years prior and since the Bond song, McCullough was associated with several acts as guitarist and/or vocals: Joe Cocker and Grease Band, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and "Money." He was even lead guitarist for the rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Short Break for Long Beach Comic Con

Hello Everyone!

This weekend, I will be attending the Long Beach Comic Con where I will be moderating a couple of panels as well as working as a freelance writer for Bleeding Cool. If you are in the Southern California area and have some time to spare Saturday and/or Sunday, you should think about heading to Long Beach Convention Center. There are passes for the weekend or single day still available as I write this and parking is conveniently close by for about $10.00 for the day.

I have attended the past three or four years and LBCC is one my favorite cons. Although growing and expanding each year, it still has a small town, friendly family feel. This year, they have garnered some interesting media guests, but the focus is on the comic book creators while being very cosplay friendly. Because of the proximity to Los Angeles, there are panels that will likely include one of your favorite actors from small or big screen on hand. This year, the organizers have added Space Expo, which is a phenomenon gaining a presence at the cons this year. I attended one at San Diego International Comic Con and had a blast. I hope to attend a couple this weekend.

Anyway, with all this fun and work I'll be doing at LBCC, I'll be taking a short break from Bond 365. I'll be back on Monday, so catch you on the flip side!

LBCC 2013 con floor (MBrittany)

Remembering Richard Kiel One Year On…Day 253 of Bond 365

Richard Kiel

Passed away this day in 2014

Jaws in Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me

Richard Dawson Kiel was a difficult person to miss. Born in Detroit in 1939, Kiel got his start in acting as an Ugly Marine (uncredited) in the military drama The D.I. in 1957. At 7’ 2” tall, he often placed characters focused on his tall stature. He was cast in several televisions and movies that included The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Gilligan’s Island, The Monkees, and The Wild Wild West.

He got his break in 1977 as Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me, opposite Sir Roger Moore and returned in 1979’s Moonraker to reprise his role. Although he was well recognize as that character, after the Bond films, Kiel went back to guest appearing on television and in films. Apparently, Kiel declined the role of Chewbacca because he felt he more opportunities in the Jaws role.

In 1991, Kiel wrote and produced The Giant of Thunder Mountain, a family film that garnered he quite a bit of viewer praise. However, the following year, Kiel was in an auto accident that affected his balance, so thereafter he needed assistance with walking.

Kiel’s attachment to the Bond franchise as Jaws was rejuvenated through a newer medium: the video game market. In 1997, his likeness was used in GoldenEye 007. In 2004, he lent his voice in James Bond 007: Everything or Northing. In all, he was involved in six games.

I met Kiel a couple of times at Bond reunions hosted by the Hollywood Collector’s Show in Burbank and Los Angeles. On both occasions, he was exceeding kind and friendly. It was very sad to hear the news last year when he passed.

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