SCOTT FORD RADIO

No More Suits Please

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:59:00 +0000

As you can see from above, it was a beautiful family wedding here in England, that's my brother Ross that I am standing next to, he got lucky enough to marry Dionne, he truly got the better part of that deal.

It's really weird to be here, it's not like touring, I have a lot more time to reflect upon the past growing up here, seeing old friends and generally laying some ghosts to rest. To be honest it's been a really great experience so far.

I got sick as soon as I got here, and after consulting with my doctor he told me it's going to take about six months recovery before I feel truly healthy again. I was starting to get a little worried there but he assured me the fatigue and pain is all normal. I'm hoping I'll be well enough to return to work when I get home.

In other news, we have furiously been recording Twilight Singers tracks and I'm getting really excited about this next album. I think we have truly become a band at this point and that will show in the finished result. I am itching to get back out on tour, not just because I have to work when I get back to LA, but mainly because I really miss that connection that our band has with our audience. You guys really are the best.

And now this...

Off To Blighty

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Did I mention I'm the oldest of 4 boys in my family? Of course I didn't know that until a couple of years ago, but it's true. My brother Ross is getting married in England next weekend and my Dad bought us tickets about a year ago and told us we were coming, so I guess we are going.

I always have mixed feelings about heading back to England, not the greatest of memories for me, however I feel confident that surrounded by my family I'll do ok this time. My wife has never been and she's super excited, I haven't had the heart to tell her how depressing it is, especially in the Fall. My good friend Duff is playing with his band Loaded over there so we are planning on meeting up and I'm really looking forward to that.

Anyway, I should probably start packing at some point here, apparently we'll need lots of sweaters. Good times.

The benefit was a resounding success and I thank all of you that came and/or participated, it was beyond my wildest dreams. We made enough to pay off the initial loans but we are still a long way from being able to afford the second operation. I've found myself praying a lot recently, a practice I seem to have let slip in the last couple of years. I believe in miracles.

Additionally I seem to be feeling a lot better these days, certainly not firing at 100% but a vast improvement than before the operation, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to have a good day physically.

I'll update the blog with pictures and stories in England, let's hope it's interesting.

And now this...

All My Friends Are Having Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:56:00 +0000

The wife and I went to a backyard birthday party today and it seems like all our friends are having kids. My wife got that twinkle in her eye, so to deter her I started sending her ad's like this one.

Anyway, I will update the blog Tuesday with what's been happening recently right before we take off for a family wedding in England on Wednesday.

Amy Farris In Memoriam

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I returned from Alabama this morning to the following posted at the Twilight Singers site. My heart is heavy for all who loved Amy.

Every so often you meet a person so unique and talented, that you are reminded of how precious and fragile life as a creative soul can be.Last year, I was asked to cover a Doug Sahm song for the Keep Your Soul tribute record being put together in his honor. I wanted a fiddle player who was versed in Texas style C & W and my tour manager and good friend, Danny Bland suggested a lady named Amy Farris, who, as it turned out, lived around the corner from me in Silver Lake. We spoke on the phone and after lucking into Greg Leisz to play pedal steel, I called Cully and Scott from my band and together we went in to cut Sir Doug's song; "You Was For Real".

Now, I rarely know exactly what I'm going to do when I cover a song until it happens, but as we were working it out, Amy began singing along and I was really blown away by her vocal harmony. She began to arrange the parts and how they should go and hell, she was from Texas and played with Ray Price, so we all kind of followed her lead. It was as much fun as I've ever had playing music with someone who I had known for about an hour. She was quick witted, sarcastic, charming and as kindhearted and sweet a person you'd ever want to meet.

We stayed in touch afterwards and when we began to track the new Twilight Singers record, she was right there with us on violin, viola and cello. She plays on three songs and was due to meet us yesterday to play on another when I got the news that Amy had passed away over the weekend.

There are no words to describe the loss I feel in her absence, But I am merely one of many people who loved and respected her and my heart goes out to her family and friends and I owe a great deal of knowing her to Danny Bland and the Dave Alvin/Guilty Women family that brought her enchanting presence into my life for the all too short time I knew her.

There was only one Amy Farris and I will always miss her and never forget her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Greg Dulli

Los Angeles CA

September 30, 2009

Rolling Stone, Oh Hell Yes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +0000

My good friend Matt Diehl emailed me this morning to let me know the benefit last weekend made it to Rolling Stone, simply amazing. The amount of press my condition is getting is hopefully shedding some light on the current state of healthcare and the lack thereof for the millions of people like myself who work their ass of and can't afford to stay healthy in one of the richest countries on earth.

I will be part of a feature story of musicians and lack of healthcare for a major magazine and I'll let you guys know when that's coming out.

Once again, I find it really hards to understand how so many people have shown me so much love, but I am learning to accept it and am humbled to my core by it. Even with the benefit I still have a ways to got to cover the medical bills, such is the high price of healthcare, so I'll be leaving the donate button up on the site until I can get a grip on that. If it weren't for the amazing doctors taking care of me the costs would be around $200,000, thank god I only have to pay a 1/4 of that, but for people who are in my position who aren't as lucky as me, my heart breaks for you.

Oh and for those of you that haven't seen it, check out the video I posted of the event and my opportunity to play.

God bless you guys.

Overwhelmed With Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:41:00 +0000

To all of you that came out tonight to help, I love you. To all the musicians that performed free to help a fellow artist, I cannot thank you enough. I wanted to say a few words on stage, but I knew I was going to cry, so I had to pass. I played Bodies with Paul Cook tonight, my life might be complete. I wish I could say more right now, but I am letting it all sink in.

Here is Steve O after his act. Yes that's blood, and yes I love you Steve.

Don't forget to tune in!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Color Me Humbled

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Looks like the benefit this weekend made the front page of Billboard.com!

Seriously, I'm a little stunned.

I am also stunned about this in case you missed it. Warning!!! NSFW!!!

Dave Rosser Joining The Live Radio Show Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Twilight Singers and Gutter Twins guitarist Dave Rosser will be joining Steve O and I for this week's live radio show on Friday. If you have questions for either of them please email me at fordradio@gmail.com.

Now here's Dave being drunk....

Live Radio Show

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:36:00 +0000

It's been a while. Having extensive jaw surgery will definitely hamper your radio show activities, as in there's no way to talk, and that kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it. I figure by next week I should be ok to do a show, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Set your alarms for Friday, September 25th at 1pm pacific time and tune in. It's the day before my benefit show and my special co-host will be Steve O from Jackass, so pretty much anything could happen.

Tell your friends, post on your message boards, we'll have a good time. Of course we'll have music, games, interviews and you guys can call in on Skype.

I have a feeling this is going to be chaos. And now this...

Why Isn't Matthew Ryan A Superstar?

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Personally I think the Twilight Singers should be huge, of course I may be a little biased but when acts like Miley Cyrus are dominating the airwaves it makes me a little sad deep down in my black little heart.

In that vein why the fuck isn't Matthew Ryan dominating the airwaves? Seriously this guy has more talent in his little pinky than 99% of the so called 'musical' acts I hear on radio these days.

You guys know that I am a huge fan of people that can write and execute a good song, and Matt does this time after time. I secretly indulge in Matthew Ryan binges from time to time, cursing myself for not being able to finish my EP when this guy pulls classic songs out of ass on his lunch break. Then again I can eat my wife out with no teeth, so life balances itself out I guess.

Matthew has been making great records since 1997, surviving the horrible record company nightmare that probably killed his career but not his talent. Honestly, what the hell would a label know what to do with this guy, I can't imagine him doing a video with explosions and backup dancers, they would be stumped.

I strongly suggest you go out and buy his albums, for one you'll thank me later, and for another point he can keep buying strings so he can make more music, and I for one welcome that.

Matthew Ryan - Dulce Et Decorum Est

Matthew Ryan - Everyone Always Leaves

Spreading The Benefit Wealth

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Well, in order of my upcoming medical benefit, I thought I'd post some songs by some of the performers, just in case you've been under a rock for the last few decades or so. Enjoy!

Duff McKagan's Loaded - Sick

Janes Addiction - Had A Dad (Live)

Weezer - Troublemaker

Camp Freddy - I Wanna Be Your Dog (Live on Carson Daly)

MC5 - Looking At You (Live)

Also, you really should be following me on Twitter for the latest updates and info on the radio station. I love Twitter...

The Healthcare Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:37:00 +0000

You know, I'm not really sure why this should even be a debate, why would anyone be opposed to healthcare for all?

Growing up in England, if you got sick you went to the hospital, they took care of you and that was that. No extortionate bill, no threatening letters from collection companies, nothing but the satisfaction of knowing your government was taking care of you health-wise.

I guess you never really think about healthcare until it's too late, i.e. you get majorly sick. It's too late for me, my family has been entirely wiped out financially by my health problems. I've worked all my life, managing to support a family and having some moderate savings, and now that's all gone. I'm not whining, I'm just letting you know it can happen to you too, and of course chances are that it will, we don't stay young and invincible forever.

I hope you are following Obama's Healthcare reform and voicing your opinion. We are one of the richest nations on earth, yet our citizens die or go broke because of illness, it's shameful really.

I hope you make your voices heard and contact your local congressman or woman and let them know that the time is now, affordable healthcare for all! I can't believe we even have to do this.

Also I want to say a huge thanks to all of you that have donated to my medical bills, without you I would literally have no idea on how we'd be eating these days. And don't forget to get your tickets for the benefit on the 26th, they are selling fast.

Please do your part, healthcare for all!!!!

Kinda Speaks For Itself

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:48:00 +0000

Benefit Tickets Available Now

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:05:00 +0000

My friends are getting together to help me try and pay for these medical operations, I cannot thank them enough.

So on September 26th at The Roxy in Los Angeles they are putting on a benefit for me. All money goes towards paying medical bills, and here's some of the artists:

Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses)

Dave Navarro (Janes Addiction)

Scott Shriner (Weezer)

Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver)

Donovan Leitch

Chris Chaney (Janes Addiction)

Greg Dulli (Twilight Singers)

Billy Morrison (The Cult)

Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp)

Wayne Kramer (MC5)

Steve O (Jackass)

The opening band is Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls. There will be more performers but you'll have to come to see who they are. Tickets are available now online at the Ticketmaster site, and remember it's a benefit, so no guest list LA peeps.

A huge thanks to all the folks involved, I am very humbled.

The Coyotes Come Out At Night

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Is there a nicer guy than Dave Catching? I'm sure I'm going to ruin his 'bad-boy' image, but not only does Dave have one of the best studios deep out here in Joshua Tree, but he's spoiling is with home-cooked meals and killer road stories.

The studio, Rancho De La Luna, is probably most famous for the Desert Sessions, but you'd be surprised at the amount of other bands that have recorded here.

Anyway, the Twilight Singers are deep in song writing and recording mode, the desert is a perfect place to do so, it's desolate out here, the air is thick with mystery, and you never know what's lurking in the darkness right outside the front door.

Let me pre-empt all the requests for song clips, etc. by just saying no. If you nibble too much before dinner you are not going to be hungry.

Stay hungry my friends.

Hotter Than July

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:22:00 +0000

So it's been about 2 1/2 weeks since my initial sugary, and I had a follow-up surgery today. The good news is that everything seems to be healing nicely and my doctor's couldn't be nicer or more caring. There's no bad news, sweet.

Now, make sure that you put the following date in your books, September 26th at the Roxy in Los Angeles. That's the date of the benefit concert for me, and some of the biggest names in rock are going to be performing to help me raise money for these procedures. I couldn't be more grateful, and I'll be releasing details here as to the performers as soon as I'm allowed to. Trust me you'll want to be there if you can.

You can't believe how expensive these operations are, and if it wasn't for your donations it wouldn't be possible, so once again I thank you guys profusely for all your help so far.

We begin recording new TS tracks tomorrow, we already have a bunch in the can. Dave Rosser flies in tonight and the desert is in our future, I'm really excited about it, we are going to do you guys proud. I have a feeling that 2010 will be the year the Twilight Singers break wide open, won't you join us?

New Black Crowes

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:37:00 +0000

Thanks to Baddao for turning me onto the new Black Crowes single, which I am providing here as they have it online for free so I don't think I'm breaking any rules.

I wasn't sure what to make of it, but after the initial shock I love it!

Check it out here!

The Aftermath

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:48:00 +0000

My wife and I woke up this morning and both stared in disbelief at the amount of emails I was receiving full of love and support for my current situation, to say we were both amazed and grateful doesn't do it justice.

I don't know what I've done to inspire such love in people but I plan on keeping doing it. Those of you that are helping me with the costs of my surgery, which stands at around $45,000 right now, have taken so much pressure of off me that I'm actually hopeful it can happen. Donations are around $6,000 as of today and you have no idea how grateful I am, there is no way I could pay for this procedure by myself, we literally have been wiped out by the doctor bills.

Today is the first day I'm feeling somewhat human after the initial operation. It's the first morning where I have woken up without a mouth full of caked blood, the first morning where I haven't begged my wife for painkillers, and that's a big deal.

They removed all my teeth, I honestly don't remember a thing, they drilled down into my jaw, under my gums, to relieve the abscesses and drain the infection that's been killing me, and hopefully that coupled with the course of antibiotics that I am on will solve that problem.

This was the last step I could possibly take to cure this shit, and I was more than a little hesitant as you can imagine. I really pushed it to the limit, exhausting all other options before undertaking this one.

I can't really talk, I sound remedial at best, they said I'd learn how to talk again but I can tell it's going to take some time. I highly doubt I'll sing on the next Twilight Singers album like normal, there's no way at this point that I can.

There are rumors of a benefit concert in September in Los Angeles starring some heavy hitters to help me towards the goal of getting implants so I can talk again, and to those people organizing that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will post the details here as soon as I know them, I am not involved in putting it together.

So once again, I love you guys, thanks for restoring my faith in people, I truly appreciate all your support.

And now this...

Goodbye Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:06:00 +0000

I first want to say that I had so much fun playing with Susan Marshall last month, it really took my mind off things and got me back on stage again, which is probably where I feel most comfortable in life. And thanks so much to the other guys in the band for making me look good.

Greg, Dave and I are getting ready to work on the new Twilight Singers album in earnest and I have to say that we are all extremely excited and fired up. I promise I'll give you information about the process as soon as I can and try to keep you guys involved.

Now, about the health stuff. I really have to say that I honestly didn't expect so many people to care, the amount of emails and donations I have received since I disclosed what's happening with me has been nothing short of amazing. People I haven't spoken to in ages have called me, others have volunteered for benefit concerts, etc. I find myself humbled beyond belief.

I have always tried to help others and do the right thing, I'm one of those people that folks tell their secrets to because they know it goes no further. I've always believed that in order to stay sane and grateful in this world you had to help others, and I have lived my life that way ever since I got clean about 20 years ago.

To realize there are so many of you that feel the same way floors me. I truly love you people and whatever I can do to help you I will. No private Twilight Singers concerts though, that I can't wrangle.

So anyway, on Wednesday morning I will have my operation, it's going to be beyond painful and I might be down for a while, however it will hopefully cure me of this poison that my body is riddled with and makes me sick on a daily basis. I am scared, yet I am hopeful, and I couldn't do it without you guys. Knowing that you people are behind me gives me a courage I wouldn't ordinarily have.

Your financial donations have relieved some of the worry and stress that always accompanies surgery, and if I can ever help you I will. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And now this...

A Promise is a Promise

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:51:00 +0000

I promised you guys a new unreleased Twilight Singers clip for every $500 raised for my operation. Never let it be said I'm not true to my word.

Enjoy!

Go here to check it out!

Health Update

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:38:00 +0000

I've been getting so many emails from people asking me about my health stuff, to the point where it's a little overwhelming to answer them all, so I thought I'd clarify stuff here rather than reply to every email.

First I want to thank all of you who have so generously donated to help offset the exorbitant costs of my operations, you people are really angels. Very few musicians have good health insurance, most don't have any, like me, and we live in hope of nothing bad happening to us. Obviously that's not always the case. My savings have already been wiped out by doctor's bills, etc., and I have been forced to take out loans to cover the costs of the operations, loans which I have no idea how I'll pay back.

I am just one of thousands of stories depicting the sorry state of healthcare in America and if it wasn't for the people donating and helping me out right now I'm not sure where I'd be, so to say I am grateful to you guys is a huge understatement.

As far as what's going on, I have developed bone loss which has resulted in advanced periodontal disease, which basically means all my teeth have become loose and I have developed infections in my jaw which are life threatening. There is apparently so much poison being pumped into my bloodstream that a heart attack is a matter of when not if.

So you see, I can't really waver on having this operation. Maybe if I didn't have a wife and kid I might pretend it's not happening, but they won't let me do that.

Apparently it's been happening for about the last five years, which explains why I feel so tired, sluggish and generally sick most of the time. It's now reached a critical point.

So next Wednesday I will be having all my teeth removed, something I am totally terrified about, and the doc's will attempt to remove all the infections in my jaw and thus remove the risk of heart attack. They will fit me with dentures which is both humiliating and painful, they told me that it will take me some time to learn how to eat and talk again. As scared as I am, this operation will save my life so I am trying to look at it as a good thing.

The long-term goal is to get implants to replace the dentures, but at this point the costs are so high it seems like a pie-in-the-sky dream.

So anyway, I probably won't be around for a while after next week, the recovery is going to take a while, but I'll be thinking of you guys. Thanks once more to all the hard-working folks out there that are helping me pay for this shit, I really don't know what I'd do without you.

If you can afford to help out the donate button is up there on the right. I don't know how I'll pay all you guys back, but I promise we'll figure it out.

Greg Dulli to appear with Susan Marshall

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Fresh off the acoustic Gutter Twins tour, Greg Dulli, will be getting up on stage with us for the final Susan Marshall LA show this coming Friday, July 31, at the Redwood Bar in downtown Los Angeles.

We are scheduled to hit the stage sometime around 10pm, but you might want to get there early, this place isn't the Staples center.

Additionally on drums we will have Gene Trautmann, who you guys probably know from Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age.

I bet you non-LA people are mad now aren't you?

And now this...

Oh Hell Yes

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Finally, a show about black people we can all love!

Let's Make A Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Ford) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:48:00 +0000

As a thank you to all of you helping me with my medical expenses, I decided to post the following unreleased Twilight Singers footage, recorded in NYC 2006. I thought some of you would get a kick out of it.

Then I got to thinking, I have tons of unreleased footage, so how about every $500 donated from now on I'll release another song. I look at it as a win/win situation!

Enjoy...