I love the people of Budapest...


amazing party people. Very much up for it!

Was one of my favorite gigs ever. I even fell into the trap of crowd participation as I was enjoying it so much...and they went with it all. Excellent!!

Eve Massacre ripped it up and Popbitch played some proper party tunes, such a fun night.

Got up late so didn't have time to go to a thermal bath but managed to get a langos and wander around. Getting home was a bit of a nightmare.

Anyhoo, here are some
Pics of Budapest and Trade .

This week is full on panto rehearsals and Whitney Houston Trannyshack on Wednesday.


Right..got work to be getting on with

x

Tranny Olympics, Breast Cancer event, Super Model and Budapest

Tranny Olympics was messssy!!I arrived to see guess the weight of the Tranny which followed with a Tranny wet tshirt competition, a race outside the Macbeth and Kat Heath tearing it up music wise.
My set was cut a bit short (the lady behind the bar is tough about closing....her watch conveniently being 5 mins fast) but the kids danced to my mix of rave, pop, electro and a few bootlegs so all good.
Frustrating that when I'm mixing on my own decks at home, the mixes are spot on but when I work with decks I'm unsure of, tend to go for the stop/start DJ technique.All about the tunes at the end of the day though eh?

This Wednesday I'm performing at this for charideee


then a few doors down to Punk to play music to have sex in the bogs and slash the seats to


Weekend, I'm off to perform in Budapest.



Werrrrrrrrrk
x

Videos of The Show (Inter-view 1)

ideos from my latest performance piece The Show (Inter-view 1)
Bistrotheque 6 November 2007












Being an artist...

fucking sucks.

I work tirelessly and am never happy with what I do.

Have recently applied to numerous art and queer cultural events only to be told what I do isn't appropriate.

I don't expect to get accepted for everything but when I see the shite they put on, makes me feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall for no reason.

I'm attempting to bridge a gap between fine art and entertainment. I keep getting told I'm not allowed to do this and have to be more' fine art'.
To me that reads....separatist, elitist and snobbery. Only attempt to communicate to appeal to the well read and educated.
Art for ALL I say.

Really don't know why I bother.

Last nights show went well in the end though I may change a few things. The medley at the end didn't quite work and would adjust a few things but it was well recieved.
I will perform it again (if I get the chance....)

Aaaaargh!!

x

Nonstop Performing Weekend in Wigs

Recently, I've been applying to perform at art and gay culture type nights and events and being knocked back continually.
Is it because I'm a woman? How many women regularly perform in the British gay/arts scene? Pam Ann and Amy Lamé are the only two I can think of.
When I lived in Austria, my Tranny with a Fanny lark got me noticed, here, it seems to be more of a hindrance.
I don't think I'm amazing by any means, but know I put a bloody good show on. It's very disheartening especially when I see what dull crap is being put on.
It makes me stronger yes but fucking annoying non the less.
I'll always want to perform in both the straight and gay scenes but its frustrating being kicked in the fanny by your own. If you know what I mean.

Another thing that gets on my tits is the queer lady mags having no interest to the point of being snubbed. Maybe it's because I don't conform to a lesbian 'box' or strum on a guitar going 'ooooh I want me Birckenstocks back but the bitch took them awaaaaay"?
I'm no role model or spokesperson (as I identify as queer, not gay per se) but I do offer an alternative.

On a lighter note....

I'm gonna be on the breakfast show for BBC London Radio this Saturday morning (22/09/07)
How amusing to get a spot on the BBC….with my reputation.

7-9am
Tune into 94.9 FM (for London based folk) or go to

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/radio/
.

Call in, ask me anything. I'd like to be cheeky but guessing it being the morning and the British Broadcasting Corporation, I might have to behave myself.


Yesterday's Fashion East Show was interesting. Stand out was Noki's NHS project (Noki's House of Sustainability). Incredible and original stuff put together without the pretension that often goes with fashion. JJ is a lovely and unasuming fashion person and deserves the notoriety he's sure to get after this show.

See the photos See the photos
here. Pages 3 and 4



I've only done two days of London Fashion Week and I'm pooped! All that free booze….and no food (its fashion darrrrlink…people don't eat). I really don't know how people manage it for a whole week here... then go to Milan and Paris. Too much.

Some of the models were so emaciated, I wanted to chuck pies at them with a catapult.
And for some reason at the Giles Deacon party last night-there were a lot of screaming girls and one in the toilets demanding a note so she could get coke up her beak. Dear oh dear. Where's the mystery eh?

Got lots of free makeup and bits n bobs which is always nice but fashion really isn't my bag y'know. It's nice to hang around on the outskirts and watch it all going on but not something I'd ever want to be involved in.
I certainly have an interest in glamour but not so much in the industry......Unless I was someones muse and they wanted to make me fabulous frocks.

Pic from the Boom Box Book Launch
http://www.dirtydirtydancing.com


I'm off for a big fat chocolate cake.

x

Promoters whinge, BBC and Fashion Week

Recently, I've been applying to perform at art and gay culture type nights and events and being knocked back continually.
Is it because I'm a woman? How many women regularly perform in the British gay/arts scene? Pam Ann and Amy Lamé are the only two I can think of.
When I lived in Austria, my Tranny with a Fanny lark got me noticed, here, it seems to be more of a hindrance.
I don't think I'm amazing by any means, but know I put a bloody good show on. It's very disheartening especially when I see what dull crap is being put on.
It makes me stronger yes but fucking annoying non the less.
I'll always want to perform in both the straight and gay scenes but its frustrating being kicked in the fanny by your own. If you know what I mean.

Another thing that gets on my tits is the queer lady mags having no interest to the point of being snubbed. Maybe it's because I don't conform to a lesbian 'box' or strum on a guitar going 'ooooh I want me Birckenstocks back but the bitch took them awaaaaay"?
I'm no role model or spokesperson (as I identify as queer, not gay per se) but I do offer an alternative.

On a lighter note....

I'm gonna be on the breakfast show for BBC London Radio this Saturday morning (22/09/07)
How amusing to get a spot on the BBC….with my reputation.

7-9am
Tune into 94.9 FM (for London based folk) or go to

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/radio/
.

Call in, ask me anything. I'd like to be cheeky but guessing it being the morning and the British Broadcasting Corporation, I might have to behave myself.


Yesterday's Fashion East Show was interesting. Stand out was Noki's NHS project (Noki's House of Sustainability). Incredible and original stuff put together without the pretension that often goes with fashion. JJ is a lovely and unasuming fashion person and deserves the notoriety he's sure to get after this show.

See the photos See the photos
here. Pages 3 and 4



I've only done two days of London Fashion Week and I'm pooped! All that free booze….and no food (its fashion darrrrlink…people don't eat). I really don't know how people manage it for a whole week here... then go to Milan and Paris. Too much.

Some of the models were so emaciated, I wanted to chuck pies at them with a catapult.
And for some reason at the Giles Deacon party last night-there were a lot of screaming girls and one in the toilets demanding a note so she could get coke up her beak. Dear oh dear. Where's the mystery eh?

Got lots of free makeup and bits n bobs which is always nice but fashion really isn't my bag y'know. It's nice to hang around on the outskirts and watch it all going on but not something I'd ever want to be involved in.
I certainly have an interest in glamour but not so much in the industry......Unless I was someones muse and they wanted to make me fabulous frocks.

Pic from the Boom Box Book Launch
http://www.dirtydirtydancing.com


I'm off for a big fat chocolate cake.

x

: - (

I frequent a music mong board called GYBO.
Today, one of the regulars on the board lost his son to ependymoma, a cancerous brain tumour.

His blog of the boy has been very moving to read and has made me think about what I take for granted. Life is wasted and flitted away by so many and the poor little blighter didn't even get a chance.
I'm pretty skint at the moment (is there a time when I'm not?) but gave some money to the Shooting Star Children's Hospice.

I don't dig kids and hardly know Colin but the story of the boy has moved me immensely. If you feel like your life is shite and need a shake up to realise how good you really have it, go read.

http://ependyparent.blogspot.com/

Bring back THE FACE

I had a dream that THE FACE magazine (sighted as the style bible of the 80s) was being brought back into circulation, so I decided to see if the power of facebook and people stamping their keyboard might work (if it can work for Wispa...)
If you are on facebook, go join.
THE FACE hasn't been beaten (since its closure in 2004) for a monthly round up of pop culture, music, art, fashion, design and excellent journalism. Plus it was sexually ambivalent and contained a lot of humour, which is always a good thing.
Emap will probably have none of it. There's always the possibility of finding a rich type who can by the intellectual copyright and get it back up again.
Maybe, I dunno…just an idea.

Bring back THE FACE


x

Two weeks in Londinium

Photo Ellis Scott

For the Bistrotheque Drag Ball I did my Princess Margaret (the gin and burnt feet in the bath era) complete with inbred horsy teeth, reddened feet and a bottle of gin which was sprayed through the teeth (and I bloody hate gin).
Was in the International Young Royals category with Ryan Styles, Mr Teds and Lisa Lee for the House of Egypt…we all looked pretty good but there was no contest withPrincess Julia and Scottee who had the same pissed up Margaret idea but was in a wheelchair and all bandaged up.
After party was interesting but lots of fashion people who I don‘t really ‘get‘. Lots of air kissing and enquiring where peoples clothes came from. I’m too large to get into couture (unless it’s a kaftan) and while there are aspects of fashion that I like, I get my ’looks’ from charity shops, markets, ebay and Primarché dahlink! My style is classic glamour and trash, my fashion icon is Penelope Keith as Margo Ledbetter in The Good Life mixed with anything I can get my hands on that fits. High fashion hasn’t yet reached the plus sizes.


Went to see Prince again at the 02. There was a pretty strong rumour that Chaka Khan was going to be supporting but unfortunately she didn’t show but was still a great show despite being sat next to a rather hefty lady with bad B.O. and her boyfriend who kept clapping out of time like a seal.

Photo Eric Brown
Following day, went to Brighton for the International Moustache and Beard Championships as a friend of my partner had come over from New York for it. We arrived for the finals to see men from all over the world compete in showing off their facial furniture. A popular winner was the German chap who has sculpted his beard into the shape of Tower Bridge.
Amazing spectacle and a great atmosphere full of smiling beardy folk. And the odd beard chassers (the sight of a twenty something woman snoging an old fella with a perfectly pruned full white beard will remain for some time).
Went to the casino and a bear bar (keeping the theme beardy) and on to a party for http://www.radio4a.org.uk/
Not really my cuppa normally but some very interesting live bands and speech rap. Got a bit wasted but a really good night. Few hours kip then sat on the beach feeling rancid for a few hours before returning to London for a pretty naff Sunday roast in East Dulwich. All in all though, a good Tranny free weekend.

Ended up on the jury again for the Popjustice Pop song of the year award. After lots of controversy, arguing (plus a woman who gave a very long speech in favour of Calvin Harris stating he was original. Hmm….. I asked her if she was a lawyer at the end of it) and random processes of elimination, Amy Winehouse - Rehab was declared the winner. Rightly so. A great pop song and the irony is too sweet. Poor girl needs help. I hate to see talent wasted and she has a lot more than a lot of singer/songwriter starlets who all seem to blend into one. Sickens me to see the press pap her every move-give the girl a friggin break eh?
Highlight of the evening was a bunch of us going to a Chinese buffet where a double vodka cost more than 2 singles, odd rules of paying before you eat and a very grumpy and disgruntled waitress which resulted in her kicking us out.

Wednesday was to Bistrotheque to see the preview of Jonny Woo’s new show ‘International Woman on Mister E’ which is brilliant and opens in October-I’d recommend strongly you go to see it.
Jonny is a fantastic person all round. Love him as a person and a big fan of his work. This show will make him a big star, believe.

Saturday was a trip to Dansistor at Cable Street Studios in Elephant and Castle put on the guys behind Horse Meat Disco. Now that’s not an area I frequent for going to the disco but it was definitely worth making the trip. Its now one of my favourite venues in London.
Reasonable bar prices with friendly staff (a massive rarity in this cynical old town. Have you ever been served a beer with a smile in Shoreditch or the West End? Probably yes but the come few and far between), great spaces (two rooms with a large smoking terrace) and for Dansistor, a great soundtrack. Lots of the ‘gals’ from Glastonbury were there so it was pretty good fun. The alley way and bar ‘performances’ by Jonny Woo and Suppositori Spelling (who has just returned to San Fran, shame she never got off the ground here in London) were quite memorable.

This week I’ve got 2 occasions to don a wig. First up is the Kentish Town Village Fete. An all day music festival in the guise of a local fete-ace. Most of the people playing are proper ‘bands’ so its something pretty unusual for me but looks like a pretty good day out. I’m due onstage around 9.30 if you’re about.
Sunday is Euro Gay Bingo special. Anton De Caunes from Eurotrash (which needs to be resurrected on Ch4) will be there filming for French TV so dress to distress (or something like that).

I have a few rather exciting projects I’m working on that I can’t discus at the moment but its all looking peachy. Will be going on holiday soon before I go back to college to continue my Fine Art Masters before I go insane.

Till next time kids…..

x

Singstar Extravaganza Pics and Together at Turnmills...

Last night was the Singstar Extravaganza which was a bit of a farce and nobody really knew what was going on but I won a trophy for singing Groove is in the Heart.
Disappointed our house lost overall even though we won most of the categories….. Told later that it was all pre planned who would win. Fzzzz

Good laugh at the end of it all.
PHOTOS HERE

Next weeks Bistrotheque Ball in THE Ball to get excited about. I’m walking in the International Royals category. Might drink gin and piss myself on stage…dunno yet.

Tomorrow is Together at Turnmills which is going to be HUMONGOUS

LOOK AT THE LINE UP!!!!

Then I’m going to collapse in a corner and try and find a good and cheap place to go on holigay…I need one!
x

GYBOat Party & Gay Bingo


Ooooouch I hurt.
GYBOat Party went very well (despite the rain) but I drank until my head hurt.
Big thanks to those who played-most of who traveled quiet a distance to get here (Lenlow from Boston, Eve Massacre and Deep Disco Force from Germany, Dunproofin and McSleazy from Scotland).
Was a headache to organise but went well on the day.
Odd being on a boat full of music mongs (who mong on GYBO.org) with little dancing going on until the end. I was sure the Pirate Soundsystem would have induced a rave/knees up.
Music people.....they make music, play music but don't dance to it.

Anywhoo.....big up to Freelance Hellraiser, Osymyso, Soundhog, McSleazy, Dunproofin, Pirate Soundsystem, Cartel Communique, Eve Massacre, Lenlow and The_Dr.
And Peter - the guv from the boat.

Will there be one next year? Dunno.
I did a lot of work for no money. I don't mind doing a few projects for nothing but doing it for love doesn't pay the bills.
Anyhoo...
GYBOat Party Photos

Sunday was a Madonna special at Gay Bingo which was fun.
I did 'Over and Over' and played it out quiet literally. Drank and poured vodka over myself and took pills. Kept falling over in a stupor but as the song goes 'I get up again, over and over'. See what I did there?!

Jonny Woo, Ma Butcher, John Sizzle, Marc with a C and I performed. Russella put on her face, walked around and took it off again. Loon.

Gay Bingo Photos

Got two live singing gigs this week - Thursday is Singstar thing at Cafe De Paris and Saturday is Together at Turnmills!!! Fuck seeing me...look at the rest of the line up!!


x

Gazelland Party Press (yay but a little meh...)



CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL ARTICLE


So I'm very happy we got some press-but it seems the gay press are merely interested in certain factors.

I organised the whole she-bag, didn't perform like it suggests. Nelly didn't play on the night. Gazelle is the editor of the mag and came all the way from New York. Namalee is not a tranny.
Jody, Pete and Kimberley are big names but they were guests (no offence to you girls :-). There was very little mention of the performers and artists who had worked hard for this event and deserve props.

Oh I forget....Boyz is heat magzine for gays.

Of course I'm going to notice the minor details that nobody else will as it was my project.....probably should be grateful that the event received anything but I like to see credit where its due.
That's probably me screwed for any publicity in the future but do I really care? I'm not into sucking up to anyone and 'playing the game'. Boring!!!

Thank you once again to all the fabulous people involved-it really was a great night.
Again….the role call of the fabulous….

Gazelle, Stefan, Dusty O, Richard Torry , Mathew Glamorre, Paul Morgan, Bishi, Mika Doll, Namalee N the Namazonz, Chycca, Suppositori Spelling, Samar, DAVID, Elliot Fu, Malcom Pate, Christian and Tasty Tim.

I've received a ridiculous amount of friends requests on myspace since (where do you people come from?) and have had requests asking me to promote other parties but I really couldn't do it full time. Too much stress, too many annoying factors involved in the process etc. I will be doing another party in the future though….

ART WATCH………Go and see the Anthony Gormley-Blind Light exhibition at the Hayward (brilliant, disorientating, stays with you for a while after, though provoking but fun…everything art should be), the summer expo at the Royal Academy (can somebody please buy me the smoking rabbit?), Keith Arnatt and Chris Coekin shows at the Photographers Gallery and Paul Insect at Lazarides Gallery.
First time in a while I've enjoyed so many big shows.
Oh and you really should also go and see my show at Circus, 58 Marylebone High Street. Exhibition is on till 5th November ;-)
Will probably pop in to the Warhol vs. Bansky show at Hospital tomorrow. Brilliant concept.

P.S. I've just watched The Nolans doing 'I'm in the mood for dancing' on Loose Women. LOVE the choreography! Simple but works.

P.P.S Field Day Saturday!!! Woo!!

“I’m selling out, I want the world to know, I’m on a TV show”

I shot a rather cheesy thing for a new TV station that will be launched on freeview soon. Its giving me an excellent internal insight into the power of the media and celebrity (which my Masters thesis will be based on).
TV - I’m not desperate for that kind of exposure and adulation. If it happens naturally then great but its not something I’m chasing to raise my profile.
They have offered me something else which would be bloody hilarious (but would be very hard to remain serious and not take the piss. Its at the heart of my fascination with the desire to be famous without any talent behind it). We’ll see how things go. I’m really not arsed about being on TV and won’t do it for nothing.


Yeah I’m a whore but we’ve all got our price and I never said I wouldn’t do TV.
Do I want to be a grumpy, starving artist with lots of integrity but no shoes or a comfortable one who uses the opportunities thrown at me and furthering my artistic development for my own means? The later thanks.
I’ve already had certain members of the artistic community tell me I can’t flit between fine art and populist entertainment. Erm why the fuck not? Who created these rules? They are meant to be broken. So there.

Straight after being in full drag in a TV studio saying silly sound bites and rolling my eyes around, I went to see his royal purple majesty, Prince at the 02. Wow!!! The little bugger made me weep.
I’m not religious but I did for a minute understand how religious nutters get high worshiping an omniscient celestial being. Watching him play his guitar and truly love playing with other amazing musicians, I felt a feeling of total hero worship I’ve never experienced before and got a little teary eyed.
My partner kept trying to talk to me through the show but I was mesmerised for most of it.
AMAZING! And will definitely be going again (for £31.21 it would be rude not to). Tracks of the night for me, Controversy and Lets Go Crazy. OK Planet Earth has 2 decent songs on it and his work isn’t as funky as he was (I blame his God love) but the guy is a true musical genius and does what he does very very well.

I’ve had a great year for live music so far; Justice, Daft Punk, Bjork, Bassey, Sly and the Family Stone, Blondie, Prince and I hear Stevie Wonder is coming to town. Oh my!!!!

After party turned quite unintentionally messy. Very much so.
Saturday was spent in bed feeling rough as fuck.

Sunday was the 1234 Festival in Shoreditch Park. Stunning day and well organised event except for a few things. Need more bars and more bogs!
Only 2 bars on site and having to queue for 30 mins for a piss next to some pikey fun fair with the MC giving it “scream if you want to go faster, don’t be shy give it a try etc etc” wasn’t much fun.
Plus the sound on the main stage was pretty arse unless you were stood right in front of the stage (but guess they have sound restrictions) but besides that…all good. Har Mar Superstar did his clothes removing routine, telling everyone he was going to fuck them and the water scene from Flashdance. He is rather bloody good and deserves more props but possibly too rude to be mainstream.

Next week is Field Day Festival so Justice live for the third time this year (not to be sniffed at though). Should be good!!
Week after is the GYBO 5th Anniveresary Boat party that I've organised (secretly wishing I hadn't tbh, Should be fun for the most part but there are some people who are sure to annoy the shit out of me) and then Together at Turnmills the following weekend. The press release says

"Holestar-The UK's only Tranny with a Fanny. Hilarious."

Erm cheers...

I do need a holiday. Somewhere chilled where I don’t have to worry about wigs.
New York and Turkey were work and I've not been on a proper "forget about everything, turn the phone off, leave me alone" holiday since Morocco over two years ago.

Till next time...

x

Gazelland Party-The Aftermath


Thank you so much for the comments and messages about last nights Gazelland party at Trannyshack-glad that people enjoyed it and had a good time.

I'm very happy with how it all went-big queue, full all night, great atmosphere. Brilliant. Really couldn't have gone better.

I have been asked to do more parties but truth be told-as much as I enjoyed promoting it (despite the stress of certain annoying factors that made things difficult) I'm an artist first, then performer, followed by dj, dominatrix and finally promoter.
Its not as easy as people think and though I will do it again for sure, I couldn't do it full time. I've got too many other projects that need attention.

Big thanks to Gazelle (for flying in from NYC just for the party and creating such a fabulous magazine-its truly amazing), Stefan, Dusty O, Paul Morgan, Bishi, Mika Doll, Namalee, Chycca, Suppositori Spelling, David, Elliot, Malcom, Christian (for my HUGE wig), Tasty Tim, Richard Torry and Mathew Glamorre.
Special mention to all the fabulous people who really made an effort and dressed up. Was excellent to see such chic freak expressionism going on in one space.
Viva la difference!

(For those who missed their copy of gazelland-The Skin Issue, you can order it from www.gazelland.com )




All photos by Paul Morgan

Poppers and Vogue...


Only just realised I haven’t done a me me me blog blub since New York. Well……

Past few months have can be best summarised by song; “Life is a roller coaster, just gotta ride it”. Thank you Ronan (shudder urgggh ick…I feel so dirty….)

Lets see now,
I’ve DJed on the main floors at Heaven and 93 Feet East, performed at Egg, Nude, Fannyshack and Gay Bingo, played Dr Lecter in Hannibal The Cannibal-The Musical, threw a Eurovision party (Ukraine were robbed!! Silly old tranny with a star on her head rules over bull dyke ballad any day), won heat 2 of Tranny Talent at Bistrotheque (with an edit of my 'Insanity of Modern Ceelebrity' show. Came runner up in the final), saw Justice and Daft Punk live, won Mr Trannyshack UK 2007 (as Later Hos...geddit? oh) , installed a video art piece in my first proper London exhibition, Left of Centre (which runs until November kids) and was part of the NYC Downlow at Glastonbury and Lovebox Festivals. And beat a few men up in-between. Non too shabby.


Glastonbury was brilliant. What a team! Everyone involved was excellent and we all became a little Downlow family.

I snuck away for a bit on Friday to see MIA but she was exactly that (Missing In Action) and we got Lilly Allen instead (ok I guess), caught Rufus Wainwright doing Judy Garlands ‘Get Happy’, Shlomo, Boy Better Know, Arcade Fire and Bjork who was bloody ace. The tunes, the visuals, the lasers. My!

Most of the time was spent in drag either doing the door, performing, hanging out of the window with a megaphone abusing punters or getting in a right old state.

Everyone involved is toooooo good and works bloody hard.
Its pretty depressing that the London gay scene hasn’t really embraced a lot of the people involved as they are amazing and those who know me (as in real life, not this interweb life ) know I don’t dish out compliments willy nilly.
I can’t imagine a lot of the fanny/granny drag set putting up with leaky tents and vile bogs going on stage to entertain without any drama whilst wearing wellys.
(I really shouldn’t bitch and there is a place for that but after seeing a few shows at London Pride a few weeks ago, it made me realise the depressing reality of those who make the money in this town and those who deserve to.)

Anyway, our tent was the best in the festival. Zoe Ball and Norman Cook said so. We also had Kevin Spacey lurking in the corners, Will Young queuing for his moustache to get in, Rosario Dawson getting trannyed up and a few naff celebs.

Sunday we all went to see Shirley Bassey (dressed as Ms Bassey) do what she does and the final night was very messy. Very very messy in every sense.

Dance of the Downlow - The Electric Slide
Song of the Downlow - Liza Minelli - Ring Them Bells
Phrase of the Downlow - Poppers & Vogue

Big thanks to all the guys from Horse Meat Disco (who played brilliant classic disco all weekend), Rob and Gideon for everything, John Sizzle Jonny Woo, Filthy Luka, Ryan ‘Wendy House’ Styles, Russella, Ma Butcher, Marc with a C, Suppositori Spelling, Booby Tuesday (RIP), Scotee, Le Gateaux Chocolat (we have discussed collaborating. Our name will be Chocolat Star Fish), Jeanette, Jay Jay, Peter, Jim Stanton, James Hillard, Felix, Severino, Robin, Terry, all the crew and anyone I might have forgot (sorry). It really was one if the best weekends I’ve ever had (despite the mud).

Glastonbury Pics

Same again for the Lovebox Festival in London but a much bigger venue. But like Glasto, we were packed out pretty much all day, one in one out.
Doing the door was fun, rounding up punters like sheep (its amazing what you can get away with whilst wearing a wig). Once again, whole thing brilliant. Saw Sly and the Family Stone (rather disappointing as Sly turned up for about 3 songs and looked and sounded like a rather broken Flava Flav). Sometimes legends should just stay legends in your head and remembered that way. Its like when I saw Liza Minelli make a tit out of herself at the Life Ball in Vienna two years ago. I wanted to say “No Liza, put the mic down and step away” before giving her a big hug and maybe a Valium)

Popped to the Joiners Arms with Mr Teds after Lovebox and then to a rather silly after party in Shoreditch with my partner getting in a right old state.

In the last week I performed Shirley’s version of ‘Light My Fire’ at Gay Bingo (though there being lots of fans, my fires weren’t being lit. At least the sparklers went off at the end) which was very good fun, passed my first year on my Fine Art Masters at St Martinis and spent a nice day being a tourist around London for the day. (You really take it for granted how much this city has going on).

Lovebox and Gay Bingo Pics

Unfortunately had a few projects cancelled (due to unforeseeable circumstances) but on Wednesday I’m promoting the Gazelland Magazine Skin Issue Party at Trannyshack. Managed to round up some very interesting performers who appear in the magazine and despite a few niggles, really looking forward to it. Good to have something a little alternative in the West End.

Ooh and Friday I’m off to see the purple majesty that is Prince in concert (shame his new album is poo AND he gave it away with hate rag the ’Mail on Sunday’).

I need someone who speaks Hungarian. I'm in a Hungarian magazine called 'Pep' this month. They sent me the article but I have no idea what it says (except it mentions Jefree 'you must loove meee' Star). Article here.


Oh and if you haven’t seen it yet, there is a rather amusing blog about the gay scene in London. I don’t go out in my disguise enough to get photographed or attract attention (thank the lord-don’t really want to be a regular face on the scene-I’m an artist darn it!) but whoever it is (I’ve got a good idea) has got some folk truly riled. Every scene needs it pirate to piss off the purists.
http://www.naffnaffqueenqueen.blogspot.com/

And my favorite woman of the moment is Sondra Prill. Google her, revel in her story, watch the only two videos of her on youtube; a beachy version of Technotronics Pump Up The Jam and Janet Jacksons Nasty. Pure genius, I heart her. I WILL be doing my own version of Sondra on a stage near you. Perhaps.

This video about accessorizing is very amusing. Well I like to think so.

Anyway…I really should fix my wig

x

New York. So Crazy Right Now......


Yah its been a few weeks since I came back but I've been busy sine my return from the Big Banana (thanks to Chris for that term. Calling it the Big Apple is so last millennium.)

My trip started out a bit arsey as I had a chav couple slagging off my technicolored sequined jacket on the bus (for no reason except maybe they might have been desperate to get home and watch themselves on Jeremy Kyle. They judge and so shall I) and then a guy getting pissy about asking him to move so I could sit in the seat I'd booked on the plane.
Hardly a good start so I said, 'We're stuck sitting next to each other for quite some time so we might as well get on eh?' Got on famously after that.

Arrived in New York city all buzzy as I was popping my New York cherry. Stayed in Chelsea with my fabulous host Gazelle who is the editor of the freak chic mag Gazelland (The 'Skin' issue which is released June 07 will be a testament of our times featuring the chic freaks of London and New York at their rawest).

After settling in, I had a wonder to Times Square (not as slutty as I'd imagined but then again, I was basing my initial opinion on Annie Sprinkles') and was bombarded by advertising and neon. It makes Piccadilly Circus looks like pound shop Christmas lights.
What really surprised and disturbed me was that right in the middle of it all was an American Army careers advice booth, screaming out glamorous propaganda. 'Join the Army and you'll be a hero, travel the world, spend your whole time windsurfing, be a right hunk etc.
Having been in the Army myself (still hard to believe that I did two years in khaki-not flattering) I know this is all a load of bullshit to merely entice those who are desperate, have no ambition and/or stupid enough (I was desperate and a little stupid) into a career that messes with your sense of self and could have you sent home to your olds in a bag. All for what? Don't do it kids. They treat you like crap, not a human being. You are stripped of any individuality as they don't want an Army that can think, they want one that can follow orders.


Anyways….Wednesday, did my gay pilgrimage to St Christopher Street and The Stonewall Inn. There’s a statue commemorating the 1969 riots of two gay men standing and two women seated. Reminds me of a stereotyped gay club, the queens are up dancing having a whale of a time while the lesbians are sat in the corner talking about property and how to prepare mung beans.

In the evening I was invited to see the potty mouthed grande dame of New York, Joan Rivers by her lovely manager Chip. My date was Russella who was also over from London.

I was anticipating more from Joan to be honest. There were moments of genius but as a whole, left me a little flat. Amazing in how different she is offstage. She'll hate me for saying this but she was like a little frail old lady. I made her laugh with a sweat shop joke when she said she liked the same jacket that chavs had ridiculed a day previous.

Rushed back to get changed for my debut show in NYC at Slurp at The Cock (genius name) hosted by the fabulous and wonderfully warm Linda Simpson who edits My Comrade magazine (another excellent and well written alternative mag).
The crowd are quite cruisey so feared they wouldn't 'get me' but they screamed all they way through my two tracks (Two Magdalene Fuckers and Show Me Your Banana). Couldn't have asked for a better response if I'd paid for it!
Forgetting that the word 'Fanny' means 'Arse' in the States (The Tranny with the Bum?) I had to ask if they knew what it meant and a few screamed out 'Vagina'. Glad we got that cleared up.
The music at Slurp is as filthy as the clientele and there is an air of non-pretentious fun. A lot of folk were exquisitely dressed up and there was a lot of slutty sex, tea bagging and booze consumption. If you get the chance, I insist you go.

Thursday was more sight seeing (and shopping, well with 1.90 dollars to the pound, was rude not to-felt like everything was a half price sale) before going to Kino 41 promoted by club ledged Susanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny which was a bevy of sleek style. In attendance were club stars Amanda Lepore, Lady Fag (who like me, rocks the gender bender look), Andre J, Cazwell, Zelda (an original from Studio 54 days) and other beautiful and glamorous creatures of the night.

Then hot footed it into a cab over to the Hiro Ballroom (nightmare to get in, even though I was on DJ Mehdi's guest list-the staff are rather rude so be prepared) to see the wonderful Ed Banger Records boys tear things up.

These French guys are the best thing about music right now and if you haven't heard one of the tracks from their stable on a dance floor recently, you must be dead. This isn't nu rave (always thought that a ghastly term, especially as I'm old enough to remember old rave. I don't see the point of making anything new or nu-just 'be' honey) this is pure sweat-down-your-crack-go-crazy-shake-yourself-around party music. They throw regular parties in London and they are simply some of the best parties I've been to and I've been clubbing for 15 years now-so go! Justice, DJ Mehdi, Busy P and SebastiAn-what a line up, what lovely fellas.


Friday, more tourist action and in the evening, a show at Area hosted by Michael Formika Jones Jones and James Coppola (who also promotes Unisex Salon hosted by Justin Bond. I didn't get the chance to go myself but everyone I met raved about it-sounds like the freakiest hot ho down in town right now).
Half the draglets and club freaks in NYC seem to attend Area-lots of fun. Surprised to hear a large amount of bootlegs (mash ups/blends/whatever the kids are calling them nowadays) being played.
Performed two tracks (Two Magdalene Fuckers (My video) and Pussycat Party Bloc Party-Banquet vs. Pussycat Dolls-Don't Cha both originally produced by Dunproofin ) and was followed by opera drag star Shequida and resident Peppermint.

Hailing cabs are a bit tricky if you’re dressed a bit freaky in NYC. Had a few who would pull over, take one look at me then pull off. Charming. Managed to flag one down and over to the second show of the night at Element for Bootie NYC.
Bootie is a San Francisco based night of bootlegs and bastard pop shenanigans. In the house were GYBO (a music mong board I frequent) folk Partyben, Adrian and Mysterious D, Katie Enlow and Lenlow. Nice to hang with musical people I know from the interweb.

Saturday was another Formika and Coppola night at Avalon, which used to be the infamous Limelight, the church come club where the homosexual massive go to worship.
Cazwell hosted a Go-Go Idol competition which was ironically won by a Brit who won by sticking his fingers in his bum (can't take us anywhere). Spent most of the night outside smoking as the no smoking rule forces all the naughty folk out.


When the ban comes to London, I feel its going to divide clubbers. They'll either put up and go outside or it will see the return of house parties. I'm all for the later.
The chapel is fun pop and electro but the main room plays that dull progressive, take your top off and show yer pecs stuff. It never peaks and just mixes on and on and on. Hey, the gays like that-good for them but I prefer a hands in the air like you really couldn't care vibe.
Went to breakfast at the Yaffa Café (despite going there the night before with the Bootie crew) and we fed our faces. I recommend the Moroccan style chicken dipper things-gorgeous.

Sunday was a dull rainy day so after getting up and wondering around Chinatown, decided to take in a show (as you do). Wanted to see what Broadway had made of John Waters' 'Hairspray' but there was no show on a Sunday so settled for 'Rent'. Was good and very well done but the 'ooh we're poor artists, nobody accepts us and we've all got AIDS' part (which is the main storyline) grated a bit. I want see high kicks and high glamour in musicals.

Monday did the Staten Island ferry for a free view of downtown and the Statue of Liberty (smaller than I'd imagined) on a beautifully gloomy day. There was a big haze over the city and gave it a different edge to what you see in tourist and travel pics.
Had a look at Grand Central Station (wow! So beautiful, so moody, so quiet) and did a self portrait video there.

In the evening Gazelle took me to the Patricia Field (stylist to the stars) 1 year anniversary shop party. (There were a huge pair of 'star' earrings teasing me. Out came the card. I have no will.)
Met the wonderful designer Dres, the incredible and lovely Johnny Darnell, JoJo Americo and Paul Alexander from The Ones, Nicky London, Patrick Macdonald, Merlin from www.lastnightsparty and ate a delicious mouse of Patricia's own recipe (the rest of the nibbles were rather lacklustre though). When introducing myself to Perfidia, she thought I'd said Coleslaw instead of Holestar. Which stuck for the rest of my trip. Quite like that actually.


Was interviewed for a film about the House of Field. I always get baffled when being interviewed; afraid I'll say something inappropriate. After a lot of blag, I finished it off by saying "New York City, Eat My Pussy". Think that nailed it.

Tuesday was about time I saw some art (soooo lazy) and popped to the Guggenheim which half was unfortunately closed as they were doing a new show but the Family Portraits exhibition was fantastic. Had a bimble around Central Park and picked up a few more bits of tat I don't need in the Jewellery Quarter (it's a drag accessories paradise) before returning to Gazelles place to be photographed by the wonderful artist Olan.
Can't wait to see what he does with me.

Didn't fancy partying on my last night so Gazelle and I went out for dinner at Cafeteria (wouldn't call it quiet though, they play pumping house music really loudly while you dine).

Wednesday afternoon went to lunch with James Coppola at a Korean place (very nice) and then it was time to head out to JFK.

So, New York; was my first time and loved it. I would like to live there in the future but my heart currently belongs to London.
I met some amazing, unique and lovely people (please excuse the name dropping) rocking unique and fierce looks who I'll definitely be keeping in touch with. There are unfortunately some snooty and dull leeches/hangers-on, which you get everywhere I guess. I've never understood this mentality-posing is so 90s.
I think we think we currently have a more inventive music scene in London for my ears and music is very dear to me.

Big cheers to Gazelle for being a great host. When I asked him why he started Gazelland, he said he saw a club kid done and painted up to the nines. A club photographer refused to take his picture and was only interested in snapping the generic looking muscle mary, body beautiful homos so decided to start his own thing that celebrated the diverse and unusual. Hurrah for Gazelland!!
Like the UK, there is a homogenised 'look' that many gay and lesbian publications tend to lean towards but they are missing out on so much and who are they to say what is considered beautiful or the 'ideal'? Hetero mags do his aplenty and surely as gays are still marginalized by society, shouldn't they be celebrating our diverse, flamboyant and unique snowflake side? And I don't mean the odd drag queen chucked in at Pride events for freak factor either.

As history chronicles, London and New York have continually passed the crown of Western club scene capital to and fro. Berlin had it for a while, Paris is nudging its way in but in the history of clubbing and music, London and New York are the monarchy in the hot combination of innovative music and style

I've been asked back and when I get some money together again (contrary to popular belief, us dragsters don't get paid much y'know) , I'll be there but for now I've umpteen thing to be getting on with.

I'll be MCing with the Pirate Soundsystem at Nude, performing as Dr Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal The Cannibal-The Musical (written and directed by San Fransisco's Trannyshack Queen, Suppositori Spelling), creating some art for my Fine Art Masters at St Martinis, drumming up new music and performance ideas and trying to track down a producer who I can 'click' with musically and creatively.
I will find him/her/them eventually. I'm a stubborn sod. Yep!

Holestar New York Photos

Area , Avalon and other club pics by Mc Mike

New York Photos

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Video of Two Mag Fu**ers from Trannyshack UK Album

Vienna, Nails, Media Whore and Insanity of Modern Celebrity



Soooooooooo......beginning of February I went to Vienna to do a sing song at a new gay night Think Pink which was quite fun. Cyberqueen Zoly did a cracking show too-that guy know how to weerrrk it I tells ya.
Getting changed in the backstage area with pumped up muscle marys and go-go girls with fake boobies reminded me how much the clubbing scene I work in London now differs so much from Vienna.

Nice to bump into old faces I hadn’t seen in ages too.
Friday popped to see my kitty cats in their new home. God I still miss them but wasn’t as heartbreaking as the last time as I’ve learned to let go and happy to see they are content with Ingrid (even though seeing Monkey pick on Merkin still sadness me).
Spent the rest of the weekend with the amazing and wonderful Mr Eddie Cole. We had popcorn, watched silly things on TV, drank vodka and talked to ‘Frank’.
Saturday, we went to see The Rounder Girls perform at an anti racism thing which was a good laugh. The girls do this thing during their performance of Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves where they break it down and each freestyle over each other. Seen it loads of time but always makes the hair on my neck stand up. I want Lynne Kierans voice! She’s been a huge inspiration to me and both her and Eddie have given me a lot of good advice about the ‘industry’.



Eddie, Marcello Denardo and I then went to Why Not. Luckily Sasha (Drag code name Charlotte) now runs it so got us in for free and gave us a few cheeky tipples. We danced and drank and danced some more. Eddie was on top form and I haven’t laughed so much in ages!
Before I went back, had lunch with my good friend and photographic collaborator, Armin Bardel. Had a lovely Tafel Spitz and catch up.
All in all a great working and play weekend.

Photos from the whole she-bang here http://www.flickr.com/photos/23627719@N00/sets/72157594545667186/


Upon returning, went the Kokon to Zai Fashion Party hosted by Jodie Harsh. That was good fun until some county bastard stole my bag (twice in a month-aaargh!!!) literally put it down to move to a new seat turned and it was gone. Decided to leave as felt pretty fucked off and decided to have a quick look in the loos in case someone had slung it in there, only to have someone slam my fingers in the door. The nails on my ring and middle finger on my left hand are still quite fucked.

Later that week I was on the judging panel for the Trannyshack Pageant (pretty poor show to be honest and having people come up to me after asking why they didn’t win was a bit disheartening.)

Have been getting back into college (well I am doing a Fine Art Masters and should be showing my face more regularly) Gave a presentation of my work and have now been asked to give a lecture about it. Ha!! Holestar the visiting lecturer!


Been a bit of a media whore lately too. Have appeared in no less than 5 magazines in the last two months Gib (Austrian Gay Mag-not too chuffed with what they did and the old naff photos they used), AXM (Interview and pic from the Horse Meat Disco Vogue Ball competition I won), Front cover of QX with the Trannyshack gals for the album launch, Boyz (same), Love It! (Very funny. Did a Mistress piece about trampling. The reason I did it was to show how journalists change things to suit their readership. I recorded the interview on my dictaphone and will blow up the mag article so people can see what is written and hear what was actually said.) and QX again with a full page interview and ad for my solo show. (Click here to read it).


DJed for Colin Rothbarts’ big birthday do. Mamma Shamone tore it up as did Miss Odd Kid in the kitchen. I ended up playing on the worst DJ console known to man for hours so relied on playing party tunes which worked. My very good bud Tom Oke played too. I’ve always known he is a good DJ but he really blew me away. That boy needs gigs!!!
Got absolutely trolleys and met the fabulous Peter Glam and Dean Pervert. So nice to be at a party full of amazingly creative and inspiring people.

Following week did Nude at Ministry of Sound with Jonny Woo, Russela Ryan Styles and Mr Teds. Theme was Neon Orgy. First up we were Gods and Goddesses. I was Juno the Goddess of fertility so had my strap-on on (again). Wankerish crowd were pulling at it so every time one of them did, I made them suck it. I don’t know what it is with that kind of crowd, they see a freak on stage and think they have the right to touch us. Fucks.
The next two sets were in the bar which were much more fun. Long night but love working with those guys.

Wednesday 14th was the premiere of my new show, ‘It Ain’t What You Do It’s The Way That You Do It’.
Started off doing new track I’ve done with Scott Houzet called ‘Show Me Your Banana’ which is uber uber gay (go and have a listen on my myspace page www.myspace.com/holestar). Then did a little Holestar bootleg medley followed by my new concept performance piece ‘The Insanity of Modern Celebrity’.



In a nutshell, the piece is about the rise of media driven modern celebrity, where talent isn’t necessary to be famous.
What happens when the fame and adulation is taken away, there is nothing but a media persona, nothing to fall back on and nobody is interested in who you are anymore?
My twisted take is that you go crazy and lose focus with reality. There are constant reports of so-called celebs going into rehab for drug and mental reasons, is this a by-product of fame? I see fame as the drug of the 21st century and is clearly highly addictive, evident by the endless amount of people who put themselves up for reality TV shows and do all they can to retain their spot in the light.
Anna Nicole Smith was a perfect example of this; she wanted fame and aspired to be Marilyn Monroe. Did that desire for fame ultimately cause her demise? Interesting that her death is shrouded by similar conspiracy as Monroe.




There has always been humour in my art work (shame most of it is not online, was removed as it was considered immoral and disgusting by the site providers, heh) and ’The Insanity of Modern Celebrity’ is an attempt to make performance art more accessible and entertaining in what some would consider a low brow and populist medium.
Art for all I say. Lets not confine it merely to the gallery, let everyone have a gander and enjoy.
If people don’t get the concept, that’s fine. I intend for them to be entertained regardless how they receive it.

In it, I lip synch and have taken many audio sources from TV, ads, films, music and edited them together (a long and painful process!) so its all very quick and uses things from Mommy Dearest, French & Saunders, Shake n Vac, Prince, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Gnarls Barkley, Nikki Big Brother, X Factor and the end part of Pink Flamingos.

Video of Show Me Your Banana(with Vanilla Lush and Ritzy Crackers throwing around some bananas and being slutty)




Video of Bootleg Medley





Video of The Insanity of Modern Celebrity
On its way




Then there was the Kavinsky EP launch party at Sin (nice looking but awful club. £4 for a beer!!) Whole thing from start to finish was incredible!! DJ Mehdi knows how to work a crowd into a frothy froth! SebastiAn, Surkin and Kavinsky also played (Justice, Oizo and Buzy P didn’t show-bah) and the whole thing was top top drawer! A few of us stumbled to the dodgy bar on Hanway Street after. Tom and I were very very battered!



The Saturday I did a turn at Bastards’ new home, The Macbeth. Did Two Magdalene Fuckers as the E-Jitz were in the house from Aberdeen, The Insanity of Modern Celebrity again (better the second time, felt more relaxed) and Andy Dunproofins’ Pussy Cat Party as a finale. Good reaction, enjoyed it.

Video of Two Mag Fucks


Finally have a copy of the Trannyshack album. Rather pissed off with the record company that they haven’t credited E-Jitz anywhere on the CD or DVD. Name is also spelt wrong. It’s listed as Hideaway (Two Magdaline Fuckers) - Holestar. Wrong.
I insisted that it be E-Jitz featuring Holestar and that they get a credit for the track as it’s not mine, my idea or concept, I’ve just covered their original bootleg. I believe credit should be where it’s due.

Annnnyyyhoo
Next week I’m off to New York. The Big Apple (or the Big Banana as my good friend Chris likes to call it).
Exciting. Its my first time and a bit nervous. Got three shows (one that I was really looking forward to got cancelled but hey, 3 is good for a nobody like moi), tickets to see Joan Rivers (friend of a friend job), going to an Ed Banger party (should be interesting to see how an American crowd react to their crazy shin digs) and have been told by my Mother to go and see a Broadway musical. I’m going to plum for Hairspray I think. Would be incredibly rude not to yeah?

xXx