Tom Campbell : Radio Presenter For West Midlands & Beyond!

Did You Smash It?

2011-01-28T17:51:00.000Z

Looks like Richard Keys will bounce back...
The Tom Campbell Breakfast Show - Richard Keys by TomCampbell

The Snow Show

2011-01-06T20:39:00.001Z

It was the last Saturday before Christmas 2010 when the West Midlands almost returned to the ice age. With heavy snowfall across the region public transport was halted, roads were impassable and the M5 was gridlocked and closed down for almost eight hours. As I broadcast to Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire AND The Black Country, I had myself a nice fat captive audience for my shenanigans...

The Wyvern Snow Show by TomCampbell

The Tom Campbell Breakfast Show: Plumber

2011-01-06T20:28:00.000Z

The Tom Campbell Breakfast Show : Plumber by TomCampbell

12 Random Facts About My "Career" in Radio...

2010-09-09T09:08:00.000+01:00

1. My first PAID radio job was reading travel bulletins for Telford FM. I had trouble saying the sponsor's name and had to beat the Worcestershire out of myself to sound reasonably good.

2. To this day I contest that the most effort and time I put into a radio show was when I wasn't getting paid for it: Thank Tonto It's Friday on Youthcomm Radio was a labour of love every week!

3. I walked from my house to Wyvern FM's headquarters in Barbourne (about a 40-minute walk) three days in a row to ask if they'd listened to my demo - they eventually rang me and told me to stop bothering them!

4. My first radio appearance was on Wyvern in 1994. I was ten years old and the presenter asked me why all the girls loved Take That and all the boys hated them. In my naivety I answered "because the girls don't know that two of them are gay."

5. During my five-month stint as Breakfast presenter for The Severn Oswestry, I lived in a Guest House up the road paying £20 a night, coming home back to friends and society at weekends.

6. Whenever I do Breakfast cover for Beacon I stay at The Fox Hotel in Wolverhampton. The room is £20 a night...and it's what you would expect for that price.

7. I have judged four local talent contests including the Shropshire Star Battle Of The Bands and the prestigous "St. Martin's Got Talent".

8. The best idea I ever had but never did: to dress as a Wizard and wander round Oswestry. The feature title: The Wizard Of Oswestry.

9. My interview with Youtuber Brookers was actually RIPPED from my Youthcomm Radio show and turned into Youtube videos by avid fans. People obviously liked it!

10. My longest run in a single slot is my current one: I have hosted Drive Time for ten months and two weeks.

11. The closest I've come to BBC Radio One is about two feet. That was where I met Chris Moyles and had the photo above taken.

12. If somebody emails the radio station asking for a job, I always make time to reply. Nobody afforded me this service when I was trying to break in, so I'm paying it forward.

There you go! Now clear off my lawn!

We Do What We Like And We Like What We Do!

2010-07-14T11:09:00.001+01:00

Being in "da radio" lots of people ask me what my favourite music is. Whilst that's a question I always struggle to answer, this weekend I could finally and definitively answer one music-based quandary, as I now have "a favourite album". Not only is it my PERSONAL favourite album...but I believe it's the greatest album of all time. Let me explain...

In 2001, Andrew WK became a flash-in-the-pan metal star with his hit "Party Hard". My 17-year old mind was blown by the song. I was a chubby, alternative college student who took a great liking to music which featured grown men shouting and wailing. "Party Hard" filled that quota,with Andrew bellowing his balls off alongside a thrashing metal guitar, a hard-hitting drummer and - bizarrely - the inclusion of a Jools-Holland-esque plinky-plinky piano (yeah, that's what they're officially called - officially!)

For some reason I never listened to the album the followed the single...until last week. And nine years later, my mind was blown again by Sir W.K's 9-track masterpiece called "I Get Wet".

You only need to hear about twenty seconds of each song to understand the sheer brilliance of this album. First, here's the title track "Party Hard" in case you've never heard it.

Thrashing metal, steady beat, all groovy. Here's track two "Take It Off"...

Sounds familiar, does it not? But it gets better - here's "I Get Wet"...

At this point I was laughing my head off! Everything is EXACTLY THE SAME! Surely this can't continue...here's "Ready To Die"

Nice introduction of a kiddy piano, then STRAIGHT BACK INTO IT! Thrashing guitar, drums, plinky-plinky piano the WHOLE NINE YARDS. Then we come to the second single from the album, this is "She Is Beautiful".

There are three other songs on the album that are "slightly different to Party Hard" as opposed to "carbon copies of awesomeness". I was listening to this album walking to work genuinely laughing to myself, and my brother Mike admitted he listened to the album with a tear in his eye. I haven't stopped listening to it either, I had it on this morning as I was writing this blog. I just cannot get ENOUGH of it! I listening, I'm singing and I'm laughing.

But we weren't laughing AT Andrew WK, no way no how! Mister WK is, possibly, one of the most underrated performers in music history! I say that in TOTAL SINCERITY, not one trace of sarcasm whatsoever! Here's a guy who completely embraced his bread and butter. He knew what song put him on the map, and that was "Party Hard". He wasn't misguided enough to believe that his song was a deep, moving "Anthem of the times" and he wasn't naive enough to believe that people who bought his album wanted to hear his full range. I bought this album (from a charity shop for £2, no less) because I love "Party Hard", as I'm sure many other people did. He knew his limits, and he knew what people wanted to hear. So he gave it to them...he gave them thirty-plus minutes of balls-to-the-wall, no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point Andrew Double-You Fucking Kay!

That's why, I believe, this is the greatest album of all time!

Long live Andrew, and when it's time to party...you KNOW we'll party hard!

Ticket To Ride

2010-07-05T17:12:00.000+01:00

I use the train five or six days a week. I "know" how the system works. This isn't a boast at all, because I believe trains and the process of paying for/using train travel is NOT DIFFICULT. However, I can guarantee that at least three days every week I will be forced to wait up to three minutes for my ticket. Because in this generation of high-speed Internets and iPhones, our population is flummoxed by only one modern marvel: the self-service Train Ticket machine.

I tend to use the automatic machine to get my tickets because it involves little-to-no conversation and two button presses from me to get exactly what I want. But it still amazes me to be stood behind somebody who is staring in utter disbelief at the screen, so alarmed and confused by the sight before them.

I've noticed three kinds of people use these machines:

1) The Rusher : Somebody who wants their ticket nice and quick and take roughly 8 seconds to get the tickets they need and they're gone.

2) The Prodder : Somebody who will get their face as CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the screen and very slowly and firmly presses each button they need.

3) The Quitter : Somebody who will stand in front of the machine, nonchalantly pressing numerous buttons and - eventually - storming off to buy the ticket from the lady at the counter.

Today, a Monday, it was a combination of The Prodder and The Quitter. A chap not much older than me making very strong jabs at the screen, getting to the part where you type in the first few letters of the station you want and then PAINSTAKINGLY typing "BIRMINGHAM" on the on-screen qwerty keyboard. Well, I'm giving far too much credit there: he actually wrote "BURMINGHAM" and then got upset when his city of choice didn't appear to have its own Railway station. Two minutes passed before he gave up and joined the seven-deep queue to buy a ticket the old-fashioned way.

Maybe I should've interjected. Maybe I should've told him of his spelling error and guided him around the ticket machine options and helped him purchase the ticket he wanted. But I didn't. Wanna know why? Because he had tattoos on his head and a fag on the go in a "No Smoking" station.

If society couldn't teach him, what chance did I have?

On another note, please take time to meet Patrick The Optimist. I was in a rubbish mood today and after reading Patrick's story, I never will be again: http://www.patricktheoptimist.co.uk/

Sun, Sea and Surveys

2010-07-01T10:35:00.001+01:00

Hello there you. Yeah, you! Don't walk on pretending you haven't seen me, hey!! Hey come back, I only want a second of your time!! COME BACK!! DON'T PUT YOUR HEADPHONES IN, COME OOON!!!

Thank you...could you do an survey for me? It's about radio and stuff...cheers ears!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6XHXS2P

I'm Going Through Changes...

2010-06-30T09:04:00.002+01:00

It's been a funny few weeks for the wacky world of the wireless!

Back in April, OFCOM made the decision to deregulate commercial radio stations, allowing struggling brands to be rejuvenated whilst maintaining their statuary requirement for local-led content.

And in real person language: OFCOM are throwing the rule book out.

What is really means is that money-strapped radio stations are now allowed to merge with others to provide one larger service, as opposed to lots of smaller ones. So, say I own "Radio A", "Radio B" and "Radio C" which all operate across the county of "Madeupshire". Each stations has it's own staff, three presenters that broadcast all day long (Breakfast presenter 7-10, Midday presenter 10-2 and Afternoon presenter 2-7) and sales team and serve each area of Madeupshire. Thanks to OFCOM relaxing their laws and deregulating radio, I am now allowed to approach them to change my business practice. Once they agree it, I will shut down "Radio A" "Radio B" and "Radio C" and launch "Radio D" which serves the ENTIRE of Madeupshire as opposed to little, financially non-viable sectors of the county. As a business model, it does make sense: Radio D can be a much bigger product and service a larger area.

Of course, it means that I'm now overstaffed. With Radio A, B and C I needed separate news readers, sales teams, not to mention separate presenters. News readers are mostly safe, as OFCOM have said that even though they are relaxing these broadcast laws they still want local news. Sales team are mostly safe, after all you still need to flog advertising for this new Superstation - no need to lose peoples there.

That just leaves NINE presenters...SIX of which are now superfluous. Radio D needs to sound as good as it can, and only needs three presenters to tick along. What will follow is a cruel, Big Brother-esque evition of two thirds of the Jockey workforce, leaving only the strongest and most talented to continue broadcasting to the county of Madeupshire. The other six will join the thousands of has-beens, never-weres, wannabes and no-chancers in Radio Wilderness (which broadcasts on 666.6fm and long wave and plays "The Funeral Dirge" in between traffic and travel updates from Tim In The Truck)

This is a hypothetical situation, but is not inaccurate. This is a story that will be popping up on Digital Spy a lot in the next few weeks. Global, the body behind the Heart stations countrywide were the first as they quickly, neatly and quietly slashed 33 local stations into just 15 regional ones. Soon after, Smooth Radio wrung the chances by chopping down its 5 regional stations into one national broadcaster with sixty jobs being lost company-wide. This is only the beginning and other radio groups are sure to follow, simply because its such a BRILLIANT way to save money.

Many of my peers are panicking about the changes. It means that the rickety bridge that is radio has just become even more unstable and everybody's job could be compromised in the heartbeat. This isn't news, though. I've read stories of radio presenters losing their jobs in a heartbeat, going on air to talk between the songs unaware that once they do their last link before the end of the show they are already unemployed. It's a tough, cutthroat, ball-grabbing business. Everybody wants to get on and only a small number of people actually do...and now, there's even fewer job opportunities than before.

I honestly thought I would be scared by all that's happening, but I'm not. I've known for a long time that there has to be a price for simply talking between songs, and I guess that this is another example of that. I finally got my foot in the door in 2008 and have always managed to keep my foot in it. I promised this year that I would, quote "kick that door in" and in the last few months I've metaphorically given the door two short, sharp nudges and have just begun to step back for the final thrust.

Many people are saying this is "the End of Radio", and I don't believe that either. Whilst Radio is being taken apart, it's only so I can be built up once again. Something will happen that will put radio back in the marketplace. By the end of the year, we may very well have only a fraction of the existing radio stations still active, and there is no better a time for a little Broadcast Breakthough, a Radio Revolution if you will.

I don't know what that will BE yet...but let's just call it "Radio E" shall we?

March 2010 Aircheck...

2010-02-27T21:38:00.001Z

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

How The West (Midlands) Was Won!

2010-02-15T09:40:00.000Z

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Save File: Tom Campbell Wyvern.mp3

Here ya go...have yourself a selection of "Best Bits" from my Wyvern debut. Endure/enjoy!

x

Love Is On The Air...

2010-02-08T08:53:00.000Z

To many, a wyvern is a fictional dragon-esque creature...the sort of beast you would encounter during a game of Dungeons & Dragons, one that can presumably only be beaten by either a roll of two sixes or the acquisition of a girlfriend (shouldn't be harsh really, I spent many happy Tuesday lunchtimes at High School rollin' them dice, poppin' them spots and imaginin' what them kisses feel like from people other than Ma).

But stick two letters at the back-end of it and you have a radio legacy that provides the soundtrack to Worcestershire. These guys are big cats in the radio world, controlling the regional airwaves and entertaining hundreds of thousands of county folk! So to be a part of them is quite a nice thing...even if it is only for one day.

Well, obviously somebody has misfiled some paperwork, maybe got me mixed up with Tom Newitt, but either way I shall be hosting Wyvern's Sunday Morning breakfast show THIS VERY VALENTINE'S DAY! That's right, the station I grew up listening to, the station in which I called up to and declared - on air - that Take That were gay back in 1991, are letting me BACK on to talk to the fine people of my home town and beyond...bloody Hellfire, happy 2010!

So I hope that on the most romantic of mornings, you'll turn your wireless dials in my direction and witness me either make it or break it in front of my biggest audience yet...if you wish to call in or text in it would be awesome to know you're out there. I mean, surely the thought of waking up with me on Valentine's Day doesn't make you feel THAT sick...right??

http://www.wyvernfm.co.uk

How does Shropshire sound?

2010-02-04T12:36:00.003Z

Look at my fat face telling you all about it...

Reflections With Cheese And Fries...

2009-12-31T10:55:00.001Z

I'm currently tapping away whilst adding to two major problems; the mass domination of Ronald McDonald and my expanding waistline. Not the healthiest of ways to end the day but it is Christmas and I believe that it's a time where we all wind down and indulge. Besides, Great Bacon Cheese won't be around for long so gotta get whilst the going's good...sorry, arteries, don't take it personal.

I've been waiting for the inspiration to write about 2009, a sort of year in review from where I'm standing. Many have already blogged about how devastating this year has been personally, physiologically, mentally and economically. Very few happy stories seem to be coming out of the final year in the decade.Don't mean to sound like I'm gloating but...I've had a brilliant year!

I made a promise to myself this time last year; 2009 would be my BEST year in radio or my LAST year in radio. I'm getting old and hairy, need to be realistic and if the dream isn't going to happen then I should knuckle down and become part of society. But I wanted to give it one more go just so I don't look back in my twilight years, as I retire from a job I hate and contemplate what if.So there's the challenge...and it took merely a MONTH into 2009 that things started to look very interesting. I would like to thank Pete Wagstaff, the head cheese at MNA Broadcasting who decided that this cheeky little weekend jock could go full-time. "The Tom Campbell Breakfast Show" launched in March 2009, but I had a memorable week in Sheffield of all places ahead of this big change.

My intensive driving course didn't go as well as planned. Instead of coming home a confident driver, I came home slightly mentally damaged from what was the most terrifying twenty minutes of my life. The infamous driving test that ended after less than half an hour, quote "on grounds of public safety" probably did me more harm than good. Up until recently, I flash back to that driving test and get a cold shiver...we'll get this driving thing cracked though!

The months that were follow were an absolute blur...I was living the dream of breakfast radio, but had nobody to share the dream with. I would finish work at 11 and go home to my bedsit...eat, drink, sleep, watch DVDs, all of which was on my Jack Jones. I don't think I've ever publically said how miserable I became some times. But that changed between the hours of 6am and 11am...because I was a breakfast jock!! I interviewed famous people, I had free driving lessons, I had a hydrodermy facial (it was for a sponsor, honest!!) and was having the time of my life.This whole thing was sweetened when Rosie joined me in Shrewsbury. Not only was I no longer on my tod, but the one person I really wanted to be with throughout was now there every single day! It seemed like a bit of a whirlwind before I went on holiday...suddenly I wasn't Little Tommy in Room Eight, but me and my lady had a place we could call our own!

Just got distracted by one of the downsides of sitting in McDonald's...a gaggle of very drunk gentlemen just dragged "Fuckin' Neil" out on the piss with them. I genuinely feel sorry for the guy, he looks gutted that his mates have found him. Like he was playing hide and seek and now he was "it."Where was I? oh right, yeah...house, living etc.Rosie got offered a big time job in Telford a day before I was told that my breakfast show would be merging with another, leading to my sudden lack of work. This did put things in limbo for a while but thankfully I managed to bag the lunchtime slot and I'm back on track...kind of. I've taken another job to substitute my lost pennies and I still pine for Breakfast radio like a doh missing its master's leg. I miss the thrill of doing the early morning, I miss the banter and I miss...well, I miss finishing my working day at 11am. That there is good stuff!

I was gloomy about it for a while, but after a trip to Florida's I was alright. Three weeks in Orlando will do that for you. Highlight of which was when my dad asked me to get the door when we got to our apartment. I opened it to find my brother had been flown out as a surprise! Utterly awesome! Mum and dad said that they were worried they let it slip a few times, which proves that I really need to listen to people more.

There's a guy in here with a very pretty girl. She's staring at him with such sad eyes yet he is just giving her such evils. In truth, he looks like pond life and she looks desperate for attention. It's a sad cycle...he just said "going for a piss" and she smiled back as if he'd said something nice to her. Seeing stuff like this makes me think of Rosie and just how lucky I am to be with a beautiful woman who I've never had a crossed word with, and who I laugh with for what seems like forever. Enough to make you do a sick, right? Okay, moving on...

Life has a funny way of winding down the path, I believe. The thought that a girl you knew in Primary School would end up living in the same city as you in a different county twenty years down the line is surely a million-in-one. But it happened, and her boyfriend being a wrestler was another nice surprise too. Deryn is genuinely a wonderful guy who I would like to learn a lot from...mainly about how not to get angry at the world. It's thanks to Deryn that I got to finally get involved in the world of wrestling this year...luckily not as in-ring talent. The last thing the world needs is to see me in spandex. I LOVE being a ring announcer!! The day I got the keys to me and Rosie's house, I went into our empty house, organised the bills and the council tax, ate Domino's Pizza really fast then went to work on my first ever wrestling show.

I loved it and was so glad they invited me back to be EDW's full-time ring announcer. That night we celebrated John's birthday at Deryn's house and we laughed and drank until the early hours. Up to this point, I had been on my own in Shrewsbury, and suddenly I had a whole room full of people telling me how good I was and wanting to see me again for drinks and merrymaking. Don't want this to get too emo, but I was so grateful for that. I'd been on my own so much that I was feeling so very down most evenings...and that night meant more than the EDW guys would ever appreciate. Thank you, Deryn. You are a gentleman of the highest order!

I can't leave this wresting bit without saying that it's because of Deryn letting me in that I got to work in Worcester as a ring announcer for another wrestling company. In one night, I called a World Of Sport match with Johnny Saint, got shouted at by a man covered in badges, got abused by Drew MacDonald and complimented by Nik Dutt...and even got my train fare paid for. That there is a good night!!

Tell you what makes you feel good about life, right...Team Tom cheering you!! I was part of the Shrewsbury Christmas light switch-on, a great honour in this town so I'm told. I got to lark about on stage with Neil Bentley and the cast of Peter Pan and when I asked the thousands that turned up to cheer, they cheered. It sounds soft, but I felt like I had arrived...it was one of the best nights of my life! Front page of the paper, too...marking my forth appearance in the paper this year.

Netbook battery light flicking here and the dodgy types seem to be piling in. I'll guess I'll wrap up by saying 2010 looks bright and cuddly, and I will make it just that! I hope those who have fallen on hard times this year can look to the unwritten page ahead, take out that big black pen and make your mark! Thanks for reading this electronic navel-gazing, and I wish y'all a very happy Christmas and a positive New Year.Same time tomorrow, Ronald?

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 9

2009-12-21T15:36:00.002Z

From the blog of James Marshall (manager@BethlehemInns.com)
Dated 21st December, 1BC

Tell you what, that Census Special promotion as gone down a treat! Four days til Christmas and we're totally booked up.

Even got some buggers sleeping in the barn!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 8

2009-12-20T15:31:00.002Z

From the blog of Joe McElderry (xfactorJoe@msn.co.uk)
Dated 20th December 2009

*checks Official Music Charts*

Awwww, fuckin' 'ell, pet!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 7

2009-12-19T17:40:00.002Z

From the blog of Skinny Steve the Turkey (skinnysteve@myspace.com)

Dated December 23rd, 2008

I've decided I'm very unlucky.

It started about a week ago when Clive popped to the barn and never came back. Farmer Giles assured us he had won a holiday and would be back before Christmas Eve. So we were all quite excited about seeing Clive before Christmas and hearing about his trip.

Imagine our surprise when Neil, Malcolm and Fat Keith all won the same competition as well (can't image Keith getting on a plane, the plump bugger!)...a holiday before Christmas! We all smiled, thinking luck was in our favour and - to be fair - they deserved a holiday.

But now it's getting rather bizarre because it seems like everybody but me and Frail Old Jimmy have won this holiday package. Just as well I haven't won it, I mean I'm not feeling too great and been off my food lately. But Frail Old Jimmy bless him, he could have done with a break. Thing is...it's Christmas Eve coming up and we've heard nothing from them. Not even a postcard!

Bastards!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 6

2009-12-18T16:22:00.004Z

From the blog of Greg Price, Duty Manager Elf at Santa's Grotto
(Greg.Price@Santasgrotta.gov.uk)
Dated December 12th, unspecified year

So the boss comes down, right? We have this "big meeting" and - bottom line is - I'm not only getting less hours for staff to use this year but we need to deliver twice as many presents!!!!!!!!1!! I say "how do you expect us to do all this work if you're cutting back on staff" His usual answer "I don't care how, just get it done." WTF!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!

Same every year, it just gets busier and busier and we get less and less people. Apparantly we're not allowed to keep any of the temps on this year either. Just as well; we hired two elves called Robert who are both pretty much useless at everything, we hired Clare who seems to spend most of her day on her lunch hour...and don't get me started on Phillip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just heard that we won't be getting a Christmas bonus this year either...fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!! At this rate, I'm gonna just go work for HMV. Least we get a uniform that doesn't look like somebody just vomited Christmas Cheer all over us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111!!!!!!!!!!!!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 5

2009-12-17T12:02:00.006Z

From the blog of Frosty The Snowman (HappyJollySoul@freeserve.net)

Dated December 14th, 1950

Such ignorance in this town!

I've been told not to speak too much about it until the court hearing comes up in March (something tells me I won't be around to see it) but Lordy Lordy all I did was have a dance with some kids and take them into town. We played tag for a bit, chased each other around the shops, rolled around in the snow, it was beautiful.

Then that jobsworth traffic cop had to stick his oar in and accuse me of interfering with Jimmy. All I did was poke him with the broom and shout "chase me, big boy!" Traffic copper, obviously upset with his lack of promotional opportunities as essentially a glorified car park attendant, told the mayor that there was a, quote "white pervert getting children to play with him". That puts a kabosh on my slumber party tonight (sorry Jimmy)

And anyway, how can you accuse me of looking at children inappropriately...I HAVE EYES MADE OUT OF COAL!!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 4

2009-12-16T14:38:00.003Z

From the blog of Noddy Holder (BigNod46@hotmail.com)
Dated October 2nd, 1973

I hate leaving things til the last minute. Got a meeting tomorrow with the management buggers tomorrow about this Christmas song and I haven't written a thing for it.

I didn't even want to do a novelty record...if I had my way the single would be Don't Blame Me and a live version of Skweeze Me Pleez Me. Apparantly the lads reckon a Christmas single will be the way to go but I'm not convinced. I mean, Don't Blame Me is one of the best we've done so far, there's NO WAY anything we do will top that.

Anyway gotta stop whinging about it and write this Christmas song now...I just want to get it done and maybe get on with my solo album. Bash this one song out then look to the future. Look to the future...now there's a start.

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 3

2009-12-15T12:37:00.005Z

From the blog of Ebenezer Scrooge (TheRealScrooge@yahoo.co.uk)

Dated December 19th, 1843

Just got back from the council meeting. A tedious afternoon spent NOT MAKING A SINGLE PENNY waiting to speak to some goody-goody in a suit. We spent about an hour going back and forth looking at the fine print in the lease agreement and the business plan I proposed when I moved to the premises .

Bottom line is...I WON!! Nowhere in the contract I signed does is specifically say that I am PROHIBITED from opening on Christmas Day. Plus, because there are laws preventing other businesses from opening, nobody has looked into the legalities of how much I have to pay people to work on Christmas Day! No bloody time-and-a-half for Bob Cratchit then, the slacker!

So if you are in the South London area and wish to come in and chat about any outstanding debts or if you are a new businessman to the area, you don't have to be worried about that "closed for national holiday" malarky with me! See you at 9am on December 25th...Humbug!

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 2

2009-12-14T16:05:00.005Z

From the blog of Rudolph (RedNose@googlemail.com)
Dated 24th November (no confirmed year) - 6:03pm

Prancer is a cunt.

Just been outside and saw the guys playing football before they go delivering pressies (got Christmas Eve off again! YESS!) . Donner's team was short because Prancer was ref so I offered up my services as centre-forward (I got a pretty good shot, at least on FIFA Street). Prancer seemed happy for me to play at first but the moment Prancer blew the whistle for the second half Comet took my feet out with a sliding tackle!! Didn't even have the bloody ball! Prancer calls "fair tackle" and when I questioned it he sent me off for "saying the Fuck W." (I think he meant the F Word) even though I didn't. So I just sat and watched them.

Still, at least they're letting me join in their games today!

Only a short blog for now, Santa wants a chat about something.

12 Blogs Of Christmas: Blog 1

2009-12-13T19:03:00.004Z

From the blog of Saint Mary (VirginMary1@aol.com)

Dated 25th March, 1BC.

Had the weirdest dream last night. I was in bed and this person flew through my window. I say he flew, he sorta floated through quite amazingly. He said his name was Gabriel, but not the guy from Genesis as I was soon to find out (the religious implications in that sentence are thick and slightly bothersome I know). Basically, I dreamt that this Gabriel chap was a messenger from the son of God and he wanted me to give birth to the son of the Lord! Apparently, I'm the purest person in the world but I refuse to believe that. I mean, Cliff Richard's still single!!

So he told me that I was chosen by God and in nine months time I would give birth to his Son. I was told to stay a virgin and pure and in nine months the Messiah will be born. Mad dream, I know...gotta stop eating cheese with Jo before bed.

No major plans today, but feel proper poorly. Gonna pop down to Boots I think get something for my dicky tummy. Been sick three times this morning - sorry, too much information. LOL

Retails Of The Unexpected

2009-12-02T11:06:00.003Z

Christmas is now officially on its bally way to us. There's lots of trappnigs that come with this time of year; gaudy decorations, a whole bunch of Christmas songs on the radio and - of course - shopping. Oh, so much shopping!

Whilst chasing the big radio dream I have been working in retail to keep me on the wrong side of poverty (or should it be the right side? Either way, that sentence basically means "I'm not doing a poor"). For eleven months of the year working in this environment is cheery, friendly and as a bit of a chatty bastard I like to be involved in it. But there is one particular month of the year when Hell comes to Earth and forms a queue behind the counter. That month, as you've probably guessed, is December.

Working in retail at Christmas is a thankless, hard-wearing existence because as far as shoppers go YOU are the only thing standing in their way of a wonderful Christmas. I always like to tell Christmas temps in retail that Christmas "will put hairs on your chest". In the last ten years since that first fateful Christmas at Electronics Boutique I have seen the best - and the worst - in all of society rear its ugly head at Christmas time. I've been grabbed by the shoulder by a customer more times than I care to remember, I've been shouted and bellowed at by my fellow man in a vain attempt to make the item their kid has demanded for Christmas somehow appear out of thin air and I've been called names by aggressive drunks that I have refused to serve. Thankfully, I've never been physically assaulted but I have friends who have been and I think that there is no excuse in the world that can explain away why it would happen.

I'm probably playing Devil's avocado on this one by leaping to the defence of the retailer, so I'm going to say that I have experienced shoddy customer service on the other side of the till as well. Salesfolk with bad attitudes and a low skill level can easily make a mild Christmas annoyance into a full-scale frustration. But never have I felt the need to shout and scream and stamp my feet at the person serving me. Those who stand there scanning items are a cog in a much bigger machine, you must understand. Chances are, they don't want to be there as much as you. Clearly this deeper level of consumer hatred should bond people rather than put them at odds.

Since it's Christmas, my message today is of peace and hope. When you throw your winter coat on to do your big shop for your loving children, take a moment to think of the plight of the retailer this Christmas, and follow these simple steps for a happier Christmas shop:

1. Do you shopping BEFORE lunchtime. Every single shop I've worked in through December is quiet as a doormouse before eleven o'clock, and then EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD decides to go get their shopping done at lunchtime. This means that there are queues stretching into different Postcodes and your three item pick-up will become a four hour Albion. Do what I do - blag a morning off work, get into the shopping centre at 9:01. You have an entire WORLD of Christmas delights to choose from and not an angry mother with seventeen kids or confused pensioner in sight. If you said mother or pensioner, then you have no excuse not to be shopping nice and early!

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2. Expect the worst. Every Christmas there are certain toys, games, books, CDs etc that just go like gangbusters. They'll fly off the shelves and the store is left bare of the "new craze" with no idea of when they will be coming in. On a side note, when a staff member says "we don't know when they're coming in" they mean it. Major companies will not reveal dates and times of deliveries of popular product in case they cannot meet demand so it is literally pot luck. Do not accuse a sales person if lying when they say that they don't know when the Nintendo Wii will be back in stock. So if you go into a shop and they don't have what you need then you need to be patient and hopeful because causing a scene and telling me that I've just ruined Christmas for your daughter (which actually happened to me) will not get a Wii Console in your possession any quicker. Plan Christmas earlier or stop moaning about how complicated "that computer" is and buy it online if you're that desperate. This brings me to:

2a. AMAZON WILL NOT STEAL YOUR MONEY! I suggest Amazon to customers because overall they are the most trustworthy of people if you buy new stock through them. If you can learn to operate the computer and put a bit of faith in secure online shopping then Christmas will be so much happier. But if you insist on laughing at me saying "I can't use that computer thing!" then you may have an issue on my hands (CASE STUDY: A man wanted a song to play at a wedding. I told him he could either buy said song on iTunes for 79p or he could order the only compilation we had featuring that song for £19.99. Guess which one he went for? Yep, you guessed it! It's great - we made £19.99 and this guy didn't have to worry himself with technological advances...everyone's a winner)

3. Manners, Manners, Manners. In retail, we're trained to be polite and friendly to customers by saying please and thank you. In return, we hope to get the same. This is the least of my problems over Christmas because most people seem to say it even if they don't mean it. I prefer a false "cheers" to a sneer and a "hopefully I won't come back again!" - especially if I've spent the last ten minutes trying to decipher what DVD you want that features "that man who did that thing...it's got a yellow cover and his name is two words 'something something'".

I will stop now because I can feel myself getting preachy and I can taste bile rising in my throat. What I will end with is this: retail workers are the finest people to have never served in a war. They toil long hours getting brow beaten by insecure senior staff and customers alike at this time of year and a simple smile and a lot of common sense would go a long way.

I would like to end this rambling with a very personal message. I spent the last few Christmas times with the exception of this one working for HMV. Yeah, Christmas at Britain's most popular music and DVD store is not a bed of roses. I have Vietnam-like flashbacks to staring down the barrell of a queue sixty, seventy, eighty people deep knowing that I was still seven hours away from the comfort of a cup of tea and a blanket. The idea gives me chills even now. To everybody reading this who has been in that position, then you are Gods and Goddesses among men and I salute you all. I will be going out for a pint in the next few days...though I cannot be with you, I will raise my glass to one and all. Bless you, retailers! Bless you!

Escaping Your Garlic Bread-And-Butter

2009-11-24T22:21:00.003Z

Britain’s most successful comic has announced that he will be doing twenty dates in Manchester next year, marking his return to the stand-up world. Many have jumped up with joy at the thought of seeing Mister Peter Kay back on the stage, whilst his peers seem to be outraged by the thought of the “money-grabbing” Peter back on the circuit.

Crazy isn’t it? How the man who brought all those wonderful childhood memories flooding into the public conscience and sold millions of pounds worth of DVDs and merchandise is somewhat reviled by his fellow comedians? In the early noughties Peter Kay was considered groundbreaking with his observations that made us all realise that we weren’t as alone in our thinking as we thought. My granddad owned a Ferguson Videostar with a remote control on a wire, and my friend had grandparents who sat in a different room when they recorded off the TV. I’ve been to many a wedding reception and Peter Kay has the entire sordid affair absolutely spot on!

So where does this angst about Peter come from? Comedians and many comedy fans are disillusioned on the man because he has spent the years since his arrival living off the same material. Many would argue that he wrote two sitcoms in that time, but how many of those shows are built on the gags we first heard on that “Top Of The Tower” DVD we all have on our shelf? A lot of them, that’s for sure! This is a debate that I know people will have with me for some time, the artistic merit of “Phoenix Nights” and “Max and Paddy”, neither of which I was a major fan of. But my big issue with Peter Kay comes from his shameless, blameless merchandise hocking. I will explain...

When I worked at the mighty Nipper-fuelled HMV I notice a pattern – the month before Christmas every comic would have a brand new DVD on the shelves; be it a sitcom series, a stand-up show or some brand new straight to DVD special ala Johnny Vegas’s “Who’s Ready For Ice Cream?”. Three years ago, Peter Kay’s offering to the Christmas shoppers was “Stand Up U-Kay”, a collection of snippets from the live tour he did a few years ago with members of the public doing their best impressions of the big man. An eyebrow or two was raised over this one; a selection of clips from a tour that finished last year? Okay, well they can’t all be gold. We’ll let this one go.

A year later, Peter Kay released “Special Kay” on DVD. If “Stand Up U-Kay” was an insult, this was a kick in the balls. Fans of Mr. Garlic Bread were dying for some fresh stand-up material from the comedy mastermind. Instead, what they got was a selection of chat show interviews, the John Smith’s advertisements he did several years ago, and a music video from his fictional “Pop Factor” counterpart Geraldine. A lot of customers I spoke to whilst at HMV were confused. “Is there any new live stuff on ‘ere?” asked one woman, which I had to reply with the negative. She sighed and said “Well, that’s what he’s asked for.” That there is the problem, despite the disgraceful barrel-scrapings on this disc it was one of the highest selling DVDs of Christmas 2008!

This year, I didn’t think we’d see anything on the shelves from Peter Kay with the exception of his CD single until I saw the advert on TV. What is LOWER than scraping the barrel? Why, BOX-SETS OF COURSE!! If you avoided the previous two years of pointless content, you can now get them both in a “superb comedy pack”. This is beyond the pale now, and has really switched me off Peter Kay.

If you want to share your views on this, don't go to the Peter Kay website because up until recently, peterkay.co.uk took you to a basic online store where you could give Mister Kay money for the priviledge to wear a T-Shirt that said "Garlic Bread?". Very nice. Very 2003!

With his impending live dates in 2010, I really do hope he’s spent the last few years writing new material. It seems that his first big tour several years ago not only emptied the well of comedy material – but he smashed the bucket, cut the rope and took a sledgehammer to the brickwork. There isn't a drop left of Peter Kay's original writings that one can squeeze out so it's time to fix the well and fill it once more! In order for Peter Kay to redeem himself in the eyes of his comedy fraternity and fans like me, I think those twenty shows in January need to be as far away from garlic bread, wedding receptions and “our nan” as possible. If Kay wants to prove his real comic mettle, 2010 needs to be a marquee year for him.

And I really, really wish him luck!! Because I like Peter Kay and I want him to make me laugh again.

Twit Brother Is Watching You...

2009-11-19T16:38:00.003Z

I've become concerned about this Twitter thingamabob.

Previously, people have been upset that Facebook is "watching" them! That it targets adverts on the side at key words you put in status updates in the hope that you'll click it and give the owners (probably Jonathon Face and Stevie Book) some pennies. I'm less concerned with Facebook's watchful eye and moreso with that of the Twitter monitor (or TWonitor as it will inevitibly be called).

This comes from a conversation I was holding via Twitter with a friend of mine who was complaining that Shag Bands are being banned (those obnoxious things ten year olds wear to prove how far they have gone with a boy). I made the response back that selling Shag Bands are no better than going into ASDA to buy a 5-year-old's size shirt that says "Sex Symbol" or something. It was a very flippant observation in the heat of a debate.

I thought no more of this until I had a message from ASDA THEMSELVES who had been monitoring my conversation with my friend as soon as I typed those incriminating four words...ASDA! They said that they wanted to know immediately which store I saw this offensive shirt in and they would contact them ASAP. Suddenly my simple, comical comment to a pal was turned into a potential sacking! The fact that ASDA took the time out to comment me many people will think is good because it shows that they are concerned about customer service. But if they had taken a little more time to read the post before erupting in their pants they would have probably come to the conclusion that is was a remark not to be taken seriously.

With the amount of people tracking key words and phrases on Twitter using that handy dandy search feature it means monitoring people is quick and easy (hence how ASDA man got ahold of me) and allows them to slidle into any given conversation and grab you by the virtual shoulder.

Whilst I am concerned I will continue to use Twitter. I like the service, but am now extremely wary of how my words are being used.

Cow Discuss...Twilight

2009-11-19T15:47:00.005Z

Here Come The C*nts!

2009-11-17T12:39:00.006Z

I’m beginning to feel like such a Scrooge. I am genuinely resenting the amount of Christmas adverts currently on TV in the middle of November. I’m more bothered by the fact that they started in October!

Already, the usual suspects have their thirty seconds of Christmas retail shoulder-nudging...Argos, Morrison’s, Lidl (Who would have thought it was pronounced Lee-Dull!?) and Boots. Oh yes, Boots.

Here come the girls!

Here come the girls indeed!

This advert is the single most obnoxious thing on television at the moment. It drives me mental every time it comes on and demonstrates everything that frustrates me about Christmas. I will break this advert down frame by frame because – let’s face it – I’m not doing a whole lot else productive right now (even though I SHOULD be)

- We’re off!! Three million overdressed, overexcited women pile in throwing their coats on that poor waiter bloke. This is a work do, I’m lead to believe. I’ve never been to a work do that is THIS bubbly and enthusiastic. WHY ARE YOU RUSHING INTO THE DAMN BUILDING! You’ve got all night to make false pleasantries, take your damn time.

- And here comes the pressies, all bought from your local Boots retailer. Perfumes aplenty for the two ugliest trolls in the group hoping that they will either a) win the charms of the man who two seconds ago they tried to kill in a mountain of fake fur, or b)cause the man to suffocate to death so they can have their wicked way with him. The only way that piece on the LEFT is getting any is if her love partner is non-commital and unconcious.

- I have absolutely NO IDEA what this woman is given. Bath products? Whatever it is, she’s FAR too happy about it! I imagine that considering the beasts from a moment ago got perfume and she got shampoo this is obviously a smelly bunch of tartlets.

- CHRIST!! The pastiest scariest woman in the “gaggle” is given fake tan which is apparently the funnies thing since Monty Python’s Life Of Brian.

- Oh wait, she’s back from her holidays. Oh wait, no, it’s that brilliant fake tan from Boots. Oh the hilarity of it all!

- More cleaning product, smelly bitch! Maybe a mask too, perchance?

- Good to see Andrew Collins getting some work though.

- This man is dicing with death, drowning in a sea of estrogens but loving every minute of it. I reckon this is the quiet bloke from I.T who only surfaces to fix these cringeworthy tosser’s PC’s when “the clicky fing stops workin’!” What he does prove is that shaving ones beard will get the attention of hyperactive women everywhere...smug bastard!

- She’s pregnant look! A sobering moment for the gang...especially considering the father is probably Steve from accounts who’s not there because he has “lots of damn paperwork”. When I say “paperwork”, I mean “sex with his receptionist”.

- Quick, moment of celebrating hope and new life is over because SHE’S GOT SOME BASTARD MAKE-UP and Richard from HR simply CANNOT adam and eve it!

- This is the sort of thing government are putting on billboards, next to the slogan “Stop binge drinking you utter pricks, look at the state of ya!”

- This poor waiter is back on the scene and is terrified by the concept of a straightener. I hope he’s on double-time tonight, he deserves it being surrounded by this giggling, simpering nightmare!

- Ohh, bless, they got him a present. This is the moment I think this advert finishes me off.

- He open the gift, and it’s a key to “Bev”’s heart/flat/vagina.

- And there’s Bev, with all the subtlety of a moose in a bathtub. This woman is wretched and I think the only lady of the female persuasion I want to punch very hard in the head.

- And they’re off. They’ve eaten nothing, drank nothing, but all need to make sure they are at their peak tartiness before exiting. Did they really just rent a restaurant so they can lark about like that. How much money did the company give them per head for this Christmas do? Not enough I would conclude!

- And off they go, singing their own theme tune, linking arms in the direction of McDonalds. And off my television screen.
So why did I feel the need to make a pop at Boot’s Christmas tradition? This entire scenario drives me mental; the giggliness, the stupidity and the stereotypical presentation of women just acting like floozies. If this makes me a Christmas miser...then bah, Humbug!

You only live once...so pass us another beer!

2009-10-26T14:55:00.002Z

Recently I was invited, via the glory of Facebook, to join a group titled "Worcester's Biggest Piss Up". Not much mystery surrounding this one - Worcester's classier Pearly Kings and Queens invited to get hammered beyond all recognition in the name of record-breaking. Many, of course, were leaving excited comments about this forthcoming Tour De Force of Wankery. But one recurring theme ran through all of these excited keyboard mashes. Seemingly, a sincere tone of how important this event was and how immortality would shine on those who take up the challenge. This drinking nightmare was a good idea because, quote "you only live once".

What should be such a meaningful phrase denoting how life is to be grasped every second has been hijacked by a lot of unsavoury characters to justify anti-social behaviour. I've heard people in pubs belch "LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT'S YOUR LAST" as an argument for why they should definitely get on a train, go to Hereford, meet their mate in a pub and "get fucked up and raise all Hell".

You never ever hear people say "I'm off skydiving...after all you only live once" or "I'm heading to the deep African jungle, there's BOUND to be a cancer cure in there and I want to find it, because you only live once". Nope, this phrase is ALWAYS used to justify heavy drinking and general dickery.

I think people should stop using this phrase and replace it with something more honest, closer to the truth. I detest when people say "I'm going to the nighclub, get pissed out of my tiny little mind then shag some nondescript tart draping something vaguely resembling dignity over her knickers because YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE AND YOU SHOULD TREAT EVERY DAY AS IT'S YOUR LAST".

What I would prefer is "I'm going to the nighclub, get pissed out of my tiny little mind then shag some nondescript tart draping something vaguely resembling dignity over her knickers because I'M A FUCKWIT AND IT BEATS ACTUALLY THINKING ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES". We happy few gain the mortality-checking quote back, and you get alcohol poising and an STD. Everyone's happy...after all, you only live once!

You Say You Wanna Revolution?

2009-10-08T12:55:00.003+01:00

EDW Wrestling is Ready for a REVOLUTION!

Friday October 9th sees the Return of the Hardest-Hitting, Most Action-Packed Flat-out Awesome Wrestling Action Around!
2 Hours Of Pure Entertainment, Don't Believe Us? Then You Haven't Been!

EDW Stars set to appear include "Players Club' Own" EDW Champion Jayme Future, Joey Sanchez, Marion Ford, Freakshow, "Love Muscle" Lee Russell, EDWards, and many more!

Once again, I shall be getting all the crowd whipped into tedium as your least favourite ring announcer...so why not pop by and see us?

Friday, October 9th

The London Road Sports Centre, Shrewsbury

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=280896305264

Some Shrewsbury Wrasslin' Goin' On!

2009-08-21T13:30:00.003+01:00

EDW WRESTLING RETURNS: Monday 24th August 2009!

We are thrilled to officially confirm the return of EDW Wrestling LIVE to the London Road Sports Centre in Shrewsbury!

Last months show ended in controversy as the "Players Club" of Templeton Cruise and The Damage conspired and cheated throughout to hand Jayme Future the new EDW World Championship during the main event at the expense of his opponent - fan favourite Joey Sanchez.

Tyler Hazzard will hope to capitalise on his growing momentum as the no.1 contender for Jayme Future's newly-won EDW World Championship, as the two collide in the main event!

Further matches to be confirmed, announced here first!

Doors open at 7.15pm, event kicking off at 7.45pm. Tickets are £4.50 a head and £3.50 for concessions. Soft drinks and refreshments will be available on the night

PS: Tom Campbell will be the ring announcer and he'll be wearing a sexy suit and be asking the ladies to form an orderly queue outside the door so they can agree with me all on it, thanks.

EDW on the Interwebs

"Every day takes you one step closer to the end but one step further from High School" - Sam Beaven, 2006

2009-08-20T14:50:00.004+01:00

Dear Tom,

Hi matey...how you getting on? Sorry I've not written to you in a while. Mind you, you're the Tom Campbell of 1998-99 and I'm the Tom Campbell of 2009. So I guess whatever time I write this letter won't make any difference at all.

I'm writing to you to tell you that everything's going to work out alright. We've got this thing in the future called Facebook, and on it many people from our High School have put photos from your year. I'm 25 now (I know, getting on a bit!) and can see with my good-side-of-thirty eyes that the bullies and the popular kids aren't all that you think they are. Their popularity and their power still astounds me even to this day (especially the tiny little one with no hair, and the blonde one with the thick glasses...both of which have a major attitude problem that I know gets on your nerves) so you're not alone in that respect. In fact, when you come out of School you will meet many people in College who came across the same things. Then you'll go to University where the people will be nice but the teaching will be shit...but that's another story for another time.

Things pan out just fine for us. Gets a little bit rocky at times but nothing you can't handle. In a few years you'll get the job you dreamed of, meet the girl you always knew was out there (you know, the kind, funny, friendly one who didn't just laugh at you when you asked them out. You will meet a few in the meantime who are rather fabulous too) and even get a place of your own - something I know we could NEVER imagine that day last week when you were thinking about it REALLY HARD, but then had to go have your Ingrown Toenail operated at Bupa so you didn't think about it again. I digress.

And as for the popular kids and the "cool" kids...some will try and talk to you after school and pretend that they didn't treat you like rubbish. The rest will spend their days writing online about how much they miss school and how it was the best years of their life. Chances are their life hasn't turned out quite as they hoped, but I know neither of us are really that bothered by them. It's totally your call if you want to invite them in, but chances are they won't do much to enrich your life, or indeed anybody elses. Best let them get on, but I'll leave that with you.

The point is, the popular kids really aren't as cool as you think they are and once you walk past the bike sheds and out of the main gates for the last time the "popularity" thing is worth as much a chocolate money in a bookies. You'll find your way. In the meantime don't stop drawing Sonic The Hedgehog and keep listening to Eiffel 65.

Oh, and for God's sake practise your Maths. We've got three GCSE retakes to get through!

See you on the beach.

Yours,

Tom

Currently experiencing Teknikal Diffikulties...

2009-08-08T20:14:00.005+01:00

Cayenne Chris Conroy, the genius writer behind the Teknikal Diffikulties comedy series has turned his hand to sci-fi once more with The Account. Cayenne asked me to be in it...surprisingly, as a radio presenter. How could I pass this up? Have a listen to my excitible acting prowess (and some awesome audio science fiction) over at TekDiff.com. Show Cayenne some online love (no, not THAT sort of online love...ewwww, put it away, it's all drippy) on Twitter.

More Wrestling Fandom Shame...

2009-06-15T08:23:00.004+01:00

So I did a big moan about the "new" wrestling fans a while back...

...I take it all back...I would accept returning fans to some of the current superfans of the wrestling world, with this angsty little bastard below at the top of the Shit List.

As a wrestling fan, I accept any beatings you wish to throw my way.

Ade and Abetted!

2009-05-28T16:10:00.001+01:00

The very charming Adrian Edmondson joined me on The Severn's Breakfast Show this week. For you lucky, lucky bastards...here's the full interview in all it's uncutness.

Just Bragging!

2009-05-21T12:34:00.010+01:00

I had chance to interview Mr. Billy Bragg this week and he had a lot to talk about regarding the future of the music industry. Definitely worth a listen, so I thought I'd put it on this li'l webisite o'mine! Tom meets Billy Bragg

Proof That Youtube Is Mental...

2009-05-19T14:46:00.002+01:00

Over 4,000 hits for a video of me playing with a Dave Batista figure.

Love it!

Letting The Cat Outta The (Mixed) Bag

2009-05-19T10:48:00.003+01:00

Hey, check out Ed's Mixed Bag. Why? Because it is an amazing weekly Podcast showcasing great independant music and is hosted by possibly the nicest guy in Florida, Ed Ovett.

Oh yeah, and I do a sketch in this week's episode as well....shameless, blameless me!

Direct your lobes! Tom's On The Vobes!

2009-05-08T17:23:00.004+01:00

From The Vobes website:

"What is it like to work in local commerical FM radio in the UK? I link up live with Tom Campbell from a radio station up North to discuss the issues of playing music and finding content. Its the Friday show."

If you've not yet discovered the wonder that is Richard Vobes, now is the time to do so...he does a daily Podcast and, for only an extra £2 a month, he's a one-man entertainment machine with videos and sketches available to all members in the Vobes Vault. Above all that, he's a genuinely wonderful man. Go to www.vobes.com and get bitten by the Vobes bug today!

Do Not Be Alarmed...

2009-05-07T15:50:00.003+01:00

Zack Daggy, the one and only Mothman of New Media and host of The Mothpod, is doing a poorly at the moment. So, whilst he is full to the brim with medicines and pills, The Mothpod needs steering...and I'm the guy with the wheel.

That's right I, Tom Campbell, will be hosting the Podosphere's most infamous broadcast "The Mothpod" for one week only and I am genuinely very excited about it. With 160 episodes under its belt, The Mothpod is an established safehouse of independant music, lead by the man known as "The Mothman". It's a great honour to have my offer of cover accepted by Mr. Daggy and I wish him good health very, very soon. In the meantime, why not check me out doing the Mothpod... you can go over to www.zackdaggy.com or subscribe via iTunes (do a Podcast search for Mothpod and you're laughing).

Rant-Tastical

2009-05-03T22:13:00.002+01:00

I’m on the train...waiting to leave.

Within six feet of me are seven people. Five are men...shaven men dressed as doctors. They are the least charismatic people I ever did see...partly due to the slack jaw and their desire to “get fucked”. Opposite them are two women...dressed in furry shoes and skirts that could warrant being belts. They are falling out of their clothes and one just said “does my arm smell?”.

Now, the other is adjusting her face, like the makeup on her, quite frankly, disgustingly overdone mush will make the difference between Mr. Right and Mr. Wrong tonight. Because – wearing a top that looks like you’ve been overfilled, Lord knows the men are going to be bothered about anything from the neck up...unless it allows them a phallic entry, which – I do belive judging by the woman in question – it probably will.

It upsets me that these women obviously care about how they look in the face department...because the way they’re dressed I can imagine the club they will be frequenting...men won’t give a single care about their face.

I’m late for meeting the most wonderful woman in the world....and I felt the need to post an angry blog about it.

PS: For the record, the two women in question look like they’ve had more cocks in them than a henhouse, and that is almost as amusing as it is sad.

We Interrupt This Broadcast To Bring You...

2009-05-01T22:41:00.003+01:00

William Shatner? William Shatner. William Shatner!

It’s the first ShatnerCon with William Shatner as the guest of honor! But after a failed terrorist attack by Campbellians, a crazy terrorist cult that worships Bruce Campbell, all of the characters ever played by William Shatner are suddenly sucked into our world. Their mission: hunt down and destroy the real William Shatner.
Featuring: Captain Kirk, TJ Hooker, Denny Crane, Rescue 911 Shatner, Singer Shatner, Shakespearean Shatner, Twilight Zone Shatner, Cartoon Kirk, Esperanto Shatner, Priceline Shatner, SNL Shatner, and – of course – William Shatner!
No costumed con-goer will be spared in their wave of destruction, no redshirt will make it out alive, and not even the Klingons will be able to stand up to a deranged Captain Kirk with a lightsaber.But these Shatner-clones are about to learn a hard lesson…that the real William Shatner doesn’t take crap from anybody. Not even himself.
It’s Shatnertastic!

My copy is on the way! Review is forthcoming, I promise!

Tom Campbell: Mehind The Bike "Gobowen-Bound For Pete Cohen"

2009-04-08T14:31:00.006+01:00

Wrestling With Bandwagons...inside a CAGE!

2009-04-07T14:00:00.007+01:00

So Wrestlemania 25 was on last night...

Two years ago, somebody asked me if my carer lets me stay up after nine o' clock, this preceded my statement that I watch wrestling - insinuating, of course, that I must be some sort of retard to watch such a thing! Fast forward, that same person messaged me this morning, telling me how Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker was the greatest wrestling match ever.

Sadly, this isn't an isolated case. It seems that grown men pretending to hit each other is coming back into vogue...and I must confess, I don't like it that much! For the past ten years I have been - most of the time - very, very isolated in my fandom of professional wrestling, a pastime I have found myself very interested in on an artistic standpoint. For this, I have been routinely mocked and given weird looks to the stage where I've pushed my inner-wrestling fan as far down as it can possibly go as to not offend the normality of those around me. So much so, that when wrestling is brought up with me in public I genuinely feel extremely uncomfortable and try to skirt the issue. But in the last three months or so, something very strange has happened. More and more people are coming to me seeking my opinions on happenings in the squared circle...people who had previously raised eyebrows whenever I had made mention of my dirty, DIRTY fanboy love. Some may say "must be cool for you, everybody watching WWE again." But to be honest...I really, really hate it, for the most part!

Some people, I'm glad have gotten back into wrestling...my brothers taking an interest is brilliant! But so many people who normally wouldn't give me the time of day, and people I've had no discourse with for the longest of time, are coming up talking to me about how brilliant WWE is! People who have only recently decided this, and therefore people who don't view wrestling the same way I do. Yes, it means wrestling conversations can be had...but they are very, very boring! People talk about how Vladamir Kozlov is one of the best up and comers in wrestling for years - the same people who were too busy turning their nose up at "that stupid wrestling thing" when Brock Lesnar was tearing a hole through the WWE roster and making the Heavyweight Championship interesting for the first time in years. People talk about how ECW has really let itself go as a company and how it should have more "Hardcore Matches", blissfully ignorant to the journey ECW has taken from being its own independant entity to the C-List wrestling show it is today. And I swear, if anybody else says Triple H versus The Undertaker will be a brilliant match if they ever get chance to face one another, I will cry my eyes off in rage, remembering the last seventeen matches they've had in the past ten years when nobody was looking.

Thanks to Rich at work I understand where all this has come from...eighties kids are looking for nostalgia, and wrestling is one of those things that we all had in our childhood that we want to revisit, much like Transformers or Star Wars or the Moors Murders. This is where, I think, I am one of many other wrestling fans who are left cold by this thought. The best way I can describe how I view wrestling is how a football fan views his favourite team. You stick with them through thick and thin. The match may have been rubbish on Saturday, the weather terrible, the pies stale and the goal difference shocking...but you'll be back on Saturday even if the weather is worse and the pies are just as stale!

Wrestling has had a tough ten years since its peak and hasn't really got back on its feet until now. This sudden rush of wrestling love may just push it back into the main spotlight again, and that's great for the industry, but makes me feel a bit sad as well. Something that I (as well as many other people I know) feel is something very individual to myself is about to become a global thing. Remember that episode of Doug when Dylan Farnham turned up on Teenheart Street wearing the same clothes as Doug? And the next day at school everybody was wearing the same clothes as Doug, and nobody believed Doug had been wearing that outfit for ages? No? Well, I feel like that and classic Doug is the only analogy available to me at this time.

To close out, I say to those who are "back" into it, then welcome back. But take time to fill in on what you've missed before telling me Triple H "is the best wrestler ever and the fact that he's champ says it all", or Chris Benoit "is just a cold hearted killer and didn't do anything for wrestling anyway" (Are you a recent wrestling fan? Did you look at this blog, see the picture and say "God, why's he put that murderer on this blog?" if so, chances this whole rant is aimed at you...sorry). And if anybody else lectures me on why The New Age Outlaws should come back, why Kane needs to put his mask back on and why WWE should "just go back to calling itself WWF" I may be likely to hit you with an F-5.

Don't know what one of those is? Go check out what you missed in the last ten years whilst you were calling me a retard.

The Shrewsbury Dream?

2009-03-31T14:21:00.004+01:00

Wow, my Blog-A-Day lasted all of...two weeks?

Been a month since I was here...permit me to have a dust around the doorframes whilst I type this.

At the end of this week, I will have been in my new job for five weeks, nearly a tenth of a year. A whole mixed bag of thoughts and emotions about it all. I would like to preface and say that I LOVE the job! Talking on the air, getting creative and listening to all kinds of music...to me, it's like getting paid to enjoy myself. I've got so many cool things I'm going to do with this job as the months roll on...in times where people are struggling to get back into the job world, the fact that I've landed my dream job is unbelieveable...a DREAM if you will.

Job aside, I am struggling with the lifestyle this job brings. I'm living in Shrewsbury mid-week, coming home on weekends, working Sunday at HMV and - literally as soon as I finish work - getting back on the train to Shrewsbury. Without sounding ungrateful, I miss my old life. I don't miss the feeling of "missing the opportunity" and all the hanging around at loose ends I did, but I miss being near my family, my friends, my beautiful girlfriend. When I was at home I would sit in my room and do my own thing, now if I had my time again I would be in the living room watching American Idol with mum, dad and Mike. I always considered myself a self-serving bloke and wouldn't be that sociable a creature...but now, I'm so desperate to partake of a stein with Doctor Sam and Cos and laugh all evening long. And I may have only seen my gorgeous lady twice or three times a week...now all I want to do is be with her 24/7. So having no money, sat in my room watching DVDs, makes this whole gig pretty tough.

On the plus side, I have weathered out the poverty-stricken years and my first Severn paycheck rolls in on Friday. This is going to open my options up not only to doing more stuff with my free time, but gives me the power to travel home more often and see everybody again. And once I get driving well...you'll ALL be sick of me, I promise!

That's my brain emptied for now...will update again soon! In the meantime, check out the show, shout at me on facebook and, if you have my number, ring me...Lord knows, I need the company sometimes.

Jumping into The Severn!

2009-01-28T00:51:00.003Z

I've been a bit quiet on the blog front for a bit, mulling over an important decision...and I thought that now was the time to announce a bit of a career breakthrough to y'all.

At the end of Febuary, I will leave my home at The Wyre with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye. I will travel 70 miles to Oswestry where - from Monday March 2nd, I will bring you The Severn's Breakfast show.

It's a sad day for Oswestry music moguls as the one and only Chris Pritchard moves on to pastures anew, leaving an empty chair and a selection of great music for Shropshire. Enter Tom Campbell, a loud-mouthed, easily-exciteable twenty-something with a penchant for beards, biscuits and early mornings, to take to the helm and attempt to fill the large shoes Chris P left behind (he'll be back for them when his socks get wet)

To everybody who helped me and supported me through 2008, I cannot thank you enough. It's been an amazing ride so far and I feel like it's only just beginning! I invite you all to join me in March - either in Shropshire on 107.1 or online at www.thesevern.co.uk - for a five-hour daily dose of fun, fun, fun (til your daddy takes the T-Bird away, of course)

I'll fill you in on all the details as the time draws closer, but for now I will bid you goodnight and good luck.

Love, light and peas

Tom Campbell

Blue (Da Ba Dee Da Ba Day)

2009-01-19T21:49:00.002Z

Well, we did it! We all survived Blue Monday, just about.

You can't help but feel slightly down on a day like this, especially when EVERYBODY is telling you it's Blue Monday...with the more miserable folk revelling in the idea of an entire sun cycle devoted to being a glum chum.

With that in mind, I thought I would include a list of jokes to cheer everybody up somewhat..

Then I changed my mind, because this was the funniest thing I'd seen all day:

Hope it helped you raise a dry smile...or a wet one for that matter!

Hart Breaking News

2009-01-18T20:40:00.004Z

I hate it when a death comes straight out of nowhere...and that happened today! Tony Hart very suddenly passed away this morning...the man who brought us art into our mornings as children, introduced us to Morph and that marvelous "vision on" pingy song we all recognise when we hear it, is no longer with us.

I must confess, Tony wasn't exactly in the front of my mind in recent years, but it still made me sad to hear about him passing on. But when you think about it, he is one of those people who - for as long as you can remember - has always seemed to be a kindly old man, and living up to 83 it's fair to say he had a great innings.

Sadly, no funny bit in my brain at the moment...just wanted to commemorate the day with a comment. May the art corner forever remain, I say!

Saturday Matinee

2009-01-17T16:00:00.004Z

Today I think I did the best radio show I've ever done...so I made a video to commemorate the event. Just a few cheap cuts from the show. May post more like this at some point...anyhoo, click the link and enjoy!

By George, Boy George!

2009-01-16T21:56:00.006Z

To be sung to the tune of "Do YouReally Want To Hurt Me" by Culture Club

I'm doing time

To realise my crime

Photos you tried to steal,

So I trapped you inside my house

Rather surreal

Did you really want to hurt me,

I didn't really want to make you cry,

I only wanted you to do me,

But into my private life you pry,

On my laptop a disc you were burning,

Oh what a sneaky whore you are,

Sixteen months the judge did tell me,

I took a step, a step too far

Did you really want to hurt me?

I strapped you down and then I made you cry

For stealing pictures of my PC,

Now I'm in prison and it makes me cry!

Podcasting in the best POSSIBLE taste...

2009-01-15T21:34:00.003Z

I've been on a real Kenny Everett kick lately...this genius of the airwaves changed the sound and style behind the microphone and, when he left this world in 1995, it was a tragic loss to the world.

Mr. Everett loved his craft and would spend countless hours in his "Wireless Workshop" creating all sorts of wonderful radio beefy goodness. He was also one of the more controversial voices after making constant jokes about the BBC, the government and commercial radio as a whole. Regardless, he would always bounce back because his genius could not be tamed.

I was thinking about Kenny's work and how much he would thrive in today's environment. Imagine Mr. Everett, in a new high-tech "Wireless Workshop", in his 60s, as a pioneering Podcaster. The genre was almost tailor-built for a man of Kenny's calibre and it's one that Cuddly Ken would have been all over and leading the way on. It does make me sad that Ken isn't with us, because the Kenny Everett PodKast would be one in my - and indeed many other - people's iTunes list.

For those unfamiliar with the work of Kenny Everett on the wireless, click the link and behold some of his best "bits between the songs" on Capital London. For the full experience, slam it on your iPod!

Jobless...Hopeless...Pointless...USELESS!

2009-01-14T13:04:00.007Z

With unemployment pretty rife at the moment, it's videos like this that get RIGHT on my wick.

I can't get the video from the mighty Beeb, so you'll need to CLICK THE LINK

Watch the video and count the excuses..

Want to work but "not the right job"... check
Nobody gets back to me about jobs... check
Foreigners coming in taking all jobs... check
Nobody wants me... check
I have to go to college to learn for a job, but can't afford it... check

Two of my favourite quotes from this piece:

"you have to fight for your job...so what's the point?"
"I'll do anything, though...I'd go on telly, but I couldn't work in a factory"

I don't want to get on my high horse about this one, obviously every circumstance is different...but I genuinely refuse to believe that there are NO JOBS out there for people. Sure, unemployed say they try everything but just cannot seem to find any employment anywhere.

So, as an experiment, I've spent the last ten minutes jobhunting...

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7557
Helping out as a retail assistant on Cotswold farm. They want somebody enthusiastic and ready to work.

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7167
Very basic telesales work with consistent money.

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7285
For our fat friend in the video who wanted a job in security, some front-of-house work.

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7565
Something a bit hands on for those struggling to get back into engineering

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7567
Quite basic production line work.

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7555
Training on-the-job as a doctor's receptionist.

http://www.jobpatch.com/Template-Job-Advert.aspx?jobadvert_id=7753
POTTING PLANTS, no degree required!!!

Okay, time up.

My point is that although these aren't the most glamorous jobs in the world, the fact of the matter is that they are THERE for people to have. It's employment, it's a job, a vocation, something resembling a career (with the exception of possibly the plant potting one).

So if you find yourself out of work, PLEASE don't cry about there being no jobs...there's just no jobs that you like (ie: being on "TELLY"). No matter what your job is, it's earning money and it's keeping you fed, warm and happy. In times of a recession, there really is no room for ego...get a job!

Singled Out

2009-01-13T22:15:00.002Z

CD Singles have been dealt a crushing blow, as Hit40UK (formerly the Hit Parade) announced that singles would be phased out of their charts, as over 90 percent of the recorded data for the chart comes from downloads. The charts, which are distributed to radio stations and retailers, are doing away with what they see as a meaningless five percent.

This, suddenly, has people UP IN ARMS about losing the CD SINGLE! What was once a major part of our music buying practise is on its way out for good...and I say good riddance. Sadly, the single is obsolete nowadays and no hit of nostalgia can change that fact.

Today I shared my single-minded thoughts with a facebook group called SAVE THE CD SINGLE:

The CD Single is dead in its current format. They could try and make it more interesting, but it would only delay the inevitable. Buying an album constitutes and hour, maybe more, of rich listening experience on a shiny disc. The CD is normally about three minutes, making the medium somewhat outmoded. I think it's time to let the single go...if album's start going all digital then there is reason for a group.

Oh, some of you still disagree? Exactly when did you buy a CD Single last, or is your sudden desire to care about it stemming from it's impending demise? Don't care about something because it's about to disappear...instead put that energy into caring about something WHILE it is still here.

And I work in a record shop...and if I don't care about CD Singles, you shouldn't either!

A New Leaf On The Reef?

2009-01-12T18:28:00.006Z

A job has come up that has stirred up some interest in the media, a caretaker is wanted for the Great Barrier Reef. The chosen candidate will have paid flights and accomodation in Queensland, work 12 hours a week keeping the reef ticking over, and get paid £70,000 for the six-month vocation.

It's being called "The Best Job In The World" and, I must admit, it's caught my eye.

They're looking for somebody to do the job, whilst blogging, taking photos and making videos about the Great Barrier Reef to keep the rest of the world in the know...and even the application process is as unique as the job. Those who are up for the job have to submit a 60-second video showcasing, in an entertaining manner, why they would be great for the job.

I'm gonna do it! I'm gonna start writing a script for a video I've got in mind, shoot it and cross everything. Six months in the Barrier reef sounds like too good an opportunity to miss. Many, I am sure, have looked at the job and thought "aahh, forget it, everybody's going to apply for it". They're right, everybody will apply for it...but you've got to be in it to win it! Worst case scenario, I don't get the gig, but I've got a ha-ha-larious video I can post on my blog for all to see.

Wish me luck on this one, I think I might need it.

This is not just a blog...it's an M&S blog

2009-01-11T22:23:00.002Z

Marks and Spencer are closing most of their Foodhalls, following a tough christmas in the shopping department! Seems like not too many of us are willing to part with a little bit of extra cash to pick up some scram formerly known as "St. Michael's"

Instead, apparently M&S will be merging with Poundstretcher and renaming the brand StretchMarks.

I thank you, I thank you.

Jaded Goody

2009-01-10T10:51:00.003Z

Jade Goody's in a bad place, isn't she?

Her recent episodes (which, for the record, I wouldn't wish upon anybody) are an incredible study in how the media can spin round. For the longest time, papers like The Sun and the Mirror have showcased Ms. Goody as a fat, loud, ugly beast of a woman at every opportunity they got. If Jade was at a beach, so were the photographers taking photos of people trying to push her back into the ocean.

Front page of the Sun today shows a dejected Jade following her chemotheraphy to rid her of cancer and the papers are suddenly sympathetic to her cause. This reminds me of school bullies who would pick on kids in Primary School. They would call them names, poke them, tease them, push them, but as soon as they fell over they were all apologies and kindness in fear of the wrath they would get from teacher if they weren't. All the while, newspapers have known that the way they showcase Jade has been very negative and now a genuine tragedy has befallen her they want to make amends in the worst way possible.

Now is a time where the papers - and indeed we consumers - need to admit that despite the fact that she is horrific to look at, undereducated and overexposed, she's not an EVIL person and we can't hold her comment about East Anglia being abroad against her anymore.

I Beg Your Parton?

2009-01-09T22:40:00.003Z

Congratulations are in order to Dolly Parton, who is being inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame.

Strange one, isn't it? The country singer with the big...voice, the massive...personality and the gorgeous...smile (and gigantic gazongas) being honoured by Christian music goers for her country dittys. Apparantly, her roots take her back to the ways of the Lord, hence why she is being given the presitgious honour. Not because nobody else qualified for the role, but because of her heritage.

That's okay then. Still, gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Church Belle", am I right??

Disinterest

2009-01-08T19:58:00.002Z

Interest rates have been cut to its lowest in over 300 years to 1.5%.

It's amazing how interest rates are so un-interesting. It's name would suggest the contrary.

A sorry excuse for a blog, for which I aplogise!

Talking Stalking

2009-01-07T20:38:00.003Z

Haven't had a good celebrity stalker story in a while...it's as if the voyeur guild have been suffering from the credit crunch too.

Actor Martin Shaw who played the acting game in such TV classics as the Professionals and Judge John Deed has won a court battle over Sandra Price, a 66-year old prune of a woman who has dedicated the last five years to actively and aggressively stalking Mr. Shaw and generally being creepy in his general direction.

These acts included your usual nutter-based goodness (ie: hiding in hedges, threatening partners etc.) and went as far as Miss Price (I assume she is unmarried, otherwise her husband would be surely advising her to take up another hobby by now) writing a 120-page essay on his career and how happy she is to be his stalker. Awww!

Still, all the fun and games are over and Judge John Deed is free to take a piss in an alleyway without the worry of somebody catching his fluid in a jar and selling it on eBay.

I think that getting a stalker is an unwritten milestone in anybody's celebrity career. People in the biz (which I hope to be one of at some point in my existence)are measured by their achievement in front of the camera/microphone/porn mag, then their accolades from their peers in the form of awards. Your first stalker surely should be something to behold unto itself. I can't wait for mine, I must say. Would be nice to leave the radio studio and be met by a woman old enough to be my mother wearing a mask made of socks I threw in my bin, waving a collage of photos she's taken from through my kitchen window.

Mad as a box of frogs...I love it!

Katie Priceless

2009-01-06T20:47:00.002Z

I bought the 2009 Jordan Calender today.

Not as sexy as I thought it would be...this is January.

Maybe February she'll get 'em out!

The Seldom Seen Band

2009-01-05T20:08:00.004Z

Are you familiar with Elbow? No, not the body part, the band! Amazingly, not many people have. Maybe you've heard of their music? Songs like "The Fix" and "One Day Like This"? Still nothing? Well, you're not alone. Elbow are the 2008 Album Of The Year winners at the 2008 Mercury music awards. Their offering "The Seldom Seen Kid" is also the best selling album of the year at Britain's leading music store, HMV. This makes the band's obscurity seem rather strange.

Elbow have managed an impossible feat; they've achieved huge success and all the while maintained a sense of anonymity. In a way, we all know everything and nothing about them. But disregarding this strange turn of events, the advantage of this means that Elbow have kept every shred of musical integrity but achieved incredible success. The boys of 'bow must be proud of their strange mixture of success and invisibility.

And hey, if you're still scratching your head about "this Elbow band you speak of"...

Ulrika-ka-kan't!

2009-01-04T11:11:00.004Z

Ulrika Johnson has entered the Big Brother house and already proceeded to show all the character and personality as a boil on yer bum!

Verne Troyer was talking to the house saying that he didn't need constant help, even though he looked like he was struggling. Ulrika then began comparing the plight of a midget in modern society with the time she had a bad back. Somehow, this is a comparison that neither needed to be more nor was appropriate for the scenario.

Ulrika doesn't REALLY deserve fame, does she? I mean, she started her career as a weathergirl, then was in the same room as Vic and Bob when they were being entertaining on Shooting Stars, then she had sexual relations with a very ugly football manager, then told the world that she spun the Wheel Of Fortune with John Leslie and it landed on "Rape" (which she used as a "whodunnit"-esque marketing point to flog her memoirs) and then she was on Celebrity Big Brother.

Read that through...does that really sound like the rags and riches story of a person who gave it all to reach the top of her profession.

Fill in the gap in this sentence: Despite everything, Ulrika has always strived to reach her career goal as the best ________ in the entertainment world.

See the problem, there?

Gladiators, STEADY!

2009-01-03T15:02:00.004Z

British Gladiator Tornado has been arrested - hurrah!! Just as the TV series is about to restart, this 22-year old musclebound tower of testosterone knocks somebody's block off on New Years Eve. Now whether this chap deserved it or not (or whether Tornado used one of those foam batons is uncertain too), I think this should be an eye opener for David McIntosh that when a ripped-to-shreds former Marine, former Boxing champion AND TV star gets into a tussle with a pleb...two things will occur:

1) Joe Average will come worse off physically.

2) The celeb will come off worse publically.

The media have jumped on this one as a hot-headed young man going medieval on a night of muchos drinking...and it isn't the first time in the last few days: Steven Gerrard, one of them football-types, is also facing court for lamping a DJ at the end of a intoxicatingly brilliant night out on the tiles.

With this in mind, there's room here for a new TV show inspired by these small-screen smashmouths. The UK's penchant for reality shows makes this a potential money-maker...

CELEBRITY FIGHT CLUB, anyone?

Seriously, take celebs and teach them some basic MMA skills and watch 'em go. Potential players in this show could also include:

- Ross Kemp: Well known for his big bloke image, would be nice to see him back it up.

- Danny Dyer: Skinny, yet cagey, could prove to be fun to watch in a tussle.

- Amy Winehouse: She'd scratch your eyes to smithereens I tells ya!

- John Prescott: Give him valid reason to smack voters around.

The programme has legs...either to extend the egos of these meatheads or silence the phonies, but emotionally and physically. LET BATTLE COMMENCE!!

Sound as a Pound & Drunk as a Lord!

2009-01-02T13:27:00.003Z

Seven days or so ago, the government were concerned that young people thought getting drunk was cool and they wanted to encourage them that being sober is super! One week removed, and pubs have announced they will be selling pints of beer for 99p...the lowest it has been for two decades.

I'm not even that heavy a drinker, but I'm interested! Suddenly, it works out cheaper to get drunk instead of do many other things with your hard earned cash.

For example, £2.99 can get me a meal deal from Boots with a sandwich, a drink and a pack of crisps...oorrrrrrrrrr, three pints of tasty wheaty beery goodness! I wouldn't even remember I was hungry, I'd be too drunk!

I could be a £5 top up for my phone...orrrrrrrrrr, FIVE pints of lagery lager. I'll be so drunk, people wont want to talk to me anyway.

Why spend £6 on a taxi home, when you can drink SIX pints more of the brown stuff and walk it...you'll be so intoxicated you won't notice your hands freezing and falling off.

I don't need an iPod Touch for £110...110 pints of lager would render me dead. Who needs music in the afterlife?

I know what you're thinking...WHAT if I only have £1.50?

Well that's easy..

A pint of beer and a meat slice from Greggs. Jobsagoodun!!

Holly-wouldn't

2009-01-01T22:09:00.004Z

It seems like Hollywood may be about to get Credit Crunched!

Film makers in Tinseltown are expected to have their belts tightened this year, as entertainment is always a major casulty in any recession. It's probably the most depressing part of the financial buggeration so far...I hate the idea of Robert Dinero not being able to remain frugal in cat pyjamas.

With that in mind, and with Hollywood's penchant for remaking classic films in recent history, I've come up with some low-budget "re-imaginings" for the LA directors to put their ever-shrinking coffers into. So read on, and a note to Mr. Spielburg: Any of these ideas will cost you £2.50 or a fish supper.

Bridge On The River Severn

A Fistful of Coppers (closely follwed by For a Few Coppers More)

1 Angry Man

The 3 Spartans

Lawrence Of Altringham

Night Of The Living

Hope that helps until the money comes back...failing that, just pay Al Pacino in Rich Tea biscuits!

Weekday Breakfast Takeover!

2008-12-28T18:21:00.004Z

Whilst Rob is away, Tom Campbell will play!

Join me from 6am on The Wyre this week as I take the helm on the Breakfast Show, steering the good ship Wyre into 2009.

On Monday's show we're going to be talking about the January sales and the bargains you've picked up. Made a credit-crunching saving whilst out shopping? Drop me a line and let me know about it! Also on the show I'll tell you all about crocodiles in Peckham, the Queen Mother singing and Japanese plate-smashing. Confused? You will be!

All that as well as the latest news and sport every half an hour with our very own Newsmeister Alex Totney, and traffic updates every ten minutes with The Wyre's Belle of the Bypass, Nina Das Gupta! So why not join us for the radio equivilant of Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes...the irresistibly tasty Wyre Breakfast Show!

Rob Ison @ Breakfast...starring Tom Campbell
Monday-Wednesday 6am-10am on 107.2 The Wyre
Listen online at www.thewyre.com

Twelve Daze Of Christmas: Day Three

2008-12-14T14:54:00.003Z

Twelve Daze Of Christmas: Day 2

2008-12-13T18:27:00.000Z

Twelve Daze Of Christmas

2008-12-12T12:37:00.002Z

The Run-Up to Christmas is retail madness! Observe over the next twelve days.

Day 1. Friday, 11 December

Cos And Tom Do A Podcast! Episode a1

2008-12-12T12:36:00.001Z

Cos And Tom Do A Podcast is alive and well, and will chew your ears off for twenty wholesome minutes.

Find out why Tom is frightened of dogs, why Cos is doing sadness and which celebrity appears to cheer him up.

Download MP3 / RSS / Subscribe on iTunes

Many thanks to Richard Vobes, who is online here!!

Email us, why dontcha?

Jamiemania Runs Wild Again!!

2008-12-05T10:00:00.003Z

Jamie Malone has been Youthcomm Radio's must-hear guy for the latest and greatest in Indie music and exciteable, football-themed banter. For two hours every Monday night, Mr. Malone keeps Worcester and the world moving and laughing through the first weeknight of the...erm...week.

He is a man I'm proud to say I brought into the station, and a man who has come on in leaps and bounds since those early, heady days of Bob Strange impressions. When he approached me and invited me to be a part of his Christmas extravaganza...how could I refuse??

Because he did a big cry until I agreed!

Tune into Youthcomm Radio from 7 o clock on Monday night as, six years on from our first broadcast together, me and Jamie Malone reunite on the airwaves. Why not stop by for a Christmas supershow (and a rather fun reunion) that you will never forget...for a bit!

CLICK HERE AT 7PM GMT THIS MONDAY NIGHT TO JOIN IN!

The Return Of Old Twitchy

2008-12-02T23:27:00.002Z

I spotted Old Twitchy yesterday. He's fine. Panic over!

The Vanishing Of Old Twitchy

2008-11-22T16:30:00.002Z

I've never been so concerned about a stranger than I was this morning.

I walk to the train station every Saturday morning en route to bringing the musical goodness to 107.2 The Wyre's Weekend Breakfast show. This involves me leaving my house at about quarter to five in the morning and taking a brisk half an hour stroll to the train, followed by another thirty minute walk when I get to the other end. I don't mind the walk to be honest...I have Andrew Collins and Richard Herring to thank for keeping me company on these cold, lonely mornings...in Podcast form, obviously (The Collings And Herrin Podcast, look it up on iTunes)

Anyway, I digress. Every morning I've seen the same man walking in the opposite direction to me when I get to a certain street. A very unusual man to say the least...green camo coat, unkempty beard and hair, black tracksuit bottoms, pushing along a bike with a Co-Op bag hanging from it. Compounded with his constant twitching and muttering to himself, he makes for very interesting observation...although I've not gone as far as to strike up a conversation with him (I'm somewhat frightened and he smells vaguely of wee).

But I find myself feeling quite alarmed when, for the first time since I started doing the breakfast show and taking my morning strolls, he was nowhere to be seen! I waited for a bit, thinking maybe he'd overslept, but nothing! It seems Old Twitchy (as I have affectionately dubbed him) has vanished. So if you see a man matching this description, please contact me or social services...I'm scared what he may do to himself, let alone other people.

I'll keep you abreast on the situation!

Just call me Concept Colin...or Tom, whichever's easiest

2008-11-17T18:25:00.004Z

I should really use this blog more. I'd be saving so many trees.

At the moment, I'm farting out half-ideas...semi-contexts...mono-plans...for all kinds of ways to write my way into the hearts of the nation. I've had rather great ideas for a kids feature film, a radio pilot, a TV pilot and a six-part Podcast comedy series. I feel more motivated to write than ever, and I in part want to thank these guys: http://board.sitcom.co.uk If you EVER wanted to write comedy, start here. Great forum of folks who will offer you impartial and friendly advice! Top banana!!

I don't know if I mentioned a while back, but I wrote a 30-minute pilot for a sitcom called Retails Of The Unexpected...well, it wasn't as funny as I hoped after several other people's readings so I've not gone back to the drawing board on it and I've got high hopes, a bit like that beaver who couldn't plug the hole in the dam (It's an American song, go find NOW NOW NOW!) I'll keep you all posted and toasted on that one.

Any other business...ermm...still on The Wyre's Weekend Breakfast - Saturday and Sunday 7am-12pm on 107.2fm (or www.thewyre.com) aaaaand I will be hosting The Wyre's flagship breakfast show for the last week in December, that I am very excited about. I'll remind you all a bit closer to the crime.

Right, I'm off to chase a few more wasps from my room - seems like we have a nest in the loft that's causing some grief. WASPPP A MESS, eh? HAHAHAHA!! THAT WAS A PUN

Kill me.

Kthxbye

SONG OF THE DAY: Snow Patrol "If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It"
BOOK OF THE DAY: Death Of WCW by RD Reynolds and Bryan Alvarez

This one's about gunz...avec a Z

2008-11-08T17:28:00.002Z

Boy, 15 Minutes Of Shame went down a treat!! Thanks to everybody who got in touch with me and offered me all sorts of lovely musics for the show. Might pick it back up again soon, but for now...

http://m-uk.podshow.com/media/19299/episodes/131987/sheeraudacity-131987-11-08-2008.mp3

15 Minutes Of Shame - SEASON TWO!! (clicketh hereth)

2008-10-12T07:27:00.001+01:00

Hey, it's 11/10/08 in some countries!! :D
CLICK THE TITLE !!

Please enjoy this 40-minute spank-tacular, and thank you very much for staying subscribed!

Getting my feet wet in The Severn!

2008-09-21T08:34:00.003+01:00

For two years, The Severn has broadcast across Shrewsbury and Oswestry respectively, serving the Shropshire community with great music and great presenters.

And I think my name was put on a memo as a joke...because they want me to host the Drive Time for a few days. Mercy!

Join me on The Severn, stepping in for Martin Childs on The Big Drive Home, Monday to Wednesday from two o clock. We're giving away pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut, we're keeping Shropshire moving with Carlie out in the travel car (the poor, poor girl...working with muggins for three days!) and - most importantly of all - playing today's music and classic hits!

Join me on 106.5 in the Shropshire area, or log onto www.thesevern.co.uk and listen live on the interwebs! It's going to be quite average!!

Did You Hear Me?

2008-09-17T22:28:00.003+01:00

Did you hear me on Kerrang tonight??

No?

Didn't hear newsreader extrodinaire Bent Double on the airwaves?

No?

Oh well...I was definately there! You just weren't paying attention!

Oh God, what are they doing NOW!!??

2008-09-15T21:58:00.005+01:00

The Sh*ts Are Coming!

COS AND TOM DO A LIVE!! THE PILOT ONE

Join professional radio d'jay Tom Campbell and the mind behind the once-read webcomic Dead Ends, Cos Ryan, for a unique audio/visual experiment.

Cos and Tom Do A Live!! will be LIVE Tuesday September 16th from 7pm (ish) and not only will you be able to HEAR Cos and Tom writing the world's wrongs whilst getting quite drunk...but you'll be able to SEE them too thanks to our good friends at CamStreams.

So how can I witness this event, I hear you say with your mouth?? It's simple, really.. just go heerre before seven o clock and get comfy. You might need a beer too, it's considered a viewing aide.

If you miss it, don't do too much crying. Our plan is to allow the episode to be available in audio form for you to put in your iPods or Discmans...or...grandmothers...for future listening goodness.

You are more than welcome to come and do smiles as Cos and Tom Do A Live!!

Oooh, it's a bit shiny now!

2008-08-11T16:09:00.002+01:00

So I got a bit bored of a website that looked like teletext, so I thought I'd make it a bit more grown up.

Long time since I last posted, so just wanted to update you with my latest radio frolics. I'm currently on the Wyre's Weekend Breakfast show, which can be heard every Saturday and Sunday from 7am onwards. Tune in to hear some good music and rather random and fun chat about what's going on in the local area and beyond!

Radio Campbell!

2008-05-12T11:51:00.003+01:00

Good times-a comin'!

Just wanted to update y'all on my radio happenings (and believe me, they really are happenings.)

I am now the host of the Mid-afternoon show on The Wyre until the football season starts again...so you can join me on 107.2FM from 12pm til 6pm every Saturday! Every week, I'll be asking people to add songs to the People's Playlist, as well as enhancing your vocabulary with The Fictionary Dictionary. Don't worry, it's not too much like learning!

All that plus a selection of today's music and classic hits, so join me why dontcha!

If you live in the Midlands, you can tune into 107.2FM, or logon to www.thewyre.com and listen over the magic of the Internets.

PLUS!! From Tuesday til Friday you can hear me on The Wyre from 10am til 2pm hosting the mid-morning show, standing in for Neil Bentley, who in turn was standing in for Pete Baker. I'm like the understudy understudy, and it's awesome!

So, to summarise...

10am-2pm Tuesday-Friday on 107.2 The Wyre
and 12pm-6pm Saturday on 107.2 The Wyre

Be tuned in, should be a laugh/train wreck!

Love, light and peace
Tom.

The Shame Meets The Vobes - The Vobes Meet The Shame!

2008-04-21T10:55:00.005+01:00

This week, the distance between Worthing and Worcester gets smaller as Richard Vobes makes his presence felt on the 15 Minutes Of Shame...and I return the favour by ruining an episode of The Vobes Show!

I discovered Mister Vobes about a month and a half ago, and you should too! He has well over 1,000 Podcasts under his belt presenting his daily (yes, DAILY) Vobes Show and The Naked Englishman. He was also in Snug and Kozi...yeah, sure you remember it! It was him!! :)

It was awesome to work with Mr. Vobes this week and get connected to the BEACH HUT in Worthing...and you can hear the fallout from our first audio acquaintence this week on TODAY'S EPISODE of THE VOOOBES SHOW (http://www.vobes.com/) and on this Friday's episode of 15 Minutes Of Shame (http://15shame.blogspot.com/). I hope you all enjoy them as much as we enjoyed doin' em!

15MOS#009: Four Get Drunk!

2008-04-16T20:34:00.003+01:00

An extended episode of The Shame for you, and a very special edition too!

oooOooOOOOooOOO!

This show documents a night out at me and my chums favourite night spot: the Cardinal's Hat in Worcester! It's a fine establishment that offers beer by the litre and laughter by the...erm, yard. This Podcast covers the evening, from sobriety to drunken giggling. It's all here so enjoy!

Starring in this weeks Podcast:
Doctor Sam Beaven (Author) - http://www.lulu.com/content/1801809

Cos Ryan (Comic Artist) - http://www.dead-ends.co.uk/

Jamie Malone (Radio presenter / git wizard) - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=223405105&ref=ts

Musical credits:

Karmyn Tyler "Drifting"

Mark Kerr "One Drink Away From The Blues"

Jimmie Bratcher - "Three Chords"

All tracks have been chosen by Ed Ovett (http://www.edsmixedbag.com) and are available from the Podsafe Music Network (http://music.podshow.com)

What Kriss Sprules Match?

2008-04-14T17:00:00.004+01:00

haha...since you asked!

In 2005 I saw a video of a match featuring Kriss Sprules versus Cage Tyler. It was a travesty of a wrestling match and nightmarish to watch. For a bit of a laugh, I decided to add commentary to the thing, and what resulted was my first (and probably last) viral video! This thing turned up all over the Internet, it was quite amazing.

I found it on dailymotion, so have a watch for yourselves. Hope y'all enjoy...or should that be endure?

Kriss Sprules vs Cage Tyler
Uploaded by ShinGokuIAM

Tom Campbell Meets Charlie Dimmock: an Earth-Moving Experience

2008-04-10T18:39:00.005+01:00

This week I caught up with Charlie Dimmock...another reason why I enjoy my new job, I get to meet former Ground Forcers!

All kidding aside, it was nice to talk to her, and we discussed her new TV series as well as encouraging people to walk more. I feel kinda bad, because shortly after heeding her sage words I took a taxi to the train station...I feel the point was lost.

But here it is, the exclusive interview with the wonderful Ms. Dimmock. Do enjoy, it's what Charlie would want!

Tonto Is Officially Wrestlecrap!

2008-04-06T16:28:00.003+01:00

At long last, the Sprules/Tyler match I commentated on is inducted into the Wrestlecrap Annals (or shou that be Anals?)

Here's Blade Braxton to tell you more...

This past WrestleMania weekend, we had a tale of a few different wrestling commentators. On one hand, the legendary Gordon Solie was rightfully inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of being one of the best commentators in the sport. On the other hand, was the duo of Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman, who announced WrestleMania's main event. While I happen to be a fan of the Coach, a lot of wrestling fans are not too fond of the Smackdown duo, and they beg for someone new behind the mic. I think I may have found their future replacement: "Tonto" Tom Campbell. (link to his site http://tontocampbell.blogspot.com/ )

Hardcore WrestleCrap Radio fans may remember Tonto for his interviewing of RD and myself on his podcast, or for his cameo as a resurrected Lord Alfred Hays on last years April Fools Day show. To me however, he'll always be the energetic and over-the-top voice behind arguably THE worst wrestling match ever captured on film - Kriss Sprules vs. Cage Tyler. With Tonto behind the mic, he makes the hideous Sprules-Tyler clash seem as epic as Savage-Steamboat at WrestleMania III.

ote to Vince...sign Tonto now. Hell, do one better and sign him and change his name to Lord Alfred Hays Jr.

That my friends, is a license to print money.

Go to www.wrestlecrap.com/youtube to watch the video fo' yo' selves! Cheers guys!!

Fifteen Minutes Of Shame Has Arrived!

2008-03-23T18:08:00.004Z

Been a very busy month! To coin the phrase, I now have my "foot in the door".

I've spent the month working for Telford FM as their traffic and travel guy, and it's been a lot of fun. So hence the lack of updates. But, I have been busy and have a brand new Podcast on the go. Let's just jump right in shall we??

15 Minutes Of Shame, hosted by ME - Tom Campbell! This show takes up fifteen minutes of your airspace and - indeed - earspace - to bring you some random ramblings as well as some fine, FINE Podsafe Music. Including a mix of songs you may not have known were Podsafe!

For future reference, head over to http://15shame.blogspot.com for all your Fifteen Minutes Of Shame needs!!

ALSO...do not panic...two episodes of Better World are written and in process of recording! Series Two is coming...slowly :)

Thank Tonto It's Friday 2006-2008: THE END COMPLETE!

2008-02-27T14:17:00.004Z

Thank Tonto It's Friday was launched September 1st 2006, and has made people feel somewhat cautious and nauseous every Friday between 2pm and 4pm. In the past seventeen months I have been doing my best to make people smile with a selection of bizarre comedic treats and a plethora of wonderful special guests from my movie critic extrodinaire Jack Starr, through to Youtube sensations Brookers and The Receptionist, the fine folk at Wrestlecrap and RBR Weekly Wrestling Talk , Chiptune artist Sabrepulse, local musicians Rich Walker and Rose Marie, comedic superstars Cayenne Chris Conroy and Bryan Waterman and a whole lot more.

It's been an amazing ride...but sadly, every journey has to end.

There's a lot of work coming my way in the near future from all sides, a lot of work that may take up a lot of my time.

Therefore, it's with a heavy heart that I announce that this Friday will be the LAST Thank Tonto It's Friday EVER!

I don't want to leave it on the sideboard to gather the proverbial dust, I want to draw a line under it and remember it as my finest and most creatively enriching radio achievement to date.

Please tune in this Friday from 2pm to hear what the future holds in store for yours truly, and listen to what I hope to be the most amazing send-off since the last episode of M*A*S*H. Go to www.youthcomm.org.uk to listen online, or if you're in Worcestershire tune in at 106.7fm. I hope to see you all there for an on-air party of a lunchtime!

Thank you all!

Tonto.

Bryan Waterman Makes Your Friday Better!

2008-02-22T11:50:00.000Z

It’s Friday again, and that can only mean one thing! That’s right, Al Murray’s on tonight!

But before then, check out a very special episode of Thank Tonto It’s Friday with my guest, internet animator extraordinaire Bryan Waterman. He spoke with his mouth for about an hour with me this week and I didn’t have the heart to remove loads of it so, a nice long chat with a very very VERY funny man can be heard today from 2pm.

PLUS a brand new episode of Dick Brilliant, Youthcomm Radio’s leading serial thriller, and – of course – a hella good music playlist!

Join in TEH FUNZ today from 2pm on 106.7fm OR online at www.youthcomm.org.uk! Get in touch with the studio as well:

Email: studio@youthcomm.org.uk
Dog & Bone: Worcester 748 538
Text: studio@youthcomm.org.uk and your message to 07766 404142

Thank Tonto It’s Friday, one of many ways to start your weekend!

Keep smilin'!

Better World 06: Bashin' The Bishop!

2008-02-18T16:55:00.001Z

Bloody hellfire!! At last a brand new Better World! Ten minutes of comedy to get you back into the groove. On this instalment:
- Garry Kasparov has a career change!
- Pete Tonga will probably give you mange!
- Downloading houses is rather strange!

Go here: http://betterworld.podshow.com or look for Better World on iTunes and listen for yo-selves! It's a bit good!

Thank Tonto It's Friday Returns...with Matthew Ebel!!

2008-02-14T13:40:00.003Z

THANK TONTO ITS FRIDAY returneth with a bang..eth...tomorrow at 2pm!

It's been nearly three weeks since Tonto ran off to Scotland, but he is back, by golly, he's back! And he's not alone.

Tune into Thank Tonto It's Friday tomorrow from 2pm for a very special interview with independant music sensation MATTHEW EBEL! Ever wanted to hear a grown man sing about measuring tape? Tomorrow, you can!

BUT WAIT, YOU DON'T WANNA WAIT TIL THEN!?!?!?

Well, Thank Tonto It's Friday is now officially on the myspace bandwagon just in time for everybody to jump to Facebook! Make the show your friend by going to http://www.myspace.com/thanktontoitsfriday and you can hear the Matthew Ebel interview TODAY! 24 hours ahead of the show! Now that's pleasure you cannot measure...not EVEN with song-worthy measuring tape.

Plus, the second episode of The Adventures Of Dick Brilliant, The Galaxy's Most Brilliant Bloke! It's a radio comedy drama serial adventure thriller you don't wanna miss!

All that plus the usual banter you've come to know and loathe from Thank Tonto It's Friday, with an announcement about two long-awaited projects!

It all goes down LIVE tomorrow from 2pm GMT on Youthcomm Radio.

If you live in the Worcestershire area, tune your tuner to 106.7FM and hear it through the talky box like the old days. If you live anywhere between Hereford and MARS, log onto http://www.youthcomm.org.uk and click listen live for the webcast with sexy WEB CAMERA ACTION! Orrrrr, if you cannot do THAT, subscribe to Thank Tonto It's Friday on iTunes and catch the first instalment (in a long time) of TTIF Casted! from Monday.

THANK TONTO IT'S FRIDAY...chicks dig it, and hens don't DISlike it either!

JAN-YOO-'AIRY Update!

2008-01-08T02:37:00.000Z

Hey all! Hope everybody had a marvelous Christmas break, or whatever it is you celebrate wherever you are...a nice vague comment to kick off, there!

A hugeeee thanks to Zack "the Mothman" Daggy who put me up on The Shameless Plugcast a few weeks back. Zack managed to sit through twenty five minutes of me dribbling words in his direction, and you too can suffer the same agony by going to http://www.zackdaggy.com OR subscribing to his good self on iTunes TODAY!

(Incidently, if you fancy a good old fashioned laugh at a rather drunk and merry Tonto, listen to the Mothpod this week. I had a SKYPE phone for Christmas and thought it would be a good idea to ring Zack!)

Big things are set to occur from hereonin! Let me give you a rundown:
- I'm working on a very exciting writing project, one which I cannot spill the beans on too soon lest it all blows up in my trousers. So once it's all confirmed and aces, you will all know too!
- Tom Campbell's Better World has recieved a massive audience spike and are now far into the thousands on the download front. Thank you all for checking out Better World and giving me ten minutes of your time...I hope it brought tears to your knees and when asked for more you said "please". In other Better World news, my brave lil' trooper of an MP3 will be a part of the relaunching of Team Game Online later this month and will have a very happy surrogate home there too...again, I'll keep you posted!
- Lots and Lotsa Live!! Youthcomm Radio FM will launch NEXT WEEK on 106.7fm, and during that time you can hear a WHOLE LOTTA TONTO! I will be hosting Youthcomm Drivetime for the first two weeks of broadcast between 4pm and 6pm, as well as Thank Tonto It's Friday at 2pm on Friday, AAAND I will be hosting a brand new show called "Sunday Nite (Not) Live" at 8pm on - you guessed it - Sunday. Check back with this here website for news about those shows and the future of the Thank Tonto It's Friday podcast!
- Finally, I'm pregnant expecting a biscuit! And he told me he was a Jaffa! (BADUM-TISH!)

The Pod 5 featuring famous, talented people (and Tom Campbell)

2007-12-10T10:23:00.000Z

I'm Tom Campbell, and for one week only, I'm one of the Pod Five :)

This past week I was a part of popular podcast talk show The Pod Five, and was very proud to be among so many big names in the Podcasting world. We talked all about the future of the music industry, the usefullness of Twitter (or lack thereof), Podsafe music and a whole lot in between.

Subscribe today and hear Zack "The Mothman" Daggy, Ed Ovett from "Ed's Mixed Bag", Podsafe musical masterminds Lovespirals and Matthew Ebel, RockstarTV's hostess with the mostess Share and a whole lot of other podcasting peoples (and my ugly hide, too) then subscribe to the Pod 5 by either finding it on iTunes or heading over to http://pod5.podshow.com

You'll be glad ya did ;)

TCBW#05: Can You Handle It?

2007-12-03T14:46:00.000Z

Brand new episode available!! Packed with passion and rippling with rubbish! Including sketches about chavs, emos, scrabble, hacksaw handles and Metal Gear Solid...as well as a big song finish!!! So why not have yourself a little bit of a listen with your ears!!

Download at http://betterworld.podshow.com OR subscribe to Tom Campbell on iTunes! Pleasepleasepleaaasee!??

Thank Tonto It's Friday #43: Back In Bizznizz

2007-11-29T17:50:00.000Z

Youthcomm Radio's favourite uncle is back with Thank Tonto It's Friday THIS Friday at 2pm...it's been a while, but I have NOT been idle and have prepared a show of epic proportions for your ears..

Tune in for:

- The Perils of Peter Pringle, Tonto's long running radio comedy drama!
- An interview with Podcasting superstud, Zack "The Mothman" Daggy!
- A chance to win "Tonto's Mystery Prize" in Lyric Hunter!
- Reflections on the past 10 years in a revamped Cheers For The Years!
- A chance for you to email on this big subject - whos voice would you like on your SatNav system!
- A look at the week's news, providing I can find the CD I put it all on, in the Week In Words!
- All your favourite (and least favourable) tracks from today!

You can listen on the Interweb at www.youthcomm.org.uk, or you can get your radio deviclement and listen LIVE on 106.7FM...how's that for sweet apples!!

If you miss the show, FRET NOT, for it will be Podcasted!! Subscribe by searching for Thank Tonto It's Friday on iTunes!

Hope to smell you all there, FRIDAY at 2pm!!

Tonto

TCBW04: ProverbCon

2007-11-20T11:10:00.001Z

The fourth and forthright instalment of Tom Campbell's Better World is upon you. Slightly different kinda show this week, only four sketches per se, but with fleshed out characters and some snappier gags about proverbs so I hope you enjoy it. Might continue to mix up the format of the show on a regular basis so don't panic if you hate it!!! I won't blame you, mother.

Go to http://betterworld.podshow.com or look for Tom Campbell in the iTunes Store, I'm in aisle six by the meat.

Sleep easy, Britain.

Mr. Campbell's Shameless Plug neareth!

2007-11-10T22:35:00.000Z

Just a reminder that Zack Daggy, host of the Shameless Plugcast over at http://shamelessplugcast.podshow.com, is feeling brave enough to give me my first media interview! It's being recorded this Tuesday and I'll let y'all know when it's being unleashed on the world. In the meantime, check out the Shameless Plugcast and "The Mothman"'s podsafe music show at http://mothpod.podshow.com and see how this fine gent does his groovy thing!

Until then, eat cake and be free!

TOM CAMPBELL's MAGICAL THIRD EPISODE! Equals yes?

2007-11-05T18:06:00.000Z

Episode Three of Tom Campbell's Better World is here for you listening pleasures!

"It Looks Like You're Trying To Write An Episode Name" is available for load-downing via iTunes (search for Tom Campbell) oooor, go to http://betterworld.podshow.com and get it there!

On this fortnight's show:

- The Microsoft Paperclip wreaking havoc.
- The milking of the cow.
- Aggressivley emotional taxi drivers.
AND BLOODY MORE!!!!

http://betterworld.podshow.com

You'll feel better in the mourning!

Gimme My Damn Olympic MotherF*ckin' Breakfast

2007-10-31T10:50:00.000Z

Oh maynnnnn, ah'm back in the medi-uuhh!!

Brand new episode of Podsick is now available for your ears to do a smile to! That is if you like to hear Morgan Freeman ordering Little Chef breakfast and a talking egg being spoken down to at a French McDonalds.

http://podsick.podshow.com LISTEN TO IT IT AM GOOD!

Uppen-Daten!

2007-10-30T21:55:00.000Z

Hokey Dokey!

This will now hopefully be a one-stop-shop for any informations on Thomas Campbell related projects, products and, erm, produce I suppose. So keep your eyes on the skies because I'll be doing all sorts of fun on this page from now on!

Anyway, since my last post back in May I've finished that University malarky and Tom Campbell's Better World is off and running. Now two episodes strong, and both available for your ears right now through either Podshow (http://betterworld.podshow.com) or looking for Tom Campbell on iTunes. If you take the iTunes route, there's a podcast on the same page as mine called "The Slacker Confessionals", it's a free Podcast book...check it out, it's a fabulous listen by a very talented man who's done a lot of silly, silly jobs.

Another project you should check out is PodSick, an off-the-wall (so off the wall that the wall isn't even THERE) comedy show devoted to the most obscure things that myself and my good friend Adam Green can sick up with our minds. Find that at http://podsick.podshow.com and enjoy...it's crazy good!

Other newsbits since May...hmmmmmm

- I'm now a writer for Rocketbusta Radio, a marvelous little wrestling Podcast that airs live every Saturday night at http://www.teamgameonline.com and can be found on iTunes also. I write the comedy news segment "The Lightning Round". A job that allows me to write funny AND write about my ultimate geeky pastime...this truly does equal VERY YES!

- I'm desperately seeking voice acting, radio presenting or writing work on the freelance level...if you need things writing in a well posh way, I am your man! Got a few potential bits which I'd love to explode and tell you about now, but alas I must keep them quiet and see where they go. Don't want to count my...eggs...before they're....worth...two in the bush...erm, yeah.

- I will be featured on The Shameless Plugcast in November! Zack Daggy, a very fine fellow from the US who has a website at http://www.mothpodproductions will be giving me room to speak through my mouth on HIS podcast about Tom Campbell's Better World and, well, anything else I wish to Shamelessly plug. I've been following Mr. Daggy for some time and to be appearing on the Shameless Plugcast is awesome...expect the honourable Mothman to be on Thank Tonto It's Friday in the VERRY near future.

Sooo...that's all for now. There will be a NEW Better World this coming Monday, AAAND a new Podsick in the coming days. But until then...

Sleep easy Britain.

Tom Campbell.

New Podcast Updation...

2007-05-15T15:26:00.000+01:00

Well, with only one assignment left to go, I can finally start thinking about the comedy Podcast. I hope you haven't all thought my desire had DIED so quickly, like a newborn kitten running out into the road...nonono, it's sadly a priority thing.

I can reveal two things about the new Podcast:
1. It has a new name. From this moment on, it shall be Tom Campbell's Better World. I want to make the world better in the most comical way possible, hence the new name!

aaaand,

2. It will be a 10-week series.
I decided to serialise the show to stop me bitching about getting burnout. All ten episodes will be ready by the time episode one goes out (SPOILLERRR) and a new episode will be put onto the feed each week. Each episode will be a whopping TEN MINUTES long, so very soon you will have 100 Minutes of my finest Comedy outing since the hilarious incident at the night club involving the police (not the band) and my naked buttocks! Exciting, stuff huh?

Next time I update, expect more info, possibly another monologue concept.

Sleep easy, Britain!

Tom.