Ozzie's Planet proudly presents My Yearbook 2001

Best Book:	THE DIRT - CConfessions of the world's most notorious rock band. By Mötley Crüe with Neil Strauss. (And all 4 parts of Harry Potter of course)
Best CD:	I guess "Figure In a Landscape" by John Waite is the easy choice, but I haven't really been buying that many albums this year. Dare's "Belief" is a masterpiece but I wanna hear the songs live... Linkin Park's album is the only I bought from a "new" artist!
Best Concert:	WASP at Sweden Rock Festival perhaps?? Instead of doing what they've been doing for the last couple of years they played a whole bunch with tunes from The Crimson Idol, one of my all time favorite albums. Seeing Pretty Maids again was fun too.
Best Single:	I only bought one single this year. And it was a remixed version so I had to buy the fullenght CD anyway... "Again" by Lenny Kravitz.
Best Promotional Video:	I really should take off this category as I don't really watch any promo videos anymore... I have seen parts of the Ozzy-video though and it looked cool... Ozzy's the God of Metal of course!
The Sexiest Man:	Either it was Sharkman from MCB crawling on his hands and knees in the corridors of the Sweden Rock hotel or it was someone very sweaty, very naked somewhere else... For a change it was someone I knew rather than someone "famous" :-)
Best Moment:	Feeling my heart beat of hope and to actually feel a bubbly and joyful feeling after months of darkness. It had to be a browneyed bloke to make it happen :-) I owe you my life. I wish the timing had been better - that I could trust myself, you, anyone... When you're feeling down and there's no way out - there's only one one thing left to do, visit a housewarmingparty in Arboga, 'cause that's where Mr Right hangs out. The only problem when you find your Mr Right is to make yourself his ms Right.... I'm not the one to give advices, but I've been honest all the way and that's the only way I know how to be.
Worst Moment:	This whole year has been really difficult, really hard to handle, too many worries and too many problems. Death and sorrow has followed me everywhere.
Awesome Internet Experience:	Apart from all the support from my very special friend Sandie it must be getting back on-line after the big harddrive-crash on my iBook.
Best Gig:	Freak Kitchen, anywhere - anytime!!
Best Record Sleeve:	The sleeve for Requiem For a Dream is the same as the movie-poster, close-up on Jared Leto's eye. Beautiful. Purrfect artwork.
Drink of the Year:	Pepsi Max (did you know it was made for guys who didn't want to ask for Diet Pepsi cause it sounds too wimpy??), red & white wine and lots and lots of iced water.
Best Movie:	No doubt, no competition : Almost Famous with Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson. But... Requiem For a Dream was a really scary movie that will definitly follow me in my dreams for a very long time. Still waiting for a private DVD screening of "Shadow Of a Vampire"...
Eyes of The Year:	Mikael's brownish eyes, looking at me from a distant at Hard Rock Café. What did they say? Was I so wrong? Why did it feel so right? Why the lies?
Best Ian Gillan Tune of The Year:	I think "Loving On Borrowd Time" has been spinning the most. Again. (with "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar and "Again" by Lenny Kravitz as dark horses)
The Place of The Year:	Work?? Home alone in bed? Hospital? Church?
Best Metal Club:	Pornbar in Stockholm (re-opening on January 26)
Nicest Person:	My best friend Jocke, everyone should have a friend like him - for better & worse. And Daniel from work - we're worlds apart in every way, still you know what to say to make me talk & make me use my brain again (Melanie C's "I Turn To You" is forever dedicated to you). Lena (you have a handful of your own problems, still you're there for me all the way - THANK YOU)
Asshole of 2001:	The councellor at the hospital...
To summarize:	2001 had only just began when I started to wish it'd be over soon. I have never in my life faced a year filled with so much struggle and difficulties, death and sorrow. My biggest hope is that it'll change. That better and brighter times will happen.
Final words:	- A new home, my home. I'm a grown-up now, I'll turn 30. in 2002.. - What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I feel as if I have died several times this year which would make me a very strong person - but I'm not strong enough to cope more death, broken hearts or catastrophies.... - Growing up I feared World War III - September 11, 2001 I was sure the time had come. I was so scared - who are these people, playing with human lives as if there were plenty to go. Killing is never the solution - when will you learn?? No more death. No more killing. And that goes for everyone. - Love will find it's way... (My name's on the door, just knock and I'll let you in.)

Gigs & concerts I've been to during the year:

1. January 27: Freak Kitchen in Uppsala (first gig with new line-up) ***
2. February 24: Meldrum at Alcazar ****
3. March 23: Freak Kitchen in Motala ****
4. April 28-29: Andromeda at Pub Anchor *****
5. May 25: Freak Kitchen at Medborgarhuset in Stockholm (recording live) *****
6. May 31: Bon Jovi & Melanie C at Stockholm Stadium **
7. June 3: Manny Charlton Band & Nerved at Blue Moon Bar in Stockholm *****
8. June 8-9 Sweden Rock Festival, WASP ***** Manny Charlton Band **** Freak Kitchen ***** Pretty Maids ***** Dokken w/John Norum ***
9. August 11: Deep Purple at Hamntorget in Helsingborg ****
10. August 12: Deep Purple in Copenhagen **
11. November 12: Meldrum at Hard Rock Café in Stockholm****

In the memory of Carina 1963-2001 Take care of my baby I'll see you again when my time's up Rest in Peace

Sweden Rock Festival 2001, the day after

Sunday June 10th. Early morning. Breakfast. Freak Kitchen whom turned in quite early compared to the rest of the rockers had a good time, surrounded by friends and crew. While everyone else looked hungover and was speaking in low voices they were laughing and having a good time... I don't know who it was that decided he'd go outside, to the terrace for a smoke - but I'm sure he regret taking up smoking, as opening the door set off the alarm! Imagine all the hungovered headbashers - the poor guy rushed out with a bloodred blushing face :-)

After breakfast people started to make their way back home... Myself I catched a ride with John Norum's gear. The van was driven by Fredrik (ex-Talisman) and his girlfriend. Didn't take half the time compared to the train.

Sweden Rock Festival 2001, day 2

Saturday June 9th. Last day of the festival and the BIG day music wise. Shared a van with Jeff Scott Soto and some of the other guys in Talisman to the festival area. It was clear that he was eager to watch Freak Kitchen play. Arrived just in time to hear them begin. Tony, tourmanager with the Mann Charlton Band, had come with me - determined to watch some good music - and he loved it. Watching Mattias Ia Eklundh play with a fake mobilephone as well as a dildo can make any american gasp for air. Young Johan made a success, playing with them - replacing Ia on guitar. Freak Kitchen is Sweden's best band, all categories. Gotta love them. Thanx to Mattias Eliasson for introducing me to this band, I owe you a big one (and HAPPY BIRTHDAY - wish you'd been there)!

A quick rush from the Sweden Stage to the Festival Stage where my favorite Danish band's playing it loud. Pretty Maids. It's been 2 years since I saw them the last time, in Copenhagen before I moved to Gotland. They were awsome. Just as good as ever. Shouldn't be surprised really, but I am - they definitly had the audience in the palm of their hands. They made a sort of Best of... gig which was well taken by the starved Swedish fans - it's been 9 years since they played in Sweden the last time, on the Sin-Decade tour 1992.

Ronnie, Ken, Kenneth & Michael - it was great to see you guys again, wish you'd stayed for the party at the hotel, you'd loved it! Michael and Ken wanted to come with me to watch Dokken play (both are fans of John Norum), Michael was the only one who made it though and I lost touch with him as we got closer to the stage - after the gig they'd all gone, probably left for Copenhagen. If you want to see more of my photos, check out Savage Heart!

Dokken with Mickey D on bass, Mick Brown on drums, John Norum on guitars and Don Dokken on vocals was a dream come true. The bassplayer however left things to wish for and Don could have been singing with more feelings and maybe cut some of the unnecessary "do you like to get high?" and "we'll that's it - we have to go now" (after only 3 songs)... But all'n'all it was a good show and John Norum did one of his best performances ever. I was so proud of him afterwards. To me, he was the winner of the festival.

Time for a supposed food-break, but unfortunately the food ran out so I was stuck with some breadrolls! Had a walk on the grounds with my new pals in Stockholm-based band Nerved (they're friends of the Manny Charlton guys) - but when they left to check out Rose Tattoo I went to find a ride back to the hotel.

And, at the hotel there was a party going on. A quick shower to get back some warmth and then party, party, party... The Southern Rock Allstars, Helloween, Seven Wishes, Moxy, Angel, Nitzinger, Demon among others were partying all night long!

Sweden Rock Festival 2001, day 1

Friday June 8th. I'm off to the festival, sharing a van with the Manny Charlton Band. I watch them play before I move on to the WASP press conference where Blackie shows up alone. He answers the questions asked and is just as gorgeous as ever. He doesn't sign many autographs nor posing for photos other than those taken at the conference. He's about to jump straight into the white limo waiting for him when I gather the nerves to ask him if I can have a photo taken with him - he says yes!! My friend Rickard Nilsson from Bildbyrån take it and off Blackie goes (I don't have to tell you anything about the killing looks I get from just about anyone present)! I'm happy and Rickard is a great photographer so I'm sure it's a good picture..

Food's next on the plan. Hanging out with Daniela and her boyfriend Pär. Seeing one of my oldest friends, Pekka - now this is what festivals are all about - meeting lost and distant friends, swap e-mail adds and phonenumbers :-) Then the scheduled Network Of Wild Ones meeting in front of the Rockstage at 20.00 pm. Lasse and I are the only ones meeting up, which meant he was forced to drink the free beers I brought, all alone :-) By the way, got introduced to Don Dokken and his ladyfriend in the VIP-tent. Very nice!

Saw WASP play, I loved it. Lots of tracks from my favorite album "The Crimson Idol" - and not that much blood and no gore at all. Abso-fucking-lutley fantastic!

Gary Moore was headlining but because of the freazing cold weather I just had to get indoors and Daniela & Pär drove me back to the hotel. The three tunes I saw was alright, but I still feel the blues thing is wrong at a hard rock festival. At another place Gary would have ruled, but here - no, I'm sorry. It didn't work out for me.

Unfortunately no-one I've talked to was pleased with the gig. But Jenny, who arranged all the artist's transports was more than happy cause she got a long conversation with him and moved several steps closer to a radiointerview she's been asking for a long time... :-)

Sweden Rock Festival 2001, the day before

In 1994 I went to Karlshamn for the very first time to visit the Summerfestival as it was called then. On stage was Deep Purple with Joe Satriani on guitar. Other bands I remember was Blackfoot and Mountain. Two years later Deep Purple headlined again, this time the festival was called the Karlshamn Rock Festival. On guitars with Deep Purple was Steve Morse and they did one of the best concerts I ever seen - they even included "Child In Time", although I saw 9 other shows on the Purpendicular tour I never got to hear it again. Then, 1999, Abandon was released and Deep Purple headlined again, the festival had now changed to Norje outside Sölvesborg and as it wasn't located in Karlshamn the festival changed name to Sweden Rock Festival... I also got to see Manowar and Dare wich made my life improve big time (at least by Dare).

Then, rumours about the year 2001's festival made it clear that there wouldn't be any BIG names, that the record label Record Heaven taken over and there was a shortage of money - actually, the continuing of the festival was at stake. I had no plans of going. Deep Purple wouldn't come, nor would I.
Pretty Maids would come they said. Then WASP was added to the bill. And Dokken. And a few days later it was clear that John Norum would play with Dokken.
I just had to go.
So I did.
And it'd turn out to be the best festival ever.

I fell asleep at 02 am on Thursday June 7th. The alarmclock was set on 05.30 but I woke up at 4 am the first time, afraid to oversleep. Local news at 05.30 reports that there's a strike among train drivers. Almost every train going south has been cancelled, they mention my train as one of the cancelled ones. I pack my bag and head for the centralstation in Stockholm - totally focused to get down to the festival *somehow*...

Since I was a kid, and spent every holiday in Stockholm, the trains back home (to Malmö) has gone from track 10, so that's where I am heading. It's 06:45 in the morning and I'm sure I'm still dreaming when I actually SEE a train to Malmö on track 10. I jump onboard without looking around. I find a seat near a retired couple who's train got cancelled last night and they had to spend the night in a parked train and was now finally on the move.

Everyone's nice, we're told that this most likely is the only train southbound today. Everyone's helpfull and promises me to help me find my way down to the festival.
I feel good, soft music in my walkman and a good sleep is my plan.

Yeah right...

Sleep no more. At 8:45 a sharp voice informs us that we have to get off the train at the next stop - the train has been cancelled. I'm in Norrköping.
Not even a quarter of the way down to the festival.
A local train takes me a little bit more south, to Linköping, connecting with another train that will take me to Kalmar.

I realise that this train will take me thru my childhood summerholidays areas. As the train smoothly stops in Kisa (where I spent 2-3 weeks every summer for over 10 yrs) - wam - bam - thank you mam - train's broken. A 30 mins break follows. The clock's only half past 10 so there's still plenty of miles/kilometers to cover... But hey, the festival doesn't start officially until Friday so what's the rush, uh? I'm hungry.

I've checked the running order for the festival for the zillionth time, I now know what to see by heart. I also know what to do when I arrive at the hotel: SLEEP. The bags under my eyes are *huge* I doubt anyone could tell the colour of eyes even.

I fall asleep, finally, but wakes up and find myself going backwards. Slight panik attack - find the train crew, they calm me down, everything's okay, still on our way to Kalmar. Arriving safely just before 13 pm. Get on to a new train, this one's going to Gothenburg (just across Sweden...) - usually this train stops near the festival, but not today. Today I must change train in Emmaboda. Kalmar is usually 5 stops away from Sweden Rock Festival - today it's a lifetime between them. It's insane. I've been on the tracks for 6 hours, usually it'd take 4,5 hours.

Local train takes me from Emmaboda to Karlskrona, on this train I can spot a few metalheads - I'm certainly on the right way, finally. Circle ends, in Karlskrona I climb on a train that goes to Malmö and 30 mins later I'm at the Scene. 9 hours after leaving Stockholm Central Station.

I check in at the hotel.
Fall asleep.
Wake up.
Have a shower.
Take a tour of the hotel.
Meet my room mate, who was sure "Ozzie" was a bloke.
Hear that WASP want to leave for the festival area to hang out.
I feel my nerves cringle up... '
Met my buddies in the Manny Charlton Band, they're all psyched about the festival - just as everyone else.
Having a good time.

TIRED

The truth is: I kinda got all sick'n'tired of it.

I really love Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Darren Wharton and Marco Mendoza. They are all great people to know.
Scott's the mystrious guy that you think has no clue on who you are until he pops up with a "Hi Oz" and gives you a hug and then just as sudden is gone again and you wonder if anyone noticed but you self.

Sykes is the womanizer - living his life as a Single Man On Tour. But nevertheless, he's a a man you'll have to get to know and probably "earn knowleadge from" before you are accepted to be close enough to talk "for real", you have to earn the respect to get any respect in return. Sykes is gorgeous, sexy and all over a rockstar. It's difficult to act as you're talking to "the young blonde bloke from Reading" when you're sitting next to him talking serious matters - but if you can handle it, then you got the respect.

Darren is something ELSE. Darren is, due to the posters, not as "big" as Scott and Sykes. Darren is not paid as well as Scott and Sykes. But Darren is my hero. Talking to Darren and having his full attention is what stayed with me months after them leaving Sweden in October 2000. He's not a rockstar, he's completly unaware of how great Dare is and seems to not be able to take in how much his music means to his fans. When I ask him why he's not doing the vocals on "Still In Love With You", on his own or as a duett with Sykes, he looks surprised as if anyone would want that. My God!!! That is how it was written! And Darren makes the most wonderful version, live and in the studio.

Marco Medoza may not be an original Lizzy but I frankly think Phil would have loved the guy. No matter what time of the day he's always having time to chat, he's always polite and tries to make everyone feel special and noone left out. He's the kinda a guy you want to be best friends with. And he's a bloody good bassplayer too!

Yeah, I know. Tommy Aldrige's left to say something about. He stole my CD. Enough said. I still lack of "Renegade" and there doesn't seem to be a priority mark on getting it (or an replacement) back to me.

Thin Lizzy today means a new logo (in pink) and John Sykes on vocals and Tommy Aldrige on drums and they're planning on writing new material and .... this makes me sick'n'tired.

There's no Thin Lizzy without Philip Lynott and there's no tribute to Philip Lynott with only two original members and a drummer stealing a fan's album (alright, that was on a personal note).

Brian Downey got off in time. Darren got off a little too late and I'm not quite sure of his real motives to leave, but he's not on the recent US tour anyway and for that he'll get a big hug next time I see him and if he can get the new album finished he'll get more hugs :-)

I am probably a lot more mean that I want to be when I say they're not even doing a great job as a coverband, as coverbands usually play the not so common tracks, and of course a coverband usually can't present any original members at all. AND I know I don't have to go to the shows, I can do what many has done, I could stay at home.
But seeing them, talking to them. Watch Scott play the guitar. Hear Sykes sing. Hear the old songs live again. It brings me something I haven't had. Stay away will make me say they've lost. Going is my way of giving them the benefit of doubt.

My 6 years at University was focused on drugs. Not taking them but studying them. I wanted to know what's so attractive about them and why it's so hard to quit and how you can not noticing someone using them.

Since 1999 I've been working mainly with drugaddicts. At Uni I was specialised in cannabis and I was rather liberal but as a working woman I became more aware of other stuff. And while cannabis has been frequently written about and discussed in media my attention fell on a group of people assumed dead by most, the heroin users.

Due to all biographies written about Philip he injected heroin between his toes so that noone would notice it. The fans says they never could have guessed. Philip always told them not to do drugs. He probably knew what he was talking about. When I ask the people I work with why they use heroin they can't answer me. When I ask them to stop they tell me they can't. When I ask them what heroin is, they tell me it's a lovething. A romance. And coming off it is the worst senario possible. Easier to break up with someone you love. Easier to hurt those you love. You don't mean to - it just happens cause you can't stop it.

Things has changed a lot since Philip's days, but still people are dying.
I have devoted my life to find the truth, to find the answers on why Philip had to die. I will never find the answer, I know that. What I will do is helping others to break their habit before they go too far and can't stop it.

When I meet a new person I think "this could have been Philip Lynott" and then I give my heart and soul to make his or her life a better one.

So - I do this and I keep the Network Of Wild Ones.
That's just about what my life can be filled with.

How come (here's the core of my sick&tiredness) Scott Gorham, John Sykes, Darren Wharton, Marco Medoza and Tommy Aldrige won't give part of their income of the Europe/US tour 2000-2001 to the Black Rose Trust?

Actually. Mr John Sykes: You gave me your word and I trusted you.

Being disapointed and let down by your idols, see them not meassuring up to your expectations is something I never get used to. What would they be without Philip? I don't expect everyone to be like me (I tend to walk the edge) but reach out and give some help - is that too much to ask?

Scott, Sykes and Darren keeps telling me this is a tribute to Phil, not a "come-back". They're keeping the music alive and makes sure it won't be forgotten. But Dare is the best tribute ever to Phil. To carry on, move forwards... Sykes (the band and solo) is the very same. It's music. Where Phil would be today on a music scale I don't know, but I doubt he would have been doing the exact same thing...
Maybe he would have liked them to carry on the band without him, what do I know?
It broke his heart to give up Thin Lizzy.

There are heroin users dying all the time.
People who's names will only be remembered by those who were affected.
Philip will never be forgotten, his name will keep travel the world.
His music meant everything - who he was has been discussed widely - let Philip rest in peace.
If a statue is the right way to do it - then let those who earned money on his music pay for it.
If having a Black Rose trust with an annual award is the way - make it happen, it's not that difficult... at least it doesn't have to be difficult.

How much has the management and the recordcompanies given (I believe charity gives taxreductions)?

I could go on and on and on but as I am really sickandtired of it all, I wont....

Carina 1963 - 2001
R.I.P.