The harvest of listening

 The harvest of listening

When you think you're alone,

In a field of your thoughts,

Feeling like an unknown,

Where an ear is just sought.

So when someone is there,

Who is having a hard time,

Just show that you care,

They are still in their prime.
—-Riley Chambers 4-12-26

(Just a poem, not autobiographical)
Photo taken by my youngest son 

Never trust a junkie.....

I think everyone who knows me is aware of my fandom for the Sex Pistols. It goes back as far as I can remember—listening to them on Z-Rock back in the day on one of "Crankin' Craig's" shows. I’ve always been fascinated by the band, the members, and the story behind their brief career.

Back then, because I didn't have access to the information I do now, my opinion was lacking regarding the life Sid Vicious lived—albeit a very short one—and the way he died. When I was younger, I idolized him for the look and demeanor I saw at the time. But as I grew older and moved past that adolescent mindset, my perspective changed. For the longest time, I held negative thoughts about him because he was a junkie and an addict. However, the more I read, the more interviews I heard, and the more background I learned about how things really played out, the more my outlook shifted. I used to think he was just an addict who died doing stupid things and that it was entirely his fault. I always believed that if you’re an addict—no matter the substance—it is totally up to you to quit and seek the help you need.

Over the years, I’ve realized that under certain circumstances, the blame can be divided. Specifically, regarding Sid Vicious and his addiction: when Sid joined the band, he wasn’t addicted to heroin. Technically, his name wasn’t even Sid Vicious; Johnny Rotten named him after his hamster, who (in Rotten's words) had no teeth and couldn’t find his way out of a paper crisp bag. But once Sid met certain people and started trying things to fit in, it led to his addiction. He began leading a life that changed him into someone who didn’t seem to fit his original character.

Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols, took Sid's naivety and exploited it. He made Sid feel like he was the "bad boy" and that nothing could stop him. McLaren put that image in his head, and Sid started to believe it. The drug addiction only amplified the persona he became. From everything I have read, almost everyone around him fed that addiction—whether it was the people he hung around with, Malcolm, Nancy Spungen, or even his own mother.

This leads to my updated view on where to place the blame. As I originally said, a person is responsible for their own life. If someone needs to quit, they have to want to quit before they can remove that addiction. But if the addiction is so severe that they cannot stop on their own, they need a support system. They need a friend or family member to help them find a light at the end of the tunnel that isn’t an oncoming train. In Sid's case, I don't believe he had that. In retrospect, he had more enablers than people who genuinely wanted to help him.

---

Benevolent

Benevolent

Riley Chambers 07-26-2025

There once was a man

He was a friend of mine

Til I caught him in my car

Trying to steal my alpine

Now wait a minute, no 

That’s not the way it goes

His name was Fred Rogers  

From one of my favorite shows

He taught me how to be kind

That it’s ok to be myself 

how to unwind

How to ask for help

But it wasn’t just Fred

That helped me feel seen

It was Officer Clemmons

And Betty Aberlin 

Handyman Negri was there

And X the owl

Take a journey on Trolley

To see Lady Elaine Fairchilde

As our neighbors grew older

And so did we

The imprint on our hearts

Will forever be seen

So with a speedy delivery 

From Mr. McFeely

From one neighbor to another

Remember

1.4.3 

Culpable

This is the way

As they say

As to what happens tomorrow

And the following days

But who am I

Be that as it may

Just a nobody

Who’s tired of their game

So when the time comes and you see

That truth is not what they say

Don’t reach out to me

Because I no longer give a damn

This is the way. 

psychological disparagement

 He only loves you

When you're a fan of his.

Walking barefoot in the kitchen

Spreading mayo on the sandwiches.

Deep down you always know.

That this was always 

Just a plan of his.

I know it hurts to hear,

Because this person is

Who you made your future plans with.

But you spread love from love,

Not from taken advantages

Relationships should be 

Simpatico

Not just in a dream 

or theoretical

 or hypothetical

Even though they're words

eventually they can become medical 

You give it your all

But he always asks more from you

No compassion no empathy 

Just the spinning of a hate filled cocoon

Riley's Doctor Who Adventure.

 

This was originally published in the Doctor Who Appreciation Society's publication Cosmic Masque. I wrote this about my once in a lifetime trip to Cardiff, Wales to visit the Doctor Who Experience with my daughter.

On the ninth of September 2017, my daughter and I had the opportunity to visit the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, Wales. For those “Who” are unaware of what that is, it’s an interactive exhibition that showcases Doctor Who with various costumes and props from the show. It starts off with a short film starring Peter Capaldi, recorded specifically for the Experience. A guide takes you through a 30 minute(ish) adventure following the Doctor’s instructions and takes you to the Tardis console and other sets including awaking Daleks. Your goal, obviously, save the planet and save the Tardis. Once the day is saved, a door opens to the museum and you are free to roam and look at the costumes, props, etc. from various series of the show. You were able to see costumes and props from just about every Doctor, companion, & villain. There is also (as there is always) a gift shop (You have a little shop. I love a little shop. ) that offers a variety of Doctor Who souvenirs you can purchase. Since the day my daughter and I attended was the last day it was open, souvenirs were slim pickings. I was able to buy an official companion guide (Program) and an autographed print of Camille Coduri (aka Jackie Tyler).

There were also a multitude of costumed people walking around the inside as well of outside of the Experience, which made it even more interactive. It was really cool to see live Cybermen, Whisper Men, and even one of Mrs. Rossiter’s Peg Dolls (And it was actually Nathalie Cuzner in the costume) walking around the exhibit. Since the last day was sold out, the Experience asked to limit your time within to only 2.5 hours. So my daughter and I made sure we had seen everything in triplicate. A friend of mine (who actually bought our tickets to the DWE) messaged me saying that there was someone I had to meet before I left. Well we were already downstairs. He told me I had to meet Jamie Hill. I knew that Jamie played the Foretold in the Doctor Who episode Mummy on the Orient Express, and the Monk in Extremis, The Pyramid at the End of the World and The Lie of the Land. Well to my surprise Jamie was also a manager at the Experience. I asked the guy in the gift shop if Jamie was around. He told me he should be right inside the exhibit. I told him I couldn’t go back in because of the no in and out policy. I also told him where we hailed from. He was really shocked and excited that we traveled all the way from Texas. He said follow me. And he proceeded to take me back in the exhibit to Jamie. Jamie was actually giving an interview with Christel Dee for the Doctor Who Fan Show. So I waited until he was through and the guy introduced me to Jamie and told him where I was from. We spoke for a couple minutes. I didn’t want to take up too much of his time as technically he was working. But he was a really cool guy. He took a couple photos with me and signed a photo for me with no problem.

So I headed back downstairs to my daughter and we stopped and had a snack in The Blue Box Café’ downstairs. I had seen Christel in the lobby downstairs. We chatted for a couple minutes (just an extremely nice person) and we took a couple photos together. As my daughter and I were sitting there my friend Tom had messaged me saying that he just had seen on tv that Nick Briggs was inside doing an interview. Nick does the voice of the Daleks. Well unfortunately as I said before the Experience is a no in and out policy. So I couldn’t go back in and get him. But…I could go back into the gift shop which happens to be where the exit is. Lol. My daughter and I went back to the shop and not two minutes later he came out. I got his attention and he signed a photo for me as well and took a photo with me. I told him where we came from and he asked if any of my family were affected by Hurricane Harvey and he expressed deep concern for Texas. We spoke for about five minutes and he was on his way. And so was my daughter and I. We went outside to take a walk around Cardiff Bay to see some of the filming locations of Doctor Who. Before we left, we kept hearing that there was going to be a big sendoff of the Experience. Actors and actresses and writers and directors who frequently visited the Experience would be making an appearance. Just a few that were rumored was Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, and the hilarious Matt Lucas. It was going to have a proper farewell. So we waited and waited and waited. After the last tour went in, they had everyone make their way outside and they locked the doors. Everyone hung around outside expecting something to happen or someone to show up. But alas nothing happened. The crowd kept getting smaller and smaller. Finally we decided to leave and take in the sites and grab a bite to eat.

This was just an all-around great Experience.  From the actual Doctor Who Experience to the BBC Studios across the street to the sights and everything. But I am glad I was able to spend the time and share the “experience” with my awesome daughter Sydnie. And though it’s been some time now since we’ve been there, it still seems like yesterday. And I’m sure the memories will stay like that forever.

Larry Storch

 

Just wanted to share. Many might remember actor Larry Storch from his performance as Corp. Agarn in the hilarious 60's comedy F-Troop. Larry also guest starred in many other wonderful productions. A few being Gilligan's Island, Gomer Pyle, and Married with Children. Larry also did a wide variety of voice over work. A few being Underdog ,Tennessee Tuxedo, The Groovie Ghoulies, and also in Scooby Doo meets Batman where is voiced The Joker. Some may not know (Some will) that Larry also did voice over work for McDonalds. He was the very first voice of The Hamburglar as well as the long gone character Captain Crook (which I remember from my youth). Sadly we lost Larry last year at the age of 99. Larry always cared about his fans. He along with his friend Matt would sell his autographed photos and other items (Including the occasional Funko Pop) A couple years before Larry passed I was able to get a Hamburglar on signed. Well, after Larry's passing, Matt got with his family and closest friends with the remaining items Larry had signed. He had them take what they wanted and he was going to continue selling the rest until they were gone. I always wanted a Captain Crook one signed in red. Matt told me he thinks there was one left that was signed in red. And I claimed it. I wanted red so it would pair well with my Hamburglar one signed in yellow. As Ronald McDonalds clothes are mainly red and yellow. Well it made it in today and it looks awesome and looks really good with the Hamburglar one. I'm glad I was able to get this. I love it.

Glen Matlock

 

Though there is some discrepancy regarding the reason for original Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock’s departure from the band, two things will always be true: Glen and Johnny did not get along, a rift fueled by the late Malcolm McLaren—the "piece of shit" who intentionally stoked tension between band members to create the animosity he felt solidified their image. 

The second truth is the significant extent of Glen’s contribution to the Never Mind the Bollocks album. If memory serves me correctly, Glen only performed bass on one song, "Anarchy in the U.K.," but he is a credited songwriter on 10 out of the album's 12 tracks. Glen was replaced by Sid Vicious, who—because he couldn’t play to save his life—only appeared on one track, "Bodies". Guitarist Steve Jones actually performed the majority of the bass work on the album.

Regardless of the perspective taken, Glen was a vital part of Sex Pistols history. There is merit to the sentiment Steve Jones once expressed in an interview: the group likely would have recorded more albums if Matlock had stayed and if the band had not participated in the infamous television interview with Bill Grundy. While Glen was a primary catalyst in the band’s story, being essential to the songwriting and the music, his departure led to the introduction of Sid Vicious. It is a matter of historical debate whether the band would have achieved the same legendary status without that specific sequence of events. The chaos—replacing Glen with the iconic Sid, releasing only one album, and the eventual abrupt breakup—is what ultimately defined their legacy

As most who know me are aware, I am a lifelong fan of the Sex Pistols. My friend 

Dave

 is no different. He recently managed to obtain a signed copy of an EP by 

Glen Matlock

 called Sexy Beast. Released in 2017, it features a powerhouse lineup: 

Earl Slick

 on guitar, 

Slim Jim Phantom

 (of the Stray Cats) on drums, and 

Jim Lowe

 on bass. Dave gave this to me as a gift, and it is also signed by Earl Slick. To say this is awesome would be an understatement; I now have the autographs of three of the original Sex Pistols. Thank you, my friend! 

---

A funny moment with wrestler Gideon Vane and my son

 

A conversation with my four year old and wrestler Gideon Vane. 

 

Back in December, I took my son to his first wrestling show. Prior to the show he had only briefly seen wrestling on tv. But we went and he met Mick Foley and he signed his Mankind action figure and he was really psyched about that. I also introduced him to "Gideon Vane" and I purchased a skull mask from him for my son. Then the show started. He was having a great time. As I have said before I think he liked the "good guys" coming over and giving him fist bumps or high fives than the actual wrestling. His face really lit up when Fuego came out and took a photo with us and even jumped over and stood next to us. He quickly became a favorite of his. Then Gideon came out. "Hey that's the guy I got my mask from" he said. 

Fast forward to the "Have a Nice Day" show. I bring my son back as well as my nephew for his first show. Well my little guy wanted to talk to Gideon after we met Mick Foley. So we walked over and spoke with him. I had purchased a small photo for my son and nephew and Gideon signed them for the kiddos. He also took a photo with them. After he took the photo with them, my son started talking to him. It was hard to hear (especially a four year old) but that didn't stop my son. He started talking about the last time he had seen him wrestle in December. He was saying that Fuego was fast and did flips. "Yea Fuego is really fast" Gideon replied. "He was doing a lot of flips too" my son responded. " Yea, little man, I can't do that"/ Then straight from my sons mouth, "Well maybe you should practice" I damn near pissed myself. Gideon thought it was funny and said to him it was nice meeting you etc. I have always told my son that no one is good at everything. Most things take practice. So I can see why he said that. But it was hilarious to me. 

Cosmic Masque VII-Interview with Jamie Hill

 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

 

There are many things that have to come together to make a great horror movie. To me, a great horror movie isn't just about how much blood and guts can be squeezed into an hour and a half; a great horror movie has to have a plethora (thank you, El Guapo) of elements to make it work: a great cast, a brilliant story, and perfect sound effects. If you have those three things, you only need minimal gore.

Take one of my favorite horror movies: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre—the original, not any of the awful sequels (though I did like the second one), prequels, or remakes. At the very start of the movie, you have absolute, perfect narration by a young John Larroquette followed by a masterful intro. Some would call it simple; I would call it brilliant. That sound (if memory serves) mimicking a camera’s flashbulb and recharging was actually a tuning fork running down a piano wire. Then, you see the visuals of a body, presumably a victim of a recent grave robbery.

That opening sequence sets the tone for what I believe is the best horror movie ever made. It’s a film called The Texas Chainsaw Massacre that actually has very little blood and only one person killed by a chainsaw in the entire movie. It was the brilliant acting, visuals, story, and directing that made it a cinematic masterpiece—not just in horror, but in film, period.

And for those in the back: no, there was not a real Leatherface.

Skate Tough or Go Home

 

    Most people who know me personally know I skate. I don’t get out as often as I used to, but I still try when I find the time. I started back in sixth grade—I still remember my first board was a Sims with blue Bullet wheels. One thing I learned fast is the mutual respect between skaters. Most of the guys I skated with—(I won’t say all, because there were definitely some a-holes) as with anything—would look out for and help anyone who wasn't as good as them. I’ll be the first to admit there were tricks I only figured out because a fellow skater took the time to show me. And vice versa.

I remember back in the day, I’d never skated a bowl properly. 

Jeff Phillips Skatepark

 had just opened up. I didn’t know Jeff yet, but during a "lock-in"—where they’d basically lock us kids in overnight to skate—Jeff saw me struggling. I couldn’t quite figure out how to carve the corners in the bowl. After a few pointers from him, I was carving with the best of them, even rail-sliding the entire end of the bowl. 

But like I said, you’d get the occasional a-hole. Some guy who’d lose it on a kid who was just starting out and didn't know the etiquette yet—taking too long to get off the ramp, "snaking" someone’s line, or accidentally running into people. I’ll admit, sometimes the anger was warranted, especially when someone’s inexperience was actually dangerous. No one got violent, but there was a lot of yelling. Usually, it’d start with, “Hey, wait your turn!” but if they didn’t listen, someone ended up getting hurt. I’d be lying if I said I didn't lose my cool sometimes, too, but I always tried to help where I could. Sometimes you have to figure it out yourself, but for most people, a little guidance goes a long way. The kids who actually listened gained the most; I know it worked for me.

A few years later, Jeff started letting bikers and rollerbladers in. Man, that was a whole other can of worms. I remember a biker on the spine losing it—his bike went flying and almost took out everyone on the deck. It tumbled down the transition and the pedal just shredded the Masonite. Back then, the different crowds rarely mixed well. At least from my perspective, it felt that way. But that’s a different story; I’m getting off track.

Most skaters were supportive, which is how it should be. Why wouldn’t you be? You’re into the same thing. Every skater learns from the next one. You should always try to help the people who aren't quite there yet. It reminds me of something from about ten years ago. My son and I were skating a free city park in Dallas. It was made of that weatherproof material—the name escapes me, but you know the stuff.

We were hitting the mini ramp. I got on the deck and waited my turn. There was this little kid there, maybe eight or ten. He’d put his board on the coping, then take it off. Put it on, take it off. He looked scared shitless, but he clearly wanted to do it. We were like, “Just go for it, little dude! If you fall, just get back up. That’s how you learn. It won’t hurt forever. You got this.” He backed off, stood back, and said, “You can go.”

So I started talking to him, walking him through the drop-in. “Put this foot here, this one here, and lean forward. But not too much—just balance it out.” I told him, “Watch, just like this.” I dropped in fast, grinded almost the entire mini, came back the other side, and grinded that too. But as I was coming back down the transition, my board fishtailed. I flew the entire length of the flat and drilled my elbow right into the other transition. I jumped up immediately, hopped back on my board, and finished. I waited on the deck with my elbow hurting like a mofo, though I didn't tell him that.

My son and I watched as the kid put his board back on the coping, thought for literally a second, and dropped in. The look on that kid’s face? Absolutely priceless. It made the whole thing worth it. Afterward, I looked at the spot where I fishtailed. Turns out some kids before us had sprayed something on the coping and it had dripped down the ramp. I thought my elbow was just bruised, so I didn't go to the doctor right away. A week later, the bruising started spreading. Long story short: I’d broken it.

Even though it hurt like hell, it gave that kid the confidence to do something he was terrified to try, which is awesome. Does he still skate? Who knows. Will he remember it? No idea. I know I will. Long story short: always try to help people. Will it change the world? Hell no. But we all need a boost of confidence once in a while. Now get out there and skate.

Eerie Von

           Having been a fan of his since I was really young. I first started listing to him play when Z-Rock was played here in Dallas (94.5 before The Edge was there). Those who knew me in jr high and high school knew how big of a fan I was. Being a friend of Glenn Danizig, he was the official photographer of the Misfits. At the time, he was also the drummer of Rosemary’s Babies. Glenn also invited him to become a drummer for the Misfits, but he declined to stay with Rosemary’s Babies. 

          After the Misfits disbanded, he and Glenn formed Samhain. Eerie was originally the drummer before quickly switching to bass. In 86 Samhain was signed by Rick Rubin. After London and Pete was replaced by John Christ and Chuck Biscuits, Samhain would be no more. The name would then change to Danzig. Eerie would stay with the band for the first four albums  as well as the EP Thrall: Demonsweatlive. Those four albums and that EP were the best that Danzig ever put on tape. Glenn, John, Eerie, & Chuck were IMO the best lineup that Danzig ever had. I have only seen Danzig play live once. It was here in Dallas at the Bomb Factory during the Thrall tour. I also had the chance to meet Eerie back in 2008 in Arlington. He was so cool to meet and would answer any question you had. Recently I had the rare opportunity to obtain Eerie’s autograph. Eerie graciously signed my photos of he and I. Thank you so much Eerie. I truly appreciate it. 

 

Felix Silla

 Over years I have met a handful of people whose work I really admire. Most times I try to get an autograph or a photo with. Then there are the very select few that I have met, been a fan of all my life, and don’t get either one. But the one thing that I do get is the memory. There’s only few things that I like to do more than share those memories. Let’s go back to Riley’s childhood. Most of my positive memories involve my Granny. During the Summer, holidays, & sick days. Pretty much anytime I was out of school. I was at my Granny’s house. She had her “shows” and we had our “shows”. And my favorite out of “our” shows, was The Addams Family. Even though it came out a little before my time, I sat and watched it and loved every second of it. Even though I loved pretty much every character on the show, at the top of my list was Cousin Itt. Cousin Itt was portrayed by the great Felix Silla . Mr Silla has been in so many of my favorite productions it’s not even funny. From Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings, Buck Rogers, Spaceballs, & Jedi to name some. 

Fast forward to 2019, my son Joseph and I are going to meet my friend Mike Quinn. Who was in town for a charity drive at a local toy store. We are talking to Mike and I get a couple things signed by him. Dominic Pace was also there but we didn’t speak other than a hello and handshake. But Felix Silla was there as well. He was over there talking to me and playing with Joseph. I was so excited to meet him. I shook his hand and expressed my admiration. I didn’t want to take up more time that I needed to. Because they were there for a different reason. So Mike signed my items and took some photos with Joseph and I. Well, guess who took all of the photos. Yep, none other than Felix Silla himself. It was a truly memorable experience. Well today it was announced that we lost Felix due to pancreatic cancer. I never did get his autograph or a photo with him, but I will take my memories meeting him over that any day. He gave me my personal trifecta of memories. Ties in with my childhood, my Granny, & my son. RIP Felix you will be missed.