The House That Russ Built

March 31st, 2009

Strange us not all being together for a couple of days. I didn’t see it coming, but quickly felt exposed without family Brand, like I’d woken up in one of those ‘naked from the waist down dreams’ in the middle of Sydney airport. Sorry Russ, I’ve just realised that might be a slightly insensitive analogy considering recent events.

As you know we’ve all split for a few days holiday having finished in Oz with some scintillating gigs. In fact, I’d say the first night in Melbourne was one of his best ever…..adlibs and vocabulary pouring from him like a burst dam. Very proud we were.

Obviously with the schedule we’ve been keeping everyone, particularly Russ was due a bit of time off. However, the group goodbye on Sunday seemed laden with a surprising poignancy, like the end of summer camp. Don’t worry it was still littered with typical innuendo and fart jokes, but if I’m not mistaken even ol’Russ had a slight glaze in his eye. I know we all did.

It must be the intensity of the experience and the lack of hiding places that’s galvanised everyone. Each person diligently managing their aspect of the operation with a respect and understanding for the others – all pulling in the same direction. Inspiring.

See, despite the prolific speed at which he’s been rising, Russell’s success is built on solid foundations. A set of foundations he has built himself. For a man who confesses to using his “mental illness for a job” he is a cunning judge of character and a very motivational leader. “Hello, ‘Cult Awareness’ how can I help you?” “Yeah it’s about my boss…”

Nah, what I’m saying is that the people he surrounds himself with are testament to him. Because now I’m home alone in a foreign city I’ve realise the stability the network around you provides. It’s tricky now, because while on tour certain elements of your regular life are taken care of so that the show can be the main focus. When I was this week confronted by the simple task of collecting baggage and finding a taxi my bottom lip dropped and I cried for my mummy.

I guess the danger if you’re not careful could be a weird detachment. Something that must be avoided at all costs. I recently heard that Bono’s wife makes him stay in a hotel for an extra 2 weeks before he’s allowed home from touring so he can readjust to family life. I guess this came about after he phoned his 5 year old daughter for room service and then offered his teenage son the pick of the groupies. Naughty Bono.

I’d laugh if when Russell arrives home there is a note on his front door signed off with a paw print stating: “Until you realise that cats can’t make double expresso you are booked into the Dorchester. Kind Regards Morrissey.’

Perhaps it’s best we’ll all just live together from now on.

by Producer Jack

70 Responses to “The House That Russ Built”

  1. @jubrok says:

    japes, personally, i reckon felines make great espressos. the only problem is, the little buggers don’t know how to keep there hair out of it

  2. Lee says:

    Who’s this written by exactly?

  3. bigbelbess says:

    Good morning rusty,miss seeing you being gossiped about in the tabloids,the picture of you above is stunning,very much a david blane pose, keep on rocking the rocket

  4. TURTLEGIRL73 says:

    Crazy Russell :)

  5. Jesse says:

    This is adorably sweet and a lovely tribute to the joys of when friends become family.
    Kudos.

  6. Hannah says:

    That’s so sweet. Nice to hear about the human side of the Russell Extravaganza.

  7. EightySixThat says:

    Aaah it was Jack.

    V cute post – had often wondered if by end of tour you’re all ready to strangle each other (given how family holidays often are).

  8. sigrid says:

    Nice to hear about ol’russ from someone else-funny my cat jumped up as I was reading the end-i think she loves morrisey!-coco 4 morrisey 4 life!

    ps. just quietly when is russ coming back to oz already? i was excited about the show for so long and it was amazing and the after party was well I wouldnt say amazing but definitely exciting…but now Im depleted and have nothing Russ to look forward to-come back soon!

  9. THECODECLUB says:

    COOL

  10. THECODECLUB says:

    COOL PRODUCER U HAVE ^^

  11. Marie clr says:

    Hi Rusty,&Jack,it is so nice to know that in this celebrity mad world,there are still some humble and down to earth”celebs” who actually care about humanity and their fellow man or woman.Keep up the good work,love u Russ!

  12. Melissa says:

    That’s so cool. I love hearing about the behind the scenes stuff that goes on with the “family Brand” haha. :] Thank you!

  13. Tony says:

    It IS the “vocabulary”, isn’t it… you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the most memorable thing that pours from him. He’d probably tell us different and go and change his shirt, but I’m convinced that, yes, it has to be the vocabulary… stainless. I was thinking the other day that I’d hate to be one of those people who become sick of seeing his face in the tabloids, yet have never sat down and really listened to him. For me, the best thing about Russ is that he avoids being one of those typically British comics who become known by a single catchphrase that becomes a burden whenever they try to adapt to new material or new media. Neither is Russ shackled by the context of a sitcom set or a film role apart. He shook off his association with Big Brother just as easily as he will adapt to any new situation, and is perfectly placed to comment on any topic and make it painfully funny. Happy foundationing!

  14. Sarah says:

    you’re a little tribal family :)

  15. ego massager says:

    Wtf? Now he’s got his hangers on blogging. No wonder Matt Morgan jumped ship.

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