Six months ago I decided to fulfill an ambition to write, record and release an album. I was working against time as I have Motor Neurone Disease - a horrible, terminal illness with no effective treatment or cure and an average life expectancy of between 2-5 years. The album is also part of a nationwide campaign of ‘optimism’ which raises money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Well, we finished the album and we are very proud of it. In fact it’s a good job we recorded when we did as I am now no longer able to play drums as my motor neurones die and my muscles weaken. Had I delayed the decision to go ahead with the recording and had my band mates been unable to commit their time, energies and talent at such short notice then ‘Alistair The Optimist’ would not have been completed – or if it had then it would have involved me pushing buttons and not actually playing on the tracks (not a very satisfying outcome).
The feedback from people who have bought the album has been very positive so far and we have even received a few 5* reviews. At the moment it is available as a download via itunes and Amazon with 22% of the proceeds going to the MND Association. A CD will also be able to buy from the MND Association online shop by the end of January, 100% of the profit will go to the MND Association.
In addition to the album you will soon be able to download the music and lyrics for all the songs on ‘Alistair The Optimist’ via this website. This means you will be able to sing and play along with the CD or even play and record your own versions of our tunes – brilliant!
I don’t want to spill all the beans about how we intend to market the CD, but I wanted to let you know that two music videos are currently in production (possibly a third soon) one of which is to be filmed in Los Angeles and the other in erm……..Somerset. We all hope the videos get lots of hits on YouTube and promote the message of ‘incurable optimism’ to the wider world.
Right, I’d better go…….I’m busy, busy, busy and typing this has taken ages – bloody useless fingers aaargh!
very exciting times ahead with launch of cd and videos……………..look forward to seeing and hearing everything x
posted by carolyn fagan on January 10, 2012
Really loving the blogs and the music. Theme for this year’s GCSE Drama is ‘Everyone has a story that has to be told’. It is so important that you keep telling us and that we keep passing it on. xxxx
posted by kate on January 10, 2012
Yeah Alistair. Really looking forward to getting the album (I’m a technophobe… so I’m not I Tunes compatible yet!!!). You’re an inspiration – love hearing about your exploits and optimism. I don’t know you or your family – but you mean a lot to all of us who have a loved one affected by MND. Thank you for being you!
posted by Caroline Reddish on January 11, 2012
Album is great. Amazing job, well done to all. All the best with the filming, can’t wait to see the output. Much love Xxx
posted by Caite on January 21, 2012
I heard you on 5 Live this morning. You are amazing. Talented and inspiring, your attitude and strength is a gift to so many people.
posted by Caitlin Sell on May 7, 2012