GHQ Magazine Issue 11

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GHQ LIFESTYLE / CRIME / ENTERTAINMENT

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FILM WITH GHQ FACT NOT FICTION JEFF TURNER – SIX PUNCH COMBINATION

PAUL FERRIS

COMEDY WE ALL NEED IT BEFORE IT WAS FOOTBALL

MY VOICE

CASUALS DON’T DRESS LIKE A F*CKING TRAMP

GEORGE ANASTASIA

LEGEND MOB REPORTER TALKS

11 WHERE’S BULLA

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KING OF

CONTENT ISSUE 11 - 2021

FILM WITH GHQ FACT NOT FICTION JEFF TURNER – SIX PUNCH COMBINATION WHERES BULLA COMEDY WE ALL NEED IT BEFORE IT WAS FOOTBALL CASUALS FERRIS MY VOICE DON’T DRESS LIKE A F*KNG TRAMP MOB CRIME REPORTER GEORGE ANASTASIA

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The body, the look, the lifestyle, the gamble, the money, the entertainment, the sports, the cars and of course the women.

Welcome aboard and to Gentleman’s Head Quarters. We live in a world that is ever-changing. Success can be measured in different contexts and on any level of what is deemed important, what is found within and how it is delivered. That is exactly what GHQ is! Each and every issue, GHQ will deliver a full content, no holds barred insight to everything you’d expect for the discerning gentlemen and all others who wish to follow.

So tie up your laces, pop your collars and get ready for a nitrofuelled cutting edge delivery of nothing short of the dogs bollocks!

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FILM WITH GHQ

British Film & Cult Classics - Why the UK is Known as THE BEST! We all have a few; some more than others, but there’s no denying that British film has reached more of a cult status than any other. Why, you may ask? Well, if you were to simply employ the reasoning and actual justification in what makes a film earn the title of ‘cult’ status, there’d be little room for debate thereafter.

The terminology of what a cult film or respective of your location, cult movie (also commonly referred to as a cult classic), is a film that has acquired a cult following. Cult films are respectively known for a dedicated, passionate fanbase which has built an elaborate 'subculture' and group of followers that regularly engage in repeated viewings, dialoguequoting, and audience participation.

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So, what or how does it become a British cult film?

There's an actual charity called the British Film Institute, who through a series of scoring, can officially label a film British if it passes a "cultural test". The cultural test looks at whether the characters speak English, whether British locations are used, and whether the cast and crew are British. A film has to score at least 16 points out of 31 to pass. So, by this standard, a film can be a British cult classic.

The armchair supporters.

Armchair supporters and johnny come late (Fickle fans) on the internet have latched on to released films, only to abandon them later once realising that the film (or subject matter) is one they don't identify with (or understand). While the 'die hard' and cult fans have remained, allowing such cult films to remain as relevant today as when the films were released, in many cases decades ago.

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Some timeless British cult films:

Trainspotting (1996) One of the biggest British cult films that has been birthed within our generation. A film that still continues to be a global success, gaining a larger and equally appreciative audience every year.

One that is still considered a classic comedy crime film.

Following the story, the viewer will gain (or reminder) of what was for some a very real drug culture, that as much was a tarnished stain on working class existence, was one that existed in the UK back in the 1980s. Here, and for a little over 1 1/2 hours, you'll experience style, music and relationships that lived within this sub-culture.

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Quadrophenia (1979).

This should be as much a no brainer as much a one for everyone’s’ film collection. Arrogance, confidence and above all else - STYLE! The film is set against the soundtrack of The Who’s 1973 album “Quadrophenia”. Phil Daniels, plays Jimmy, a London based, pill popping working-class lad that embraces everything that is 'Mod'. A representation of the working class, anti- establishment youth of the time - hated his job, the demands from society and what is deemed 'the norm', and equally as much everything that doesn't translate into what fits into his schedule and lifestyle.

At night, Jimmy comes alive - the dresser, the partier, scooters and life as he believes it should be; a visionary (in his own mind) and above all - A MOD. Fans of the, The Who will consider this a must!

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This Is England (2006) The characters alone make the film a cult classic. Their roles that highlight the decisions many teens face and make are ones that are complimented by not only the actors but also the writer of this truly timeless masterpiece. This British drama, profiling the negatives (and one that had a very small percentage) of the skinhead subculture that so many young people were a part of. The music and rhetoric is one that we all (born of the 60s and 70s) will easily identify with and remember. This is England has been dubbed as one of the best films to come out of Britain within the last 5 decades and it's easy to see why -this is an incredible, very well written story that follows a young mind trying to navigate a life, that pulls and pushes at a boy still dealing with the turmoil of losing his father.

Surrounded by conflict, bitterness and the everyday anguish, the actor played by Thomas Turgoose is saved by those that truly are his friends.

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VINNIE JONES

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) Some will argue, Guy Ritchie’s, 'Snatch' is deserving of a spot; and I'd agree, but this little gem is one that will still be mentioned. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie, produced by Matthew Vaughn and starring an ensemble cast that has been a corner stone and identifiable cast of British tv and film for many years, before and after the 'Locks.....' first release.

A film whose theme is (largely) based around a botched card game in London, that triggers (no pun intended) four friends, thugs, weed-growers, hard gangsters, loan sharks and debt collectors to collide in a chaotic and yet well scripted plot with each other in a series of unexpected events, all for the sake of weed, cash and two antique shotguns. The outcome and aftermath give a justified response and much appreciated ending for anyone that truly 'gets' British comedy.

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GHQ

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GHQ’s Fact not Fiction!

In 2007, Iran arrested 14 squirrels on suspicion of espionage!

The Iranian government reportedly said, “these squirrels are strapped to the spy equipment of Western intelligence agencies.” The squirrels are still awaiting trial, but the respective government feels this is a Fact!

Diamonds can be cultivated. Add methane gas to the diamond seeds, and the diamond seeds will grow at a rate of 0.007 millimeters per hour, and 1 carat diamonds can be grown in a week. Wait for this to appear on Blue Peter. Save yourself a few quid – And that’s a Fact!

The Tuna needs to swim constantly, and if it stops, it will suffocate and die. If the tuna stops swimming, it will die of suffocation due to lack of oxygen. This breathing method of opening the mouth so that the water flows directly through the gills to inhale oxygen is called impingement breathing, and tuna belongs to this kind. So tuna will actually swim while sleeping.

Just ask David Attenborough – He’ll tell you, “it’s a Fact!”

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Most of the oxygen on the earth does not come from trees, but is dominated by algae in the ocean. But you can still hug a tree and be a nice person – That’s a given and a Fact!

The distance from the United States to Russia is less than four kilometers. That’s a geological – Fact!

In the mouth of a cow, its upper jaw has no teeth, and only its lower jaw has teeth – please don’t bother cows, trust us – Fact!

It was once refuted, but after further scientific study, it has been declared that Sperm Whales Standing in the ocean when they are sleeping -So it’s a confirmed GHQ Fact!

Ants won’t get injured from falling, no matter how high they fall, they won’t get injured. Don’t try this at home. Just accept this is a - Fact!

The Amazon River is listed as the second longest in the world in length AND the largest in flow in the world, but there is no bridge across the entire river. That’s 3 Facts!

People can suffer from a psychological disorder called Boanthropy that makes them believe that they are a cow. They try to live their life as a cow. – This is a scientific Fact!

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JEFF TURNER – SIX PUNCH COMBINATION FISTS FROM FURY?

Welcome to 2021. There don’t seem to be much to look forward to! Everybody longing for summer days, the reopening of pubs, gigs to resume and fans let back into sports stadiums. If we are stuck in lockdown for another 6 months or more, the one thing I would love to see happen is fury vs Joshua. This would arguably be the biggest all British title fight in boxing history, but am I the only one who is sick of all the stalling tactics and just wants this fight announced. The nation is begging for it, a true grudge match that will surely break all ppv records. I understand that negotiations between both fighters, management and TV rights takes some haggling, but we never seem to be any nearer to the fight being signed, sealed and delivered. A domestic grudge fight always gets the great British public excited. I’m gonna list 4 of the biggest all British heavyweight grudge fights within my life -time.

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1.JOE BUGNER VS HENRY COOPER 16/03/71 The controversy over Bugners points win against Cooper is debated today. Strangely the dislike between the two boxers started once the fight had finished. Cooper was the much-loved British fan favourite, he had won 3 Lonsdale belts and was the reigning British, commonwealth and European heavyweight champion. He was 36 years old and had announced that the Bugner fight would be he’s last. Bugner (born Jozef KreulBugner) was born in Hungary, moving to England as a refugee when 6 years old. He had just turned 21 she challenged Cooper for he’s titles at Wembley’s empire pool. After 15 close rounds, referee Harry Gibbs raised Bugners hand as the winner by the narrowest of margins, ¼ of a point. The crowd roared their disapproval, a barrage of objects were thrown into the ring, aimed at both Bugner and referee Gibbs. Ironically Cooper known as a true gent and twice voted BBC sports personality of the year was anything but after the verdict went against him.

He was always vocally very bitter about the result claiming that under handedness went on before the fight. He never spoke to referee Gibbs for 28 years after, 6 months before Gibbs death.

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Bugner disgracefully was forever vilified by the British public after he’s victory. He fought the great Joe Frazier in 1973, putting up a sterling performance in a loosing cause, before challenging Muhammed Ali for the world heavyweight championship in 1975, losing a wide decision in which was deemed a totally tame attempt to take the title. Bugner retired in 1976 and made sporadic comebacks with some success. He moved to Australia in 1986 reinventing himself as Aussie Joe and finally retired from boxing in 1999 aged 49.

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2.LENNOX LEWIS VS FRANK BRUNO 01/10/93

The fight billed as the battle of Britain took place at Cardiff Arms Park. Lewis at the time was the undefeated WBC heavyweight champion making the 2nd defence of he’s title. Challenger Bruno was attempting to win the crown at he’s 3rdattempt.

Lewis was born in East London, at the age of 12 he immigrated with he’s mother to Canada. He had an outstanding amateur career culminating in winning the Olympic super heavyweight gold medal in Seoul in 1988.

There was an immediate scramble for Lewis signature to turn pro. Instead of signing with a big American backed outfit, he surprisingly returned to England to sign terms with Fledgling manager/promoter Frank Maloney. Lewis claimed to have always considered himself British, but in the eyes of many sceptics he was Canadian and fighting under a British flag of convenience. Bruno was the most British heavyweight since Henry Cooper. Always forgiven by the public when he was beaten and always in line for a big money fight due to his enormous popularity

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Bruno jockeyed himself into position to challenge Lewis having remained unbeaten since he’s loss to Tyson 4 years earlier and he was certainly envious of Lewis ascension to the throne. It would be the first world heavyweight title fight in history between two British born fighters. Bruno lit the touch paper for the needle by describing Lewis as not British, claiming nobody cared about Lennox in the UK, basically saying he was a fraud.

Lewis countered by calling Bruno a uncle Tom, accusing him of being a serial looser who mugged himself of appearing in ridiculous TV ads and pantomimes.

Lewis was the prefight favourite, unbeaten in 23 fights with 19 wins inside the distance. Bruno gave a good account of himself.

He took the fight to Lewis and at the end of the 6th round, two judges had it even and the 3rd had Bruno in front. In the 7th after momentarily being shaken by Bruno, Lewis turned the tables and rocked Bruno with a left hook and the hit him with a salvo of head punches leaving Bruno defenseless. Referee Micky Vann stopped the contest, Lewis had prevailed. It was a bitter pill for Frank to swallow. Two years later he would eventually win WBC version of the title, beater Oliver McCall on an emotional night at Wembley stadium. After losing he’s WBC crown to McCall in 1994 Lewis would avenge this loss in 1997 and go on to become undisputed heavyweight champion two years later. He is arguably one of the top ten heavyweight champs of all time.

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3.DAVID HAYE VS DERECK CHISORA 14/07/2012 This grudge fight took place at Upton Park, the then home of West Ham United and build as licensed to thrill. Haye was a household name, he won WBA and WBC cruiserweight titles beaten holder Jean-Marc Mormeck in 2007, coming off the floor in the 4th round to stop the champion in the 7th. The following year he disposed of Welshman Enzo Macaranelli in two rounds in a unification fight at the o2 arena, picking up the WBO crown.

Next, he moved up to heavyweight where the big money lured him. In 2009 he took on the 7-foot tall Russian giant Nikolai Valuev for his WBA heavyweight belt. Haye won a boring split decision over possibly one of the worst ever World boxing titlist in any weight division. After a couple of ‘gimme’ defences Haye went to Germany to fight Ukrainian Vladimir Klitschko who held the WBC and WBO versions of the title. Haye certainly talked a good fight and could never resist bad mouthing Klitschko. Haye put up a ultra timid display. Running and grabbing at every opportunity he lost a wide points verdict. He done himself no favours at all at the post fight press conference claiming that a breaking toe was the reason for he’s Lame showing. He was widely ridiculed after this and announced he’s retirement.

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Chisora turned pro in 2007 after a short but successful amateur career. He won he’s first 14 fights before losing to Tyson Fury in 2011. After only having 17 Pro contests he got a shot at Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko (brother of Vladimir) for the WBC heavyweight title in Munich. After slapping Klitschko at the weigh in, Chisora duly lost unanimous points decision. At the post fight press conference Haye showed up. Chisora goaded him about he’s sore toe excuse and Hayever balled him back.

Chisora left the stage to go after Haye who planted a right hand straight on Chisora jaw. All hell broke loose as the fight continued before security pulled them apart.

Chisora claimed that Haye had glassed him and he would shoot Haye on sight the fight had to be made. On the 14th of July 2012 at Upton Park, 30, 000 punters were there to witness Haye stop Chisora in 5 average rounds. A lot of bark but not too much bite.

Strangely enough in 2018 Haye became Chisora’s manager.

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4.JOSHUA VS WHYTE 15/12/2015

This grudge fight was held at the o2 arena London and build as bad intentions. Joshua and Whyte met in 2009 as amateurs.

Whyte floored Joshua on route to winning a points decision.

Whyte turned pro in 2011, he won he’s first 9 fights before failing a drug test, receiving a two-year ban. Joshua won the super heavy Olympic gold medal in London 2012 and became the golden boy. He was a huge fans favourite and darling of the media. Whytes license was returned to him in 2014 and he was beating the drum to fight the fellow unbeaten Joshua. The slanging match got under way, Joshua bringing up Whytes drug ban and Whyte reminding Joshua of his conviction for possession of 8 ounces of cannabis found in he’s merc on a routine-police stop. The fight was made for December the 15th2015 and sold out immediately. Joshua was 14-0 with 14 ko’s and Whyte 16-0 (13 ko’s) it was a explosive fight. From the opening bell they went at it. Joshua had the better of their exchanges and connected with a punch after the bell. Whyte lost it and went after him, both corners restored calm.

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In the 2ndround, after being mainly on the receiving end Whyte landed a left hook which wobbled Joshua, but he couldn’t finish him. From that point onwards Joshua started to gain control. In round 7 he detonated a right uppercut flush on Whytes chin dropping him heavily. Whyte was never gonna beat the count and ref Howard Foster waved the fight off - Joshua was a worthy winner. The grudge between the two fighters still exists at this moment in time.

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Where’s Bulla?

Bulla, as we all know is a well-known and to some, dangerous criminal, who back in 2011 was released from prison after serving 16 years for armed robbery (many have defended Bulla in favour of his innocence).

However, as soon as he was released back into main-stream, and what should’ve been an everyday life and routine, Bulla found that everything that was once part of his life and ownership, had been taken over by a corrupt police officer named Conrad. The very same bent cozza who put Bulla behind bars. Bulla vowed and was successful in regaining everything that was once his.

Since then, the infamous, but likeable scoundrel has gone on the missing list. Being the curious cats that we are, we felt it only part of our civic duty, to track down the East-End hard man and see how things were going.

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After several phone calls, a message was sent and received via two kebab shops, a pie n mash stall, a man, who only wished to be known as one-eyed Lenny, a champion racing pigeon and an aunt Lou, (who we’re told is the best person for fencing moody gold) we got word that Bulla was alive and well and in fact was willing to have a meet at a well-known haunt for notorious villains – the meet was set for a place known by only a select few connected people – One-arm Bill’s allotment, deep in rural Essex.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed, then ushered into a very befitting, over-sized shed, with all the luxuries and comfort you could wish for in the middle of a field. As we entered the allotment shed, we were told by our welcoming guest, Bulla, that this was in fact an allotment that went back several generations by all of the families that grew everything from award-winning rhubarb to the best and nationally recognised beet root in the whole of the U.K.

Sitting down for a little chat with the man in question, our attention was once again directed to the walls decorated with a combination of trophies and plaques. Upon being told of the great success from growing such award-winning crops, in perfect syncronised harmony, we all nodded and said, “very nice” (who were we to disagree!), as we in turn sipped on our cups of tea and help ourselves to the assortment of plain and chocolate biscuits that were on offer.

In his known and energetic way, with a flurry of arm waving and hand-signals that would warn off any low flying aircraft, Bulla began explaining how and why he wished to simply ‘crack-on with the interview,’ after all, he was still a busy man.

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GHQ: So, where’s Bulla been?

Bulla: Where he normally is, in lockdown, the only difference between his and other people’s lockdown is he loves it, a bit of solitary in a strong box cell never hurt anyone! Can't beat a bit of your own company and there's always the voices in your head to talk to.

GHQ: Is there any truth in the rumors that Bulla has been going straight in terms of work?

Bulla: The only work Bulla will be doing involves some big corporation being relieved of a big lump of readies! Obviously, I'll be masked up and wearing gloves, you've gotta keep it Covid friendly!

GHQ: We’ve also been given word on good authority, that Bulla’s favourite past time is now yoga, reading and writing – is this true?

Bulla: I like a bit of mindfulness, anger management and chucking the odd screw off the landing!

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Liverpool GHQ: Is it true Bulla was considering a career in politics?

Bulla: I'm in talks with some world leaders at the moment about launching the Bulla party on my release... it's gonna be a bit like the green party, but obviously a bit more spiteful!

GHQ: Bulla was allegedly seen giving advice to both banking and investment officials - any comment?

Bulla: Only the same advice I always give ‘em, don't look at me, put the money in the sack, behave yourself and you won't get hurt!

GHQ: Staying healthy – Bulla’s top tips for staying in shape

Bulla: Have a lovely 2021.

It felt like no sooner than we arrived, we’re off again. The GHQ team heading in one direction, Bulla the opposite, with his trademark saying, “it’s nice to be nice” being heard as he disappeared behind a fleet of vehicles and suited and booted henchmen, all displaying all the warmth and welcoming of an undertaker’s box.

God Bless our friendly villain Bulla

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Comedy – We all need it!

Stand-up comedy is typically delivered by a solo performer speaking directly to an audience. The sole agenda and mission of any comedian is seeking the audience’s approval – this is measured by a few things; the crowd’s laughter and the comedians return for the next show. As one stand-up once said, “The audience's feedback for any stand-up performance, even from the moment they enter the venue, is instant and crucial for the comedian's survival and their ever-changing act.”

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Stand-up, at least in the form it is known today, is said to be fairly recent in terms of an entertainment phenomenon. Some would suggest it was first developed in the United States and stand ups origins in the comic lecturers of Mark Twain, who toured the country in the 19th century. Few would argue (if the start is accepted being that of the US) that the comedian who probably did the most to make stand-up comedy a staple of American popular entertainment was Bob Hope, a British-born former vaudeville song-and-dance man. Richard Prior and George Carlin are still considered two of the most iconic of American stand-up comedians. Both had gained a huge level of success in mainstream and a strong following internationally.

George Carlin, by many standards was a bit of a comedy anomaly; his style was more of a cutting level of sarcasm. This was clearly seen after he’d gained a successful career in mainstream, who he then turned his back on. By the end of the 1960s Carlin reinvented himself as the comedic voice of the counterculture—skewering the war culture, middle-class hypocrisy, and his own Catholic upbringing.

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British stand-up comedy is also said to have had its origins in early to mid 1800s. It was the music-hall performers of the era (19th and early 20th century) that would entertain in small ‘cellar drinking clubs’ and ‘dens’. They were known and promoted as ‘gentleman only’ evenings and after-show drinking venues for gentlemen who performed in the London theatre. Because of the heavy censorship regime of the Lord Chamberlain's Office (until 1968) all comedians were required to submit their acts for censorship. The act would be returned with unacceptable sections underlined in blue pencil (giving rise to the term ‘blue’ for a comedian whose act is considered lewd or ‘off colour’). The comedian was then obligated not to deviate from the act in its edited form.

Performers such as Billy Connolly, Mike Harding and Jasper Carrott started as relatively straight musical acts whose between-song banter developed into complete comedy routines. Bernard Manning is largely accepted as one of the most known to have gained early notoriety for his over the line, stand-up routines in working-men’s clubs. The present British stand-up comedy circuit arose from the 'alternative' comedy revolution of the 1980s, with political and observational humor being the prominent styles to flourish.

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JOSH JAMES COMEDY Stand-up has evolved immensely over the last decade, and no better example can be seen than with Josh James. Using a combination of social media platforms (something that can be argued has been largely ignored) and his stand-up routines, the young comic has gained popularity and a level of success early on in his career. So, what better way to gain some insight and understanding to the ins and outs of what makes a stand-up do what they do!

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GHQ: Firstly, who and where are you from?

J.J: Josh James - I was born at Harold Wood Hospital in Romford on 27th December 1990. I have spent most of my life living in Brentwood and I attended a Catholic school in Hornchurch. I was suspended around 5 times throughout school as nothing much kept my attention and I enjoyed making people laugh and being the class clown. I wasn’t a horrible kid just very naughty.

The only subject I really enjoyed was English because I loved to write - my passion for writing and creating stories has never left me.

From a young age I wanted to be a Comedian and the comedy hero’s in my household were always Peter Kay and Billy Connolly - we had all their DVDs and video tapes of their performances. When I was about 13 years old my parents took me to a Jongluers comedy night in Chelmsford and I watched Ricky Grover headline and absolutely tear the roof off the place.

I’ve never meet Ricky but if I ever do then I will thank him because that was a huge moment for me in wanting to be a stand-up comedian. From that moment on I just know what I wanted to do.

I’m now 30 years old and living my dream as a stand-up comedian! I love it. I am not a global superstar (nor do I want to be) but I’m lucky enough to perform at some of the best comedy clubs in the UK. Nonetheless I just do it for the love of creating and performing comedy and hope I’m always able to do it in some capacity.

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GHQ: Comedy is (largely) a valued and necessary part of what gets us through the working week. For many it is also a healthy distraction from the struggles and trials of life.

J.J: Absolutely, life would be terribly shit without humour wouldn’t it? We’ve all got to have a laugh, most of us take life far to seriously in order to get that nicer car or bigger house but really all that stuff is a load of materialistic rubbish ain’t it? It doesn’t matter. Lighten up.

GHQ: Comedy can be a way for many comedians as a way to mask personal pain/ issues - how has comedy helped you ?

J.J: Yeh it’s helped me massively. Like most comedians I am a certified nutcase and strangers laughing at my jokes makes me feel a little better. Pathetic really.

GHQ: Your best source for comedy (sketches) J.J: My best source of comedy use to come from my Nan without a doubt, but unfortunately she decided to die a few months ago which was incredibly selfish of her. My comedy career is now in tatters.

GHQ: Freedom of speech is the catalyst and backbone for all comedians!

J.J: I agree! (Although I’m probably not allowed to say that) GHQ: Who would your dream gig be with?

J.J: Performing on a line up with Aziz Ansari, Bo Burnham, Kevin Bridges and Micky Flanagan would probably be the ideal. And doing it at the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green would be great as that place is like home to me! And lastly a nice constant supply of tea and biscuits throughout would make the night absolutely orgasmic.

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Before it was ‘Football Casuals!’

If there’s any credit to be given to the level of both authenticity and originality that the working class has given the world (with regard to an iconic time period), it has to be with the casual movement. A time and generation that has long outweighed (open to debate of course!) many others. Even those in dispute, can’t argue, as much as the mods, skins, rockers and a few other trends (ouch!) have been respectively and rightfully placed on the shelf of a ‘working-class creation,’ the casuals have made an impression like no other. BUT – was this a creation exclusively of the football lads (the age-old story of Liverpool fans in Europe has been done to death)! Iconic brands such as Fila, Adidas, Sergio have been sported (excuse the pun) long before terrace lads turned up in, over-trusting staffed, European clothes shops and boutiques.

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When breakdancing crews where around in the mid to late 70’s and visiting the UK as early as the 80’s, highly placed on their list was to look ‘fresh’ and have a level of mobility and an outfit that worked with them when they were spinning about on the heads, elbows and every other limb (a pair of Levi’s would’ve never worked!) It’s been documented (as much as the casual movement) breakdancing is said to be one of, if not the oldest parts of hip-hop culture. In the late 1960s, Bambaataa formed and was one of the earliest dance crews, the Zulu Kings; gradually developing a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in breakdancing circles in not only the local community, but across all the New York boroughs - and here lays a valid point The world famous, and unquestionably, the most important breakdancing (collectively) in hip-hop history was the Rock Steady Crew. Breakdance crews were heavily clad in Adidas, Fila track tops and trainers! When visiting friends around Ladbroke Grove, there wasn’t a day I wouldn’t witness break dancers sending themselves in different directions, all the while expertly and precisely maintaining movements on a piece of kitchenfloor lino or a flattened cardboard box – and part of that (of course) ensemble was a piece of clothing (and a pair of) Adidas, Puma or Nike.

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No one in the scene can, or will allow it to be disputed, that breakdancing originated in the Bronx sometime in the mid 1970s and the type and brands of clothes that went along with it.

But let’s not concentrate on just one part of working class culture. We can safely say that the ‘casual’ presence was felt in the music scene too. Who hasn’t seen the iconic photo of reggae legend Bob Marley, who being a massive fan of football, (he idolized Pelé and passionately followed the Brazilian club he played for, Santos) and whilst on one of his many visits to London, he would always find time to have a kick about – I present exhibit 1: the famous photo of him at Battersea Park sporting a track suit whilst wearing some Adidas trainers!

Another time when Bob was playing football with Paulo César, 1980 and sporting a decent bit of Adidas clobber! Many wore and emulated Bob’s look within and outside the music industry.

And yet, still no visits to Europe for terrace lads and their shopping sprees (wink, wink!)

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There’s no one justified claim to who started the ‘casual scene’ equally as much as there can be to casuals being exclusively a terrace creation – as not everyone in the early 80’s that was a casual was into football (a crime I admit!)

Music, film and other sports all had a casual look. If we are to simply accept that not all casuals where football fans, or influenced by those on the football terraces, it is here that you can have a start and an understanding of who, what and where…... the rest, that’s reserved for those that were never there.

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Paul Ferris – My Voice My full name is Paul John Ferris – I was born on the 10th November 1963 in my parents’ house at 19 Hogganfield St. in the Blackhill area of Glasgow. My father was a Protestant and my mother a Catholic; anyone who knows the history will tell you that it’s a political and religiously volatile mix within Glasgow and indeed Scottish circles – more so back in the day.

To be fair my father was a non-practicing Protestant, however my mother was a devout Catholic hence why I was named after the pontiff in Rome that was in place in 1963 – Pope Paul John the 6th.

I was well aware of prisons growing up as a child and visited my father in prison when I was 5 yrs old. He was a bank-robber and my only brother was serving life for murder. To say I was born into crime is slightly understated and since the only male members of the family were in prison I had to grow up on my own, although I did have several sisters. I also vividly remember toast and beans for lunch and then again for dinner most days of the week as our family breadwinner – my father – was still serving time for a bank robbery.

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My first schooling was within St. Philomena’s Primary in Provanmill in 1968 and from the age of 9 is when I started to get bullied most days at the school. On the way to school and then on the way home. I had done so much running away and after a while I just stood and took the punishment beatings. My dad was eventually freed from prison and he had heard about what was going on with me being bullied, but I was brought up to see nothing, hear nothing, and say nothing. Even to my father.

I was a bit of a loner and to be fair, that’s the way I shaped my future. Much like the ripple effect; we all are who we are by what shapes us as kids in this university of life. When I was of age to leave primary school and advance my education into higher schooling, I suffered a psychological fear of further bullying and because I never spoke to anyone, I kept it all into myself and got on with it. Looking back I should have said something but I never did – such was my way of life back then.

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I was admitted to hospital just before my 12th birthday, with new schooling to take place at St. Roch’s Secondary School shortly thereafter. With chronic psoriasis I spent a year in the children’s ward trying to feel as normal as possible – I only had a skin condition but some of the other kids had physical and other issues to deal with. I eventually returned to my new school a year later and got on with my education and development. I still attended hospital as an outpatient until I was 15 and then things took a dramatic change in my life.

The skin condition psoriasis is usually a genetic issue that follows from a hereditary blood line within families. I discovered that I had no family connections to this ailment and as such, it could then be directly traced back to when I was under pressure with the bullying as a young kid at primary school. That was a game changer for me as I knew the ones who were responsible.

That spark had ignited a severe burning flame of revenge within my mind – I thought nothing other than revenge – a bad place to be at that stage in life but that’s the way it was and I was going to have to deal with it myself.

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When some of us look back on our lives we can all find the spark that lit the flame, the moment that we all know that shaped us into who we are today. I discovered mine and to be perfectly honest, I still feel that rush, that energy and that point in time where we have to do something for ourselves. A form of exorcism in the head that is nothing short of utter revenge. A bad taste mind you, but a mission that has to be done – otherwise just walk away and wait for it to happen again.

I took the initiative and violently pursued the school bullies just to get it out of my system and before long there were a few casualties wondering, ‘WTF was going on’? – I knew – it’s called Karma calling. I don’t apologise now and I would never apologise back then for whatever violence took place.

That lightbulb moment that we all experience in one way or another pushed me further down the criminal path in life.

However, I would genuinely have to say that sort of life was not for me. Nevertheless, I embraced it and spent my young adulthood in a variety of prisons from the age of 16 until I was a young man spending my 21st birthday in the segregation unit at Barlinnie prison in Glasgow 1984. I have spent 13 years in total within the prison system throughout the UK and my last conviction was when I was sentenced to a total of 45 yrs for firearms and explosives when I was arrested in London by the Met and MI5 in 1998.

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I eventually won an appeal and was freed on the 21st January 2002 and have remained crime free after walking away from a life of revenge and from crime itself. The rest of my life journey is well documented in my books, documentaries, news items and in film – The Wee Man. I also have a voice and will be vocal on issues that need addressed such as: bullying, corruption, life skills, and more importantly as a student from the university of life. I am more than happy to have my say put on public record.

In the end it is not about what life can do for us, but what we can do to enhance the life we are living in the here-and-now.

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Jason: Your life has been documented in an autobiographical / biographical way in the film The Wee man - I know over the years we’ve spoken quite extensively on your past, but what was never disclosed or shown in The Wee man that would tell people more about yourself?

P.F: I would be more than happy to answer all questions on my life. The ones that I can’t answer I will give an explanation – It’s usually to do with others who are still alive and well and could compromise them. Other than that, it’s an open invite.

Jason: Success is a matter of interpretation and the word success can be subjective. Based on your past and your former alleged criminal life, did you ever consider yourself a successful criminal?

P.F: I was never a successful criminal and successful criminals don’t get caught do they?– I paid the price for an occupational hazard and was sent to prison – I would say that I was very successful in the University of Life. I’m still here and most (if not all) of the opposition are dead.

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Jason: An eye for an eye – comment

P.F: An eye for an eye would make us all blind in the end.

Retribution and sorting out what needed to be sorted out on the streets all falls under the one banner called Karma.

Jason: If you could choose to be excused from any of your convicted crimes what would they (it) be and why?

P.F: My peers in a jury found me guilty of offences over the years from the Glasgow high court to London’s Old Bailey. I don’t feel the need to be excused from any of them; I was found guilty as charged and got on with my punishment in prison as well as moving on with my life and accepting the verdicts.

Jason: You’ve never been convicted of murder. Would you kill?

P.F: I believe under the right circumstances every one of us are capable of killing someone, it’s genetically implanted into our survival mode as humans. Fight or flight? Kill or be killed? – With no fire exit, no way out? – We all would have to do what we needed to do to survive or to protect our own.

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Jason: Crime is as much part of youths lives today as it was for you back then; it’s been suggested that there’s ‘big business’ in crime being present in mainstream society. Do you think that crime can ever be discouraged or removed from society?

P.F: Crime has been with us since the beginning of time – It was mainly about not having the lawful means to put food on the table for our families – Some just got on with their lives much like being a worker ant providing sweat and labour for others to profit. Some of us decided not only to put food on the table we also decided put money in our own in our pockets.

Circumstances like employment as well as family financial commitments made us decide that we wanted to be our own boss as there was no employment and others decided to short fuse the 9 to 5 scenario and made our own lifestyle through other means.

We all have to remember that whatever path we chose there were occupational hazards all along that journey.

Crime will still be with us years from now just like it has been in years past.

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Jason: There’s been talk for some time of a follow up to the film that documented your life, what do you hope the second film will show?

P.F: The first film – The Wee Man – was a Glasgow based Scottish film. It’s hard for any producer to condense 30 years of someone’s life into an hour and 30 minutes. The Wee Man covered parts of my life from 1963 – 1992 – The new film will be a UK crime one that covers my journey from 1992 – 2002 – A true UK crime film has never been done before -Watch this space.

Jason: There’s a lot of (in my opinion) good crime films. Some are criticized based on their lack of ‘realism’ or ‘authenticity’ Should there be an element of truth employed in films based on crime?

P.F: What I have personally learnt within the film industry is that no matter how well versed a film director may be or how successful they are, they all have the same problem with ensuring that their thread – in their own style – carries the continuity of what visuals that the film directors are crafting for their projects, as well as for their audiences.

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The viewers of any film have to be entertained in what they see on the screen otherwise it won’t work. Most times during film production facts are supplemented with what I call faction – A blend between what is fact and what is fiction. All film directors need to flesh out their skeletal format for production and if that works and there is a flow of visuals, dialog, plots, agendas and ultimately what message that the film directors want to push out to their audiences, then there will always be a need to add ‘faction’.

What most folk don’t know is that whatever movie they decide to watch as their best ever film, it is not always 100% accurate due to whatever angle, perspective or message that a film director wants to create within their own film.

I would go further and say that all true crime films are not like the books on the subject matter - nor do they represent the actual events as in sequences of events. What they tend to do is follow the film plot or thread and even the spinal cord elements of a film for their own personal storyline.

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All film directors use that artistic licence to entertain their audiences and in the end it’s the audience that will decide what to accept and what to frown upon.

Does that make a bad film? All depends on what you see in the end.

Jason: I’ve always enjoyed Guy Ritchie’s films; funny with a dark element of humour, yet they draw criticism - that the films give an element of justification in both crime and violence. Should the gangster-chic type films be accepted simply as forms of entertainment?

P.F: Guy Richie, Ray Burdis, Irvine Welsh, Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, Quentin Tarantino and Francis Ford Coppola all have one thing in common. They have all used faction, humour, street knowledge as well as violence and have produced many films that a fact checker would have a seizure separating fact from faction.

Remember all film directors have their own style of cinematography and are out to make great crime thrillers based on real events and adapt the plots to suit their own objectives.

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If folk want 100% accuracy then they best stick to watching documentaries. All other directors listed above make films to entertain – some do so to educate folk and others to show things on the screen that have hidden agendas such as revenge, loyalty, love, anger, drugs, guns, violence and death.

In the end all their films have a running time which is usually less than two hours and if the film holds an audience’s attention span for that duration then were we not all entertained by watching them? Of course we were entertained because that’s the nature of the film industry.

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Don’t Dress Like A F*cking Tramp!

“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat.” - Karl Lagerfeld Jogging bottoms and leggings! If there was ever a crime being committed towards humanity and in the household more than any other, it’s parents and adults (in general) who should know better. Barring medical reasons or a long-term disability, I find it somewhat laughable anyone could justify wearing sweatpants and leggings 24/7. Even those that find themselves molded to the armchair by this week’s choice of left-over home delivery pizza, or little miss lazy chav-pants and her sweaty saddle bags, who between episodes of some mind-numbing tv show doesn’t even jog to the fridge – so why the dressing down and allowing yourself to fall into a chasm of loss and despair?

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Self-identifying and taking stock of our advances as a species, has been as a result of our willingness to stand tall and proud.

It doesn’t mean putting on a decent Savile row number and marching about the living room dressed to the nines, it can be a simple means of getting up and having some self-discipline with the platform you stand on. A proven litmus test in your current status can be staying in contact with positive people and realising how your life is and may be seen. A good measure for putting one foot more successfully in front of the other is getting dressed in a presentable way. At minimum, this is a sign and show of both self-expression and discipline. Your representation is an idea as old as time itself. Think back to when you were a child - there was a reason we wore a shirt and tie (a blazer for some). One of the first lessons in discipline was your school uniform.

Look, style and how we present ourselves is one of the most controllable aspects as humans that we have. Even in the animal world, survival is promoted by presentation and selfrespect…. The peacock in all its plumage and grandeur is a lot more appealing that a 12 toed munter clutching a half-eaten cheeseburger shouting, “you fancy a shag?”

Conclusion

It’s about effort, optimism, creativity and one’s level of class. I’d say there’s less dignity in a pair of sweatpants (some people can pull it off) but remember, the effort you put in at the beginning of your day, will fuel your step in what-ever direction of length of journey you take thereafter.

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George Anastasia with GHQ Crime – the clue is in the title.

George Anastasia (born February 5, 1947) is an American author and former writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is widely considered to be an expert on the American Mafia. He was an organized crime investigative reporter, who was once targeted for death by then-Philadelphia crime family boss John Stanfa

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GHQ. Some would say you’ve danced with the devil. How did you become one of the most accredited writers of the American mafia and a crime reporter?

George. How did I become a crime reporter? When I was a college student back in the late 1960’s I spent two semesters studying in France. This was before internet, email, etc. so it was more difficult to stay abreast of what was happening at home.

I got into the habit of reading the International Herald Tribune every day at a local café. And that was when I first started thinking about a career as a reporter.

When I graduated (with a degree in French) I applied for a job at a small local newspaper and was hired as a sportswriter. I learned the trade at that paper, one year in sports, four years in news.

A few years later I was hired by the Philadelphia Inquirer and was eventually sent to cover the casino gambling referendum that would bring legalized casinos to Atlantic City. Part of the political debate back then was would legalised gaming (they always called it gaming, not gambling) bring the mob to Atlantic City. The answer, of course, was the mob already was in Atlantic City.

My grandparents had come to the United States from Sicily so there was a part of me that had a fascination with the Mafia. And around this time The Godfather movies exploded and everyone was caught up in the aura of the mob. I think that created a greater public interest in the story and I was able to take advantage of that as a writer.

I covered the first six years of casino gambling in Atlantic City and eventually began to write more and more about organized crime, turning it into a permanent beat at the paper. I was fortunate to work at The Inquirer at that time. It was one of the best newspapers in the country and had a reputation for emphasizing

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Journalism is labor intensive. People don’t realize that. And when newspapers lose the ability to dive deep into a story, everyone loses. But without the resources in depth reporting becomes more difficult.

I was able to develop an organized crime beat at a time when I had the luxury of time and the paper had the resources to allow me to do that. That’s not the case today at most papers.

Writing about the mob for the paper eventually led to magazine stories, TV appearances and book projects. I was happy to take the ride. I used to tell my daughters when they were growing up, the secret to life is to figure out what you love to do and then find a way to get paid to do it.

That’s what I did.

The gangster movie is one of the most popular genres in film.

From the Italian, Irish, and Russian “families” in America to similarly sinister groups in Europe, Japan, and beyond, the cinema has never shied away from portraying the evil exploits of these brutal outfits.

One common belief is different families/ races/ religions specialise in certain types of crime GHQ. From your extensive research and experience with organised crime, is it (crime) inherently identifiable by race or social economic status?

George. A mob associate once explained the business of organized crime this way: “Vice is commerce.” I think that applies across the board. The fundamental issue with any organized crime group is making money. Power and influence are needed to keep the cash flow going and certainly different groups have drifted into different enterprises, but the bottom line is….the bottom line.

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GHQ. Can it be said, “crime is simply crime?” With your extensive research and unprecedented knowledge on crime and the different families - has there ever been a difference / motto/ code in rules between families?

George. I think the answer to the preceding question applies here as well. Of course there are psychopaths who are part of the underworld. They fit in better there, but for most criminal’s crime is a lifestyle and a way to generate income. A small percentage “enjoy” the violence and the dark side of the underworld, but the majority, I have found, are primarily interested in a pay day.

“The Ultimate Book of Gangster Movies provides extensive reviews of the Top 100 gangster films of all time.”

GHQ. With movies like the Godfather, Scarface and as of recent the, The Irishman, do Gangster / mafia Films hurt or hinder society?

George. I think films are a reflection of society. To the extent that a film makes a viewer think or consider a different point of view, a film can have an impact. But by and large films are entertainment, a way to enlighten or inform on a visceral level.

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In America, I think there has always been a fascinating with the rogue, the outlaw, the individual who operates (and succeeds) outside the standard boundaries that most of us recognize and abide by.

The Mafia films follow in the footsteps of movies and stories about Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Bonnie and Clyde, etc. All were outlaws who gained notoriety and a degree of fame and admiration even though they broke the law and violated most social norms. Maybe it’s human nature, a part of all of us that wants to go rogue. Films allow us to experience it without really doing it.

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GHQ. Do you think the suggested hypocrisy in the mafia and the ‘morals’ is justified by the romanticising of crime?

George. I think the Mafia has taken the values of the Italian and Italian-American experiences – a strong sense of family, loyalty and honor – and bastardized them to justify its criminal activities. And we in the media through books, films, magazine articles, have tended too often to add to the glamorization without pointing out this fact.

It’s been publicised you was, “once targeted for death by the then Philadelphia crime family boss John Stanfa.”

GHQ. Can you talk about a hit on your life? How did that start and discuss the effects and changes it had on your personal, day to day life and how it was resolved.

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George. I learned about this very much after the fact and fortunately the hit – or attempt – was never carried. So I don’t think it had much of an impact on the way I went about my job. John Stanfa was a Sicilian-born Mafioso who became the boss in Philadelphia. In Sicily they killed prosecutors, police and journalists. If you’re not with them, you’re against them. That’s not the case in the United States.

Simply put, killing a journalist would generate more heat and attention on the mob than it would be worth. So, I think the contract on me was an aberration and very much a reflection of who Stanfa was and where he came from, rather than a reflection on the relationship between reporters and the mob in America.

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Stanfa was upset with stories I was writing and told one of his soldiers to find out where I lived and throw a hand grenade through my window. But by the time he got a grenade, the soldier later told me, he and the Stanfa organization were so caught up in the war with mobster Joey Merlino that they stopped looking for me.

GHQ. Are impressed by any of the families? In respect of the uniqueness or difference in their approach to organised crime?

George. The Genovese family in New York seems to have maintained itself better than others by sticking to the old school values: make money not headlines, don’t call attention to yourself, stay in the shadows. Conversely the Gambino family, under the late John Gotti, attracted attention. Another mobster once explained the Gotti phenomenon this way. With Gotti Cosa Nostra was no longer “our thing.” With Gotti is was “my thing.” I think that says a lot.

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GHQ. Of all the crime investigations/ research that you’ve covered - the one that shocked you the most?

George. The thing that I still have trouble understanding occurred during the Scarfo era (1981-89) in Philadelphia.

Among the many mobsters Scarfo had killed as he rose to power and solidified his hold on the family was a capo named Frank Narducci. Yet during Scarfo’s reign, both of Narducci’s sons became Scarfo soldiers and hitmen for the mob boss who had had their father killed. A bizarre example of “family values” in the American Mafia.

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GHQ. Is the American mafia dead?

Not dead, but on life support. It will always exist but I don’t think it will ever be the monolithic organization it was in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

Better law enforcement tools -- RICO, electronic surveillance, WitSec – have contributed to this. So has the traditional immigrant experience that continues with other ethnic groups. Today the best and the brightest in the ItalianAmerican community are doctors, lawyers, educators, writers, teachers, etc. They have taken advantage of opportunities that perhaps were not there for their grandparents who came to this country as immigrants. So in a very real sense the Mafia in America today is scrapping the bottom of the ethnic gene pool, gathering recruits and new members from a portion of the pool that is not populated by the best and the brightest.,

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