Gary Gygax and Magnum

E Gary Gygax, the creator of the Dungeons and Dragons role playing game, passed away last week. He was responsible for the fantasy role playing game that fuelled the imagination of a million gamers who were stereotypically slightly nerdy teenage boys including..err.. ahem.. Scratchy himself.

The man who made phrases like 'I'm gaining plenty of experience points here in my bedroom pouring over maps of imaginary citadels!' and 'Where have the polyhedral dice gone? Oh mighty Dungeon Master' common place in Eighties teen speak, deserves a musical tribute. I have summoned all my strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom and charisma in order rescue these appropriate record covers from the depths of Scratchy's catacombs, losing a few hit points along the way, I can tell you.

D&D always reminds me of that mighty melodic Brummie band, Magnum with their catchy pomp rock and hobgoblin slaying guitar solos. They employed the services of top fantasy artist Rodney Matthews to paint the covers to their classic albums 'Chase The Dragon' 'The Eleventh Hour' and their finest (sacred) hour 'On A Storytellers Night'. His artwork captured the essence of the swords and sorcery themes with aplomb, designing magical covers for a magic band. Magnum are still going and are touring Britain and Europe in May 2008. They are sure to put on a cracker of a show but perhaps I'm being a sentimental old fool as they were one of the first live gigs I ever saw as a young, callow, wide eyed and impressionable Scratchiyouth. So dust down your old denim jacket, sew those Iron Maiden patches back on and get yourself down the front of the mosh pit.

He gamed! he sword! he conquered!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Gygax

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3491541.ece

http://www.rodneymatthews.com/

http://www.magnumonline.co.uk/

Honourable mention must go to Hawkwind's 'Chronicle of The Black Sword' as a close runner up the theme tune to this tribute.

Second runner up position goes to Helloween's 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys'