CAMEL NEWS!

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Here's the latest from Camel Productions...some interesting news ref Roger Waters too!

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The Nature of the eBeast May 2006
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-- WHO'S ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON?
-- TOTAL PRESSURE -- COMING SOON!
-- HIGHLY'S MERCHANT SHOP NEWS
-- WORDS FROM ANDY

Hello Camel Trackers


WHO'S ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON?
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Spring of 2006 has seen a great deal of unexpected activity behind the scenes. Earlier this spring, Andrew Latimer was approached by Andy Fairweather Low and asked if he would be interested in joining Roger Waters on his forthcoming tour. It seems that Roger is touring this summer, and will be performing the whole of Dark Side of the Moon during the second half of the concert. Roger needed a guitarist who could play, and sing, like David Gilmour.

As Andrew is always interested in new challenges, and especially such an interesting one, he presented Roger with the appropriate material and then met with the band for a rehearsal. As there was no question about his playing ability, his vocal ability was all that needed proving. Although their voices are very similar in many aspects, Gilmour sings fully one and a half tones above Latimer's range and this put a fierce strain on his vocal chords. On recent Camel tours, Andrew has encountered difficulties with singing due to the general pressure he was under. Realising his voice wouldn't manage an entire tour, Andrew and Roger "had a good ol' chin wag" about the feasibility of his doing it, and agreed it was too risky. Thus the guitarist appearing on the Roger Waters tour will be Dave Kilminster.
Of course we at CP were just a tad disappointed, but Andrew so enjoyed the experience, the excitement was palpable. Hearing his reports that Roger was a "gracious and really nice bloke" made the experience that much more memorable for all of us. Roger has invited Andrew and Susan to the London and Shoreline performances, so if you're up for a great concert you just might see them there. We're all certainly going to a show (check out www.roger-waters.com for info). All at CP wish Roger, and his band, a successful tour. And, of course, you never know what the future may hold. Afterall, who would have thought Andrew might one day be on stage playing Pink Floyd?!


TOTAL PRESSURE -- COMING SOON!
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As you can imagine, this flurry of activity disrupted CP. Andrew likes to personally autograph the DVDs whenever possible, and does so when he comes back to the USA. Dividing their time between the US and the UK has meant unpredictable schedules for both Andrew and Susan, but we are now able to tell you that Total Pressure will soon be in production. It really is a great pleasure to bring this project to fruition, since it is no longer available on VHS.

Here are the details of this long-awaited, release:
Total Pressure is the entire concert recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in 1984, and is presented in wide screen format and without added story visuals to interrupt the flow of the concert.

For unknown reasons, PolyGram reportedly erased the original master tapes of Camel's 1984 concert two years after recording. That master contained four tracks that were not included on the Pressure Points video/DVD. A safety copy had been made during post-production, however the sound is not of the same quality as the originally released Pressure Points. Therefore, CP has decided to present these four "lost tracks" as added material.
Also offered as bonus material is the brief interview with Andrew Latimer that had formed a portion of the Mirror Image program, which aired on UK television in 1985. Once again, the master tape was erased, and a production copy is all that remains. While not of the best quality, it is nonetheless part of Camel's history, and Camel Productions has had many requests for this short interview to be released. There won't be a better time to do so. Total Pressure is the perfect outlet for offering this rare footage, making it, at long last, truly total:

TRACK LISTING
Pressure Points
Drafted
Captured
Lies
Refugee
Vopos
Stationary Traveller
West Berlin
Fingertips
Sasquatch
Wait
Cloak and Dagger Man
Long Goodbyes
Rhayader
Rhayader Goes to Town
Lady Fantasy

ADDED PRESSURE:
La Princess Perdue
Unevensong
Never Let Go
Hymn to Her

BONUS MATERIAL:
A brief interview with Andrew Latimer for Mirror Image, originally aired in the UK in 1985.


HIGHLY'S MERCHANT SHOP NEWS
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Due to the many requests we've received, CP will again take PREORDERS for t-shirts when we accept them for the Total Pressure DVD. Don't forget that your card will be charged immediately, but your shirt and/or DVD will not ship until our preorder limit is met. Also, we ship all orders at once, so when stock is in, your order will go out in the sequence it was received.

Preordering has been very successful at CP, chiefly because we don't offer anything until we are well into production and have a very clear idea of delivery dates. As soon as we're ready, we'll let you know.
Cheers from The Merchanteers
Paris, Emma, and Harry.


WORDS FROM ANDY
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Just like to add my warm wishes to you all as I've been absent for a while. The writing of a new project is progressing well, but as you have heard there's been a few distractions. Hearing from Andy Fairweather and consequently meeting Roger was an extremely enjoyable experience. It all happened very quickly and before I knew what was happening I was playing "Comfortably Numb" at full blast somewhere in London. The band sounded great, and then...Roger asked me to belt out "Breathe". Singing softly, I could manage it, but needing to belt it out was a whole other story. I did a fairly croaky rendition (Tom Waits would have been envious) but the cruncher was "Wish you were here". Roger, forever the quintessential Englishman, smiled and said "bit high for you?" We talked for quite awhile. What a nice chap he is, very easy to talk to. I felt like I'd known him for ages. The rest of the band were equally friendly, especially Andy F. and Snowy White -- great blokes. So, all in all a great journey, most enjoyable. Dave Kilminster got the gig and although I don't know much about him, I am sure Roger made a good choice. I wish them well and look forward to attending a show.

Even though we have been a little quiet for some time, focusing on moving, you are still very much in our thoughts. So thanks again for your never ending support. We'll be back soon.

My best wishes,
Andy

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

The latest from Camel Productions...

Postcard from Andy

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to send you a card to tell you I'm now permanently back in England and really chuffed to be back home. I've had lots of reuninons with good friends, and am particularly enjoying catching up on old times.

It won't be long now, before my studio is set up again and I can return to the joy of recording.

I'm told that our website and shop will be back in business before xmas, and that we'll have the 1984 concert, Total Pressure, on DVD. Blimey! Was I ever that young?

Hope this message finds you all well. Must dash. It's time to feed the camels.

Cheers,
Andy Lat

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

The Nature of the Beast
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The Nature of the eBeast January 2007
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To mark the 5th anniversary of the passing of Peter Bardens, Camel Productions is offering a free download of a song Andrew Latimer wrote for Pete, shortly before his death. The track was never intended for release, being a deeply personal composition, but CP feels it's just too good to not be heard. Although still in its original, 'demo' form, with lyrics sung from the heart as he recorded the vocal track, Andrew feels the time is right for it to be heard. While not perfect, few things are. "Never Let Go (a song for Pete)" is perfect just as it is.

There is much water under the bridge for the spirit of Peter Bardens. We will all be eternally grateful for the contribution he made to Camel.

Please visit www.camelproductions.com/ for the download and photos...

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Now Available!

Camel - "Total Pressure"



Nearly 80 minutes of concert footage recorded in 1984 at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, England. The footage includes missing video tracks, once lost in the archives, and a brief interview with Andrew Latimer. It doesn't include the incidental visuals as found on Pressure Points.

Features Andrew Latimer (guitars, flutes, vocals), Colin Bass (bass, vocals), Paul Burgess, Ton Scherpenzeel & Richie Close (keyboards), Chris Rainbow (vocals), with guest appearances by Mel Collins (sax) and the late Peter Bardens (keyboards).

Available in NTSC only; Region 0 (no regional restrictions).

TRACK LISTING:
Pressure Points
Drafted
Captured
Lies
Refugee
Vopos
Stationary Traveller
West Berlin
Fingertips
Sasquatch
Wait
Cloak and Dagger Man
Long Goodbyes
Rhayader
Rhayader Goes to Town
Lady Fantasy

ADDED PRESSURE:
La Princesse Perdue
Unevensong
Never Let Go
Hymn to Her

BONUS MATERIAL:
A brief interview with Andrew Latimer for Mirror Image, originally aired in the UK in 1985.

ORDER NOW AT: www.camelproductions.com/

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Sad news from Camel Productions...


The Nature of the eBeast

May 2007
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Dear Camel Fans,

At long last, our return to England is complete. As with most things, it has taken far longer than we had anticipated, but most things do it seems. It was more than worth the effort. We are both so happy to be back home.

This eBeast is more of a personal message. We would like to share some personal news with you:

Back in 1992, when Camel had well and truly returned to the forefront of their musical niche, Andrew began to display some unusual physical symptoms that necessitated a visit to the doctor. After some tests, he was diagnosed with a little-known blood disorder called Polycythaemia Vera (PV). It's rather like an upside-down leukaemia where there are too many red blood cells as opposed to too many white blood cells. For most, fortunately, PV is a slow-moving disorder and it hasn't had a tremendous impact on our daily lives. In fact, it has been quite cooperative. However, it is a progressive disorder, and has a very specific course that it runs if the patient responds well to treatment. Andrew has responded very well to all the treatments, at each stage, and seems to have been on a very 'normal' course. As time has passed, his health has gradually become less robust as it once was. Many of you know that he lost his voice on the past two tours, and a couple of shows had to be cancelled due to illness (Camel's only performance in Ireland). His immune system has to work harder than normal, and being exposed to such a demanding tour schedule with so many different environments, it has been taxed considerably. He has had to deal with more than his fair share of colds, chest and/or throat infections. Nothing terribly serious, but it's not conducive to intensive touring. Ultimately, we were forced to announce the Farewell Tour, though Andrew was already thinking about the 'Retirement Sucks' tour.

We have now come to the latter stage of PV, and a condition known as Myelofibrosis (MF) is taking its place. Once again, this isn't necessarily a fast-moving disorder. It can be for some, but Andrew is a strong-willed person and has virtually followed the medical text-book to date. I feel he will continue on this positive route. His physical symptoms have changed thought, and they're having a more direct effect on our lives than the PV symptoms. Fatigue is the most common symptom, and with the recent move, we have both been considerably more tired than usual, so it's not surprising. Andrew would be the first to tell you that he isn't exactly speedy when it comes to writing music that satisfies his heart. MF is having a direct effect on this, so he's slower than he has been in the past. But he's still thinking/writing/playing. The spirit is willing, the flesh is a little under the weather at times.

There are a couple of reasons we have elected to tell you about this. The first is, of course, that he hasn't been in the limelight of musical output of late. Rather than continue the roaring sound of silence, we wanted to let you all know why. The other reason is a bit more down to earth. You have all been much like an extended family to us, and we feel you should know. Your support, both emotional and financial, has accorded us a life of musical freedom, and we have said many times in the past that we are eternally grateful. We say it again.

That, in a nutshell, is how things are with us. We have thought that some of you may want to write to Andrew. Since he needs to conserve his energy to focus on musical pursuits and his general health, he won't be able to receive nor reply to emails. Instead, we have set up a special Guest Book where you can post words of encouragement. That way, Andrew can easily read them when he has the opportunity, and take strength from your words. Remember, just because there has been a medical diagnosis, life is not therefore cast in stone. The power of our determination is the only thing that can impress a stone.

We see this glass as more than half full, and not empty in any way. Presently, we are looking for a home to buy, where we can build a new studio and get on with the business we both love. It's easy to look at the darker side of life, but I was certainly never one to take the easy path. There are so many blessings in our lives that deserve far more acknowledgement, from the simple song of the blackbird, to the strong relationship we have shared for nearly 30 years now. One of the beautiful things about this stage of life is gaining the understanding that it's really all about the little details, things that happen in the unexpected swiftness of a breeze. They are moments that make up the true quality of our lives. Everything in life is only as significant as we make it. That is the wonder of choice, where we think we have none.

Our choice is to keep our eyes on the prize. We were given this life to live, not to stand idly by and watch what falls upon us. We are planning a new studio album and we are looking at the feasibility of some brief, mini-tours, as it were, as opposed to a 3 month odyssey of consecutive rehearsal and performance dates, with nothing but travel in between. Not only do we know that isn't good for Andrew's health, we just don't want to do it any more. Once Upon a Time, it was incredibly exciting to go from city to city, crammed on a bus, playing cards, watching the horizon change and fall behind with ever new horizons to chase. We think we'd like to stroll through it all now, taking a bit more time to savour those horizons and expand the pleasure of more intimate performances.

Life isn't easy, nor fair. No one ever said it would be. But we can take life easier, and that's the special give of life for us right now. Yesterday, 17th May, was Andrew's birthday. For me, it was the best day that ever happened in the Universe.

With our fondest regards to each and everyone of you,

Susan Hoover

[shaggy]

Camel news? I wonder who the newsreader would be on Camel Tv. Humpfrey MCDromedrie perhaps.... sorry just the idea of camel news made my warped imaginative humour take over. Would it be dramatic music like the old Ten O Clock news they had on ITV with Trevor McDonald.

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

MOONDANCES New DVD from CAMEL

It has been a long and frustrating search, but we were finally successful in tracking down a visual recording of Camel performing in 1976. It has been bootlegged mercilessly over the years. We had managed to get a copy on VHS back in 1993, but the recording was so poor, you couldn't recognise the band members. If you didn't know the music intimately, you wouldn't know it was Camel. It was touted as having been filmed in Spain but, in actual fact, it was recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on 14th April 1976. The original line up of Andrew, Andy Ward and Doug Ferguson, with the late Peter Bardens, were on tour with their new release, Moonmadness. It's a rather dark recording, with the original audio, but an excellent performance. It's a wonder that the record company still had any form of it in the archives and, while it still has its gremlins, it's a fabulous piece of history.

We decided to combine this short performance with the complete 1977 BBC recording at the Hippodrome during the Raindances tour. Originally, we were only able to get permission to release specific time frames of this show, as licenses are charged per minute of usage. Now, through the generosity of the BBC, we were granted a special license to release all of the show. Together, they make a nice window to the past.

A very special bonus is that we have included two audio recordings Decca Records (and the band, for that matter) had virtually forgotten about. Long ago, in a faraway galaxy known as Someplace in London, Andrew, Andy, Doug and Peter recorded two songs titled Autumn and Riverman. They weren't considered quite good enough for an album, but what makes these recordings so special to my ears is that they are the zygotes of what would become Camel's signature. They are hindsight in perfection, allowing us to look back to where so many songs originated, a bit like the river's source. I think they also have a certain innocence about them, too. We couldn't see them being released on a Camel album of today as they are too juxtaposed, both in structure and sound. I personally felt they were too unique to be included in that way, and needed something special. When our video producer, David Minasian, suggested we put them on the DVD as an audio bonus, we knew we'd found their place. Dave included an excellent slide show of still images to accompany the music. Dave also came up with the title for this DVD, which we think is perfect: Moondances. We are anticipating a late October release and will send out an eBeast to let you know the shop is open for pre-orders.

ARFM FOOTNOTE: There is also a very familiar name in the DVD credits...modesty forbids me to say who though...

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Andrew's Health

And so to our personal news. As you know from our previous newsletter, Andrew has been dealing with health issues for some time. His diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera has now turned into Myelofibrosis, a change we had expected. In our last letter, I explained our understanding that MF isn't necessarily a fast-moving disorder for most patients. Unfortunately, it has been moving far more quickly than we would have wished. We have had a few dark days since announcing his condition and we've had some difficult choices to make. Choice can often appear invisible. I know that may seem an ambiguous thing to say, but it seems to me that we often don't think we have them because we don't like the look of them. We're certainly not fond of our choices but we do have them... and we have made ours: In mid-November, Andrew ill undergo a bone marrow transplant.

I know this may sound frightening, and may seem a negative sign. But we do not see it that way. We are steadfast in our positive attitude towards the future. Bone marrow transplantation is a remarkable process and the success rate is as high as 70%. Actor Gene Wilder talks openly of his BMT, and has written a fascinating book about his life, called Kiss Me Like A Stranger. We actually know someone who has had a BMT and has since returned to an active life as a commercial farmer. It won't be an easy road. Getting Andrew back to good health and full strength will probably take a year. But he is keen to get on with the fight and we have every confidence that we are both equipped to deal with this challenge. That is so because we have an enormous network of support from our loved ones and from this Family Camel. We are deeply grateful to those who have gone before him to pave the way for this intensely complex treatment, and to the donor who has given Andrew this gift of life.

Over the next few weeks, we will set up a diary on our website, so you can check in to read of Andrew's progress. Our guestbook has had problems with viruses, but his has now been resolved. Those who have written words of encouragement and love have given Andrew, and me, tremendous strength.

More than ever, we are grateful for your support. This is all about positive energy, about refusing to crumple in the face of adversity. We are none of us getting out of this alive, and it is our obligation to seize every moment and own it, recognising and accepting all the choices we are given, whether or not we like what we see.

I close this eBeast with a lovely quote from Scottish novelist/poet Walter Scott:

One crowded hour is worth an age without a name

Until our next newsletter, I send you all our Fondest Regards,

Susan Hoover
Camel Productions

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Andrew's Health TRANSPLANT DAY!

Andrew is progressing very well. Thus far, he has tolerated the treatment exceptionally well, but we still take it one day at a time. So far, he has not suffered any serious side effects and his spirits are positive and strong. Today is transplant day...

Many of you have written to us encouraging us to hold an Hour Candle vigil for Andrew and we were thinking the very same thing. If you are able, please light a candle for Andrew, today, 21st November, at 1600hrs GMT. That is when Andrew will receive his bone marrow transplant. Spend an hour 'with' him, thinking of him in your way, perhaps listening to your favourite Camel album or spending time with loved ones to celebrate the good things in life. I have seen the strength Andrew has derived from the love and support he has received from family, friends, and the kind words of support so many of you have sent. That support has strengthened not only his physical, mental and emotional state, but it has strengthened his resolve to get well and get back on stage.

So please light an Hour Candle for him today. If you don't get this until after the transplant hour, light a candle for him anyway, whenever you can. Light that candle and send the strength of your feelings to him at any time.

Thank you for your enery, your good wishes, prayers, thoughts, candles, messages, and for your love of this wonderful man who has much yet to give in return.

Until our next newsletter, I send you all our Fondest Regards,
Susan Hoover
Camel Productions

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Andrew's Health Day 15 post transplant

Thank you for your light. The candles so many of you lit for Andrew on the day of his bone marrow transplant were truly felt. There was a special feeling in his room when the nurses brought in the transplant, and that feeling remained for several hours. Thank you all so much.

We've had many emails asking about Andrew's progress so I thought I would give you a condensed description of the process. The bone marrow is actually stem cells, harvested from a donor. The donor is given medication to stimulate these stem cells, and then they are taken simply through blood donation, much like giving a pint of blood. The stem cells are removed from the blood, and then transfused to the patient, that being Andrew. It is a strangely simple conclusion to a hugely complex process. In the end, a little bag holds Andrew's future, suspended above his bed connected to his intravenous line. It took about 2 hours for the stem cells to be fully transfused. And now, we wait.

It will be many weeks before we know if it is 100% successful. The donor's stem cells must replace Andrew's immune system, and this takes time. He is sure to have some difficult days, and the inevitable effects of chemotherapy will soon begin to show. During the next 6-12 weeks, he will be in isolation, to protect him from infection and monitor his progress. So, as you can see, it is now a waiting game.

His doctors are very pleased with his progress to date, and he has done well with the drug therapy. But we do take it one day at a time. Yesterday was a good day; we'll wait to see what today brings. One day at a time.

Some very dear friends of ours got together and bought a lovely new guitar for him, just before he went into hospital. He has that guitar with him, so he's keeping his fingers nimble and writing a bit of music. He is strong in spirit and determined to get well. I know this strength and determination is accentuated by the support he is given, by all of us, and all of you. Please keep those candles burning.

With thanks from the depth of my heart,

Susan Hoover


New DVD fom CAMEL

When not playing his guitar, Andrew has kept busy whilst in the isolation ward, and he has autographed 500 copies of Moondances. We are ready to offer the DVD for sale now, along with our Moondances t-shirt.

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Latest news about Andrew Latimer...

Day 90 post transplant:

Up until about 3 weeks ago, Andrew was doing fantastically. None of the expected side-effects had occurred and he was released from hospital just before Xmas. He certainly couldn't run a marathon, but we enjoyed the holidays with a new, and very grateful, perspective. Andrew began to slowly return to work, getting in a few good hours of writing and recording each day. It looked as if he really would "sail through" this intense and aggressive treatment...

Things took a turn in early February and he has suffered a bit of a setback, being readmitted to hospital where he remains until the doctors can "put him right" (as his chief consultant put it). I am reassured on a daily basis that they are as optimistic as ever so I do not worry unduly. But I have been honest with you all from the start and will continue to be so by telling you that he is a bit down-spirited, and quite taxed in his energy. If I could take his place, I would. How many of us wouldn't offer ourselves for someone we love? But, it doesn't work that way. This is Andrew's path and none of us can alter it. We can, however, continue to send him our support. I know for certain that all those candles burned an energy straight to his heart and left a light. He could use a few more, I think, to lift his spirits. If you can, please light an Hour Candle for him and spend just awhile sending him your unique, positive energy. No matter how strong we are, an indefinite stay in a hospital can set the dark thoughts in motion. Throw a little light if you can.
Thank you for your many emails of kind words and concern. I'm sorry I can't reply and hope you will accept my thanks.

Ever grateful,
Susan Hoover

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

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The Nature of the eBeast Newsletter- May 2008

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ANDREW'S HEALTH 137 DAYS POST TRANSPLANT...

I apologise for the lack of information these past weeks. Andrew's exellent progress suffered a nasty setback in February. We did send out a newsletter to those on our mailing list, appealing for a renewed Hour Candle lighting and you responded in force. It is so heartening. After a tough 4 weeks, he finally rallied and began to stabilise. He was able to come home in late March and, since then, has gone from strength to strength.

We remain optimistic, even moreso now than ever before. It is, however, still a long road to recovery. He still has a number of side effects to deal with, both from the stem cell transplant and from the drugs he must take for the foreseeable future. But he is doing so with dignity and humour, now having fewer down days. They are always made easier by the support he has received from his family, friends, and this global Camel family.

My thanks to those of you who have sent so many kind words of support, many sharing similar experiences and some sharing experiences that did not have the happy outcome we are presently enjoying. Rarely are there words of expression to ease such heartache, and I would not be so bold as to think I could find them. I am honoured to be given such an intimate glimspe into a painful part of people's lives who, despite their loss, continued to wish for our success. That is a very great gift indeed.

In anticipation of some good news to come, I will close asking only that the candles keep burning.

My grateful thanks to you all,
Susan Hoover

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

Latest news from Camel Productions...

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The Nature of the eBeast Newsletter - Sep 2008

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Andrew's progress, 320 days post transplant...

Once again, it has been a long time since our last post, but this time it’s all good news. Andrew is doing fantastically!

At the last update on our News page, I said things were looking positive and they have continued this way. This journey is by no means over for us yet, but there is a tangible sense of ease in the air. It is such a gift to spend time together, simply enjoying each other’s company, and especially to see him looking so much better. We often talk of the future and can’t resist looking forward to the possibility of touring again. Not an epic tour, but something he likes to call a ‘tour-ette’.

There are still a number of challenges to deal with. One of the side effects he has to deal with is severe joint pain. This seems to come and go, and it moves around his body to various points. Unfortunately, the joints that are most effected are in his hands. I can’t pretend we weren’t alarmed the first time this occurred but we did feel a bit reassured when the pain stopped and didn’t revisit for several days. This now seems to be a bit of a cycle, coming and going without warning. Until he is off all medication, we can’t know for sure, but I refuse to think that it is permanent. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

There isn’t a day that passes now where he doesn’t have a guitar in his hands, even on the days when they hurt him. He has tuned the guitars down a bit, so they won’t unduly strain his hands or fingers, and although his playing is a bit stiff at times, his sound is intact. His strength is slowly returning. It’s a day by day process. He still needs to rest and sometimes that’s hard because he often feels like his ol’ self and does a bit too much. He has regained a lot of his energy and most of his hair! I think I can cautiously say that time will truly be the greatest healer now.

We are hoping to have a new DVD for the holiday season, but I’ll leave that for another newsletter, when I am confident of our release date and the material to be included. Now that Andrew’s treatment is not so intensive, I have a bit more time and will turn my attention to getting some of the items you’ve been asking for back into our shop.

We had always thought we could keep Andrew’s progress up to date on our site, with pictures and details of his experiences as he moved through the treatment stages. For a lot of reasons this was not achievable and, with hindsight, it was probably best that we didn’t. There were times when he was so terribly unwell. Seeing him like that would have been more upsetting than necessary. So, now that he seems to truly be on the other side of it all, we’ve included a short slide show. The pictures were taken by Andrew and me. You can get an idea of where we were, and where we are now.

So, just a short message to give you our positive news and to thank you, as I always do, for the phenomenal solace you have so generously offered.

My kindest regards,
Susan Hoover

[sistermoon]

My eldest sister had trouble with her hands for ages after her own operation for ovarian cancer, but it was acute arthritis.

She couldn't drive a car for ages and had to rely on other people to do it, so I sympathise a great deal.

["Rock On!" with Shane Carlson]

From the latest Nature of the Beast newsletter from Susan Hoover - received today:

Greetings!

2008 has been an eventful year for us. All things Camel have had to be put on the back burner while we dealt with the various stages of Andrew's recovery. Andrew must still recover his health, but I am so very happy to be able to say the transplant has been 100% successful!

First, we'll talk a bit of Camel. We have t-shirts back in stock but in very limited supply. Also, we have been more than disappointed with the speed of the Royal Mail, and there is no way to get anything delivered by xmas. But the orders will go out quickly. Delivery is unpredictable.

We will also have a DVD in the spring. We have found a way to sort out the audio of the Santa Cruz, California, performance at The Catalyst, the first of Camel's 'Farewell Tour' shows. As it was the first show, the title of the DVD could only be "The Opening Farewell". When production has gotten well underway, we'll send out an update.

On 21st November, one full year to the date of the transplant, we allowed ourselves the luxury of optimism and cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate. I don't think the bubbly has ever tasted so good.

It is so true that what doesn't break us makes us stronger. The deep well of support we have both been able to draw upon has kept the darkest hours at bay. Things that once seemed so terribly important have been rendered quite benign by the lessons we have learned. It's almost too trite to say 'life's too short', but there's no other way to say it. Life is just too short.

We were fully prepared to take each day as it came, but it transpired that we had to take each day in quarterly segments - morning, afternoon, evening and night time. Things often changed that rapidly because the transplant process is fraught with a multitude of fragmented possibilities. Good, rotten, okay and lousy days comprised the quartered 24 hours. I think it was similar to being at sea. We just had to weather the storm with the calm. Interestingly, this is a good way to live life in general. But it's all too easy to be swept up by the small stuff. For that, I am grateful to have been taught the difference. Adversity is an excellent teacher.

This year, we have the unadulterated pleasure of lighting our Hour Candle for all of you. You have shared your compassion, feelings, experiences and love with open hearts. That has been the brightest light in those candles. So we will light our candles for you and for one other truly special person... the anonymous donor who gave the very greatest gift in this world. The gift of life.

We wish you health, peace and love. With these blessings, happiness cannot help but follow.

Forever grateful,
Susan Hoover

PS If you'd like to see a little slide show of Andrew's experience, go to our News page on the official site

www.camelproductions.com