As a break from our Soho stories, Mike reflects on the thrill of discovering music in the 1970s, where the quest for new sounds shaped identity, friendship, and still shapes his creative journey.
This is great, Mike! Glad to have helped inspire your foray into memoir, and thanks for the mention.
I love the way you divvied up your record collecting. And the point about The Grateful Dead effectively being a tribute band, because none of the original members were there! That sense of lingering but quiet disappointment.
I was transported back to 1972 with you. The quest for magic is exactly it. Music opens the doors to another place as do so many creative pursuits. Film, art, writing all have that power.
I have never really been a massive follower of football and you outlined here so perfectly why it’s not really for me.
I love the recalling of listening to Heroin with crumpets and jam. I also love the memoir writing. Thanks for sharing.
I have my own enduring personal embarrassment at seeing a photo of Lou Reed for the first time, way back then, and wondering why he was wearing eye liner and nail polish. Hey Ho.
A great read, thanks for this, and you made me laugh too.
Summer of 74 at Charlton Athletic football ground, I was there, Lou Reed too.
Never forget that!
Glad you enjoyed. I was at Charlton in 75!
This is great, Mike! Glad to have helped inspire your foray into memoir, and thanks for the mention.
I love the way you divvied up your record collecting. And the point about The Grateful Dead effectively being a tribute band, because none of the original members were there! That sense of lingering but quiet disappointment.
A really good read, thanks!
Thank you Wendy!
I was transported back to 1972 with you. The quest for magic is exactly it. Music opens the doors to another place as do so many creative pursuits. Film, art, writing all have that power.
I have never really been a massive follower of football and you outlined here so perfectly why it’s not really for me.
I love the recalling of listening to Heroin with crumpets and jam. I also love the memoir writing. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks for your comments - and for your great writing too!
What a fantastic read, Mike! 👏
Thank you Steve - I appreciate it!
Great piece of Memoir.
I have my own enduring personal embarrassment at seeing a photo of Lou Reed for the first time, way back then, and wondering why he was wearing eye liner and nail polish. Hey Ho.
Ray Massey