
Quite accurate for a simple test
The life and times of Gristly Darren
And now I’ll introduce an occasional feature into the show where I talk about things.
I recorded and then watched the stage performance version of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds. Since the release of Wayne’s version I have bought it on vinyl and then CD, so thought I’d complete the set and see the live version. Albeit via the wonders of modern technology and Rupert Murdoch.
As I watched I was struck by the fact that the music stands showed the sheet music digitally – gots to get meeself one’o'dem – and the that many of the musicians were older than myself. Moments like that make me feel the urge to pick up the axe and imagine myself beneath the harsh spotlights.
One of the musicians caught my eye, and I recognised Herbie Flowers. Now, despite what Herbie has done in a wonderful career, he will always be to me the bass player on Lou Reed’s seminal album, Transformer. What also caught my eye was him playing bass through half-moon spectacles as he read the music from the digital displays.
I picked up my telecaster and with my contact lenses firmly in place plucked the beginning of A Forest by The Cure from memory. Age has no meaning to me.


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