The youngest of three boys, ten years junior to my oldest brother, the memories of listening second hand are vivid. The feeling of awe, he was so cool, music, car, girlfriend(s)! Buzzing when I’d get picked up from school by him or my other brother in their flash motors rather than mum and dads Volvo 😂 Thanks for reminding me Sam. I’m going to pop some Erasure on.
Here I am crying into my breakfast. Beautiful words Sam, and they resonate so strongly.
I lived in Hull as a student during The Beautiful South’s imperial phase, Paul Heaton drank in the pub round the corner from my house (The Grafton), and he was very much a local hero, although one that people respected enough to leave in peace.
Everyone knew back then that he was Old Red Eyes, and it’s amazing to think he came through that phase of his life and is still with us and his talent hasn’t dimmed.
Paul Heaton is a lesson in humility to us all. He just doesn’t pretend and he doesn’t care about what others want or expect from him. Legend.
I went to see a tribute to Manchester on Friday with my wife and 2 sons - tribute acts were Mondays, Smiths, Oasis and the Roses with a side serving of Clint Boon on the decks- the atmosphere was one of love, respect and elation - and what made it even better was 2 major things…
1) I don’t drink (sooo much more enjoyable at gigs) and
2) I had the pleasure of watching my wife and boys getting completely lost in the music and camaraderie.
The musicians were all lovely and gave big shouts to the young people and the mums and dads. “Don’t worry mums and dads we’re on the home straight now” was the cry from Clone Brown at 23:30 when I’m sure he could see our bog-eyed expressions. It was a magical experience that will live on beyond my lifetime.
And by the way - I’m a gibbering wreck at the slightest of things these days - I put it down to finally feeling comfortable in my own skin - still overly self-critical (that’s an ongoing battle) but being happy with who you are and what you represent seems to allow the emotions to flow more freely
Well said pal I’ve seen him many times over the years and I know what you mean you can relate to the lyrics having been a bit of a lad in the day had we all were well the majority football booze and the odd scuffle last year I was diagnosed with cancer thankfully I came out the other side it totally transformed me has the man I I’ve become now at ease with my self wishing you and your family all the very best inspirational well written
Brilliant Sam. I remember my first gig sober and couldn’t believe that I’d dulled my senses in the past. It’s such a joy to be present and feeling all the feels.
The youngest of three boys, ten years junior to my oldest brother, the memories of listening second hand are vivid. The feeling of awe, he was so cool, music, car, girlfriend(s)! Buzzing when I’d get picked up from school by him or my other brother in their flash motors rather than mum and dads Volvo 😂 Thanks for reminding me Sam. I’m going to pop some Erasure on.
LOL, yeah Dom used to pick me up sometimes when he got a car and felt exactly the same way. Big brothers aren;t all bad are they?
Love this! The power of being comfortable in your own skin #sobrietyrocks
Thanks Janey
This was beautiful Sam, absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully put.You took us there.
Great article. Beautiful words.
That's lovely, Sam.
Here I am crying into my breakfast. Beautiful words Sam, and they resonate so strongly.
I lived in Hull as a student during The Beautiful South’s imperial phase, Paul Heaton drank in the pub round the corner from my house (The Grafton), and he was very much a local hero, although one that people respected enough to leave in peace.
Everyone knew back then that he was Old Red Eyes, and it’s amazing to think he came through that phase of his life and is still with us and his talent hasn’t dimmed.
Thanks, Andrew. Sorry you cried on your breakfast. Cornflakes or eggs?
Yoghurt mate, Sunday morning is very ‘just rest’ for me so eggs would be way too much aggro.
Paul Heaton is a lesson in humility to us all. He just doesn’t pretend and he doesn’t care about what others want or expect from him. Legend.
I went to see a tribute to Manchester on Friday with my wife and 2 sons - tribute acts were Mondays, Smiths, Oasis and the Roses with a side serving of Clint Boon on the decks- the atmosphere was one of love, respect and elation - and what made it even better was 2 major things…
1) I don’t drink (sooo much more enjoyable at gigs) and
2) I had the pleasure of watching my wife and boys getting completely lost in the music and camaraderie.
The musicians were all lovely and gave big shouts to the young people and the mums and dads. “Don’t worry mums and dads we’re on the home straight now” was the cry from Clone Brown at 23:30 when I’m sure he could see our bog-eyed expressions. It was a magical experience that will live on beyond my lifetime.
And by the way - I’m a gibbering wreck at the slightest of things these days - I put it down to finally feeling comfortable in my own skin - still overly self-critical (that’s an ongoing battle) but being happy with who you are and what you represent seems to allow the emotions to flow more freely
Thanks as always Sam,
Mike Goodill
That's beautiful Mike, cheers
Well said pal I’ve seen him many times over the years and I know what you mean you can relate to the lyrics having been a bit of a lad in the day had we all were well the majority football booze and the odd scuffle last year I was diagnosed with cancer thankfully I came out the other side it totally transformed me has the man I I’ve become now at ease with my self wishing you and your family all the very best inspirational well written
Brilliant Sam. I remember my first gig sober and couldn’t believe that I’d dulled my senses in the past. It’s such a joy to be present and feeling all the feels.
I know. If only I could return sober to Ceaser's Palace in 2007, watching Earth Wind And Fire. Off my tits. What a waste.