(I couldn't find the post I was referring to, I guess Mike may have removed it because of the swearing)
Hi Mate,
Firstly apologies if my line “as long as they do it their way” came across to you that I was implying that the young ones on the programme are not ‘doing it their way’, I don’t know them - I was generally speaking. The Scene will soon be theirs and I do hope they do it their way and enjoy the ride to boot - just as I did, albeit bumpy at times! (I thought my Mod reference showed that)
I know someone commented that the young ones on the programme “have got it so wrong’, and you didn’t like that - This is someone’s opinion (which he’s entitled to of course) Fact is, his opinion won’t matter to those that are genuine, because to them it wouldn’t be correct. He also would have had to make his own way on the Scene, and would have had to have that ‘staying power’ to get through any ‘flack’ that was thrown his way - It happens.
Ref the couple featured, I don’t think anyone would want to offend them, maybe they have felt just a little upset by ‘it all’, but I think / hope they are also able to smile about it. I got the impression that their ‘faith’ is strong, so are well capable of handling any criticism that may have looked (to some) like it was aimed at them (I don’t think it was) They seemed like a nice couple, and anyone could tell by watching the programme, that they are having a ball doing ‘what they do’ - Good on em.
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…..I’m sure Hayley won’t mind me telling this story......I remember as a young Mod attending Cliff Steel’s ‘Detroit Academicals’ Soul Nights - One was at a Working Men’s Club called Friendly’s (ironically enough!) ….I was walking past ‘the girls on the door’, and Hayley ‘screeched’ “Mod!”, and pointed at ‘Moi’…..which was closely followed by a ‘chorus of laughter’ from anyone who heard!…..How did I react? - I didn’t, and the experience didn’t put me off….some 25 years later, I was invited to Hayley’s 50th Birthday, which I thought really nice (especially from the perspective I have described)
This is nothing compared to other things that have ‘tested’ me over the years, but I stuck with it, and do you know what? Looking back, ‘some’ that threw flack my way, weren’t actually ‘qualified’ to do so (imo)
Years ago, I had a fascinating conversation with Ion (A ‘Face’ / D.J of the 80’s Scene) at his flat in Holbourn, about this very subject. I shared a couple of my ‘experiences’ with him, and he shouted…..“’That’s the apprenticeship Lenny!”…..then went on to tell me about his early experiences and the ‘flack’ that he had endured - I remember the conversation being an ‘Ulrika’ moment!
So, you (and any other younger ones), wear exactly what you want, and enjoy your journey. Some may fall by the wayside (as has been said), but those that stay will have the rewarding bonds, and understanding with others that have done the same - no matter what year!
Ref the above, I now feel compelled to say hello to Billy Whizz again - Hello Billy!.....I came on to the Scene years after Billy, I haven’t even met him and maybe never will, but I do feel we share that ‘special thing’
All the best,
Len
P.s - To this day, I still feel that ‘edge’ / ‘slightly intimidated’ at places sometimes - and I like that………Mind you, I feel intimidated going to the local Post Office - if I succumbed to it I would never leave the house!......I suppose being a ‘schitzo’, I will at least always have company…..”I agree Len”……….”Yeh, so do I mate”……….”Thanks”……….”Who said that?!”……….
N.B - I know Mental Health is no laughing matter - believe me, I know. But I’m allowed to laugh at myself - It helps me cope