OK Ian.....My favourite memory was back in March '74 when the pair of us drove to Glendale, CA to Ray Avery's Rare Records.
A well known vinyl dealer and the record store that supplied local singer John Maus, better known as John Walker of the Walker Brothers, with early Soul and Doo Wop. In fact when I was on Magic in Leeds in 1990-97 I interviewed John and he told me a few wild stories about Ray. But anyway, back to my experience with Simon.
I was holed up at the Ambassador hotel(venue where Bobby Kennedy was shot in 68) finally being collected by SS. 'So baby boy, you wanna go record hunting' he annouced upon arrival? I eagerly jumped in his Black Caddy and headed the 20 miles to Avery's.
Upon entering , Ray greeted us with 'you are banned from my store'- fortunately not me!
Simon had to stand outside while Ray allowed me in the back room.
With an adjoining toilet, I suddenly heard a voice hollering Baby Boy it iz me. Listen carefully Baby Boy, look for the Casualeeeers.
A scene straight out of Allo Allo, SS continued to bark instructions, as I later found out, this was the outlet that delivered us Paul Anka, Dean Courtney, Willie Hutch and I assume countless others.
The store had 250,000 60's Promos. This was the day I found the Seven Souls on Okeh. Ironically, Simon took it from me, only to give it back saying 'too slow' and you know what he was right. A complete failure until the 80's.
The craziest part of the story was Soussan handing me $100 bills to pay for what I hoped was a useful load.
I think we ended up with 500 60's 45s at a dollar each.
The rest of my trip was eventful to say the least, but I'll save any really juicy bits for personal memoirs later down the line.
Over to Ian D with hopefully the story of Simon's dislike of Funk and the famous 'fist through the car stereo story'