Drunk With Sadness

I'd like to take a moment to apologise for my ongoing low profile round these parts and more importantly offer genuine, heartfelt gratitude to those who have enquired after my well-being during my absence. The truth of the matter is that after 14 years together, Mrs S and I have separated and I find myself alone, isolated, broken, scared and struggling to function to be quite honest - the black cloud that engulfs me is so dense that it's nigh-on impossible to find a way through. I'm keenly aware that my problems are infinitesimal in the grand scheme of things, but currently I'm totally overwhelmed by them.

I bought 'Over' by Peter Hammill in 1977 when I was only 17.  The LP details the breakdown of a relationship in graphic, agonising, intimate detail, something I couldn't even begin to comprehend at such a tender age. It's far from easy listening, but right now every single line of 'This Side of the Looking Glass' rings so true that it's almost as if Hammill is sitting in the corner of the room, watching my suffering and taking notes.

Nic Potter R.I.P.

At the end of every month I head over to the BBC's Been and Gone page to check out those who have....well, checked-out in the last 30 days. While the household names will usually get a mention on the Radio 4 news, there are always others whose passing goes practically un-noted. So it was while reading the BBC's round-up of significant, but lesser-reported deaths in the month of January, that I learned of the sad demise of the musician and painter Nic Potter.

Nic is best known for his two brief tenures with Van Der Graaf Generator and his his much longer association with Peter Hammill's solo work, but he also played with Rare Bird, The Misunderstood and Chuck Berry in addition to maintaining a long solo recording career and forging quite a reputation as an visual artist.

Here's the classic 'Refugees' from 1970's 'The Least We Can Do Is Wave to Each Other', featuring Nic on bass.

Addendum: Read Peter Hammill's tribute to Nic Potter here.