THOSE WORDS?

I recently stumbled across a definition of ‘outro’ – as in the fade out of a record – and was surprised to see its first usage recorded as 1977. I possess the record by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, recorded in 1967, called The Intro And The Outro in which singer Viv Stanshall introduced an array of ludicrous guests on the recording. Were they the first to use the term? If so, why aren’t they credited? Also makes me wonder if any other artists have coined new words. Charlie Cook, Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Fred says: I guess the use of the word ‘cool’ meaning ‘really OK’ qualifies in this instance. Some commentators claim it became fashionable around 1933 and link the term with saxophonist Lester Young, whose use of hipster vernacular was probably only exceeded by Slim Gaillard. But the floor is now open for debate, so your e-mails are awaited. Re: MOJO 268’s David Bowie tribute and Dave Gahan. A mate of a mate reckons the story about him singing “Heroes” at his audition for Depeche Mode never happened. Can he clarify? John Greg, via e-mail

Fred says: “It’s a bit vague that story,” says Dave. “What happened was, I was actually in a school classroom that we used to rent with a couple of mates and try and write songs or whatever. I didn’t have anything to do with Martin [Gore] and Vince [Clarke] at that time, but they were in the next room. I think that the guy I was hanging out with, Paul Redmond, said why don’t you get up there and sing “Heroes”?, but to be honest I think there was two or three of us singing together. When Vince got hold of me a couple of weeks later to say, ‘That was you singing “Heroes”, right? ’, of course I was like, Yeah, that was me! I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time.” We hope that clears that one up!