Let’s go out into the crazy world

I can’t put into words, how elated I was to see a long-overdue appraisal on the Edgar Broughton Band [MOJO 328]. I cannot think of a band who deserve a feature more than they do. They were my greatest inspiration, and had it not been for them my tastebuds in music would never have flourished in the way they did.

When I was 12 years of age, I saw them second on the bill to Pink Floyd at a Hyde Park bash, circa July 1970. Up until that day I hadn’t heard of them, but seeing was believing! It was a lifeaffirming experience, as I bore witness to 50,000 souls freaking out vigorously, peace signs flashing everywhere, love beads jangling all around, as if some mass exorcism was taking place during Out Demons Out. From here onwards, I fiercely championed them and went to many of their gigs. From a personal view, Rob, Art and Steve are the most personable and genuine people I have ever had the good fortune to know. And on the subject of the Freak Fraternity, it greatly saddened me to hear of the passing of William ‘Jesus’ Jellett, most likely the most famous gig-goer of all time, a unique character [see Real Gone, p109]. He will be sorely missed.