A great impression of simplicity can only be achieved by great agony of body and spirit

A massive thank you to Pat Gilbert for his wonderful interview with Captain Sensible [MOJO 329]. The fact that the guitarist shared his tales so openly made for a wholly refreshing read, and there was something quite moving about his childhood stories. Being sent to children’s homes when his mum was unwell – and being named after a strip bar! – are things that could understandably leave a mental scar, but Captain Sensible’s matter-of-fact acceptance, and how he simply made sense of it all through his music, was nothing short of inspirational.

The lasting message I took from this article is Captain Sensible’s huge sense of contentment for all he has achieved. There are no regrets or signs of envy in relation to those who perhaps went on to see greater success. He simply played the game his way and he is a happy man. He absolutely embodies what punk is all about: being yourself.

Craig Isherwood, Poulton Le Fylde