Ok I am straight so never had a crush on him, but will admit that in my early 20s I wanted to be just like Kevin Ayers... he passed away around that time (my early 20s), and my best friend at the time (also called Kevin) comforted me... for Halloween I dressed as Kevin Ayers (with all the eye liner too), everyone thought I was Batman for some reason, despite the fact I was wearing a very colourful shirt
So great to see this footage of a psychedelic legend who was fortunate to retain his sanity despite his extensive and highly risky drug explorations. Having lived through the period and witnessed it all unfolding in real time, I can say that even then we were hearing of the acid casualties like Syd Barrett & Peter Green who achieved mythic status quite early on. Kevin shared some things in common with Syd, but in stark contrast managed to remain functional, productive, and reality-connected. It's all very easy to romanticize so many years later, but it was actually quite scary when it was happening because you realized you could lose someone you loved to a 'good time' that became a bad trip they never came out of. I knew a few of my own 'Syd' types who suffered a similar fate and it was a tragic thing to see. But thankfully Kevin Ayers lived the psychedelic dream, beat the odds, and lived to tell the tale---which he does so marvelously here. :)
If I had been at the same cafe as him on that particular day I would have walked casually over to his table during a break in the interview and said, 'May I? Sit and stare at you, for a while? I'd like the company, of your smile.' :)
The Kevin Ayers catalog was a big part of my musical upbringing from Joy of the Toy onward. An eclectic mix of eccentric English songs almost like a musical trip through alice in wonderland with a ever so strange banana obsession!!!! I got to see him live in 1975 at the Astoria in London with Andy Summers & Zoot Money just before the punk thing kicked off & just about when Summers met Stingo & Copeland to do their pretend punk band. As a musician myself I recorded a cover version of May I for my brothers funeral as he was a big fan. Ayers songwriting was always very amusing and he even got quite poppy in his later material. He never quite broke out commercially partly, I think because he was so laid back himself. He was always surrounded by a group of very talented musicians from Oldfield, Summers, Coxhill, Bedford, Wyatt etc. Whatevershebringswesing and Confessions of Dr Dream albums are stamped in my head from a young age. He was a one off with music full of vision and humour but possibly fuelled by the occasional substance, mainly red wine. A bit mad but a memorable talent. Too old to die young!
I worked part time on the door of a members bar in soho and in walks Kevin Ayers with this halo of blond hair falling over his face- I seem to remember him wearing a worn pair of Nike high tops too. He said to me “ I’m here to see him” pointing to Mike Ratledge hunched over at the bar.
I've just read your interview, Judy. Very very interesting, thank you. I'm very sad, too. I'm just happy to have read he is now coming back to his home in Deia, near his brother Ollie Halsall. Hugs.
"The only important thing in your life will ever be your freedom of thought, speech and expression. If you don't have that you are zero. You are just another piece of shit on the earth." - RIP dear Kevin.
@siouxie921 I love your thinking of Kevin Ayers...I have the same wish for him. He has been a favorite of mine since the 70's...a true Artist, His song writing and the players on his recordings....All Brilliant...I love Kevin, He has given us so much to love in his music. He remains a favorite and holds a special place in me...for 30+ years!
A friend of mine, a French guy, has adored Kevin all his life, I thought he was going to cry when I asked him if he had heard the News. He didn't understand a word of his songs but it didn't matter.
Like to see more of this footage. This man fascinates me. Especially now I learned he hails from Herne Bay. I live there now and I hope greatness will be thrust apon me . Or a lotto win, cos I've got obscurity. Just need the talent. And a shed load of luck
+roytheboy ferguson I was in Herne Bay the last year. I am not from UK. I was there just to know the "genius loci", of the place, where Kevin was born. Unrepeatable feeling. I mean his early memories can be found in the album whatevershebringswesing. I asked few people there whether they know him... they didn´t
@caravaneriam ...wine, music, art, women, mediterranean sun, fishing, reading a lot of books, especially by Gurdijeff, was enough.. his talent the rest. And that's why I like him so much.
@darrenfinizio2 Darren, sorry for my late reply, but thank you very much for your nice comment and my best compliments for your art: I saw a documentary about you here on RUclips, you're incredible man!! Best wishies
@ABOVEZESEALEVEL Thanks for your comment, mate... Yes, I know about his actual residence.. I would love to visit that area.. who knows, maybe in next future!
@TQ95 Thanks for your comment, that seems to me very understandable! Me too I hope to come across him somehow sometime... unlucky he doesn't tour anymore. May I ask you if you met him during a public event or just along the street?
@namaste91 Thanks for your comment, the first my videos receive since I subscribed RUclips... yeah, relaxed... also if my impression is to listen someone who broke down his illusions... anyway, I always appreciated his honesty, and anyway he has tons of style to sell, parbleu!
@TQ95 Ahahah, very well told mate, and I'm very surprised to read in your profile you are so young, knowing so many things about him. Tell me, did you stop him at the bar, asking him for a photo or similar?
How true, freedom of thought, expression and speech and these days we have no freedom of speech .....because it might offend someone! therefore no one is really free.
@caravaneriam Me too I like his approach, but I think it's controversial: don't forget that he often declared that a lot of his records (the last one included) just came out for business' purpose!
@caravaneriam ...(also if some of his friends were millionaires). Also he wasn't in big ideology (his friend Robert Wyatt and communism party), nor in crazy mystic (his friend Daevid Allen)...
@TheMightyHC Ahahah, yes, now I see... I didn't know him, tv vicars it's not at all an italian phenomenon... and a priest who looks like a rock-star, even less :D Thanx The Mighty!
@sketchgrrl Wow, so envy! Tell me sketchgrrl, is he really so charming and carismatic in person? Did you feel it? Of course you know about his fame related with women :)
@caravaneriam I simply think that kevin Ayers had some lucky possibiliteis in his life and that his honour was to have caught them or refused them just in order of his edonism, which of course was not made only by money or fame...
Anyone can have freedom of thought, speech and expression - he is just pointing out that we all should have that right and not allow anyone else to prevent us from being ourselves. Sure he is probably more fortunate than most of us what with the fame/money etc. But he still had to work hard at it like the rest of us, quite a bit of freedom and play time too no doubt.
Dan Shepherd ...I think that's a spot on comment... These comments from Kevin helped me re-affirm what I've always thought. It's then given me the confidence when challenging bosses at work and talking with 'experts' who are more highly trained people than myself. All the best.
mediocre stuff....he was clearly overrated....just being in Soft Machine for the short time he was made his legacy..otherwise he made nothing..!!!..Another Syd Barret....
Sadly missed Kevin - Never forgotten. Gone to the great gig in the sky RIP. So much you left for us to enjoy. Love on ya !
He was so acute and talented. He left us too early
Yes, he was totally charismatic. I had a big crush on him. I'm very sad to hear that he has passed away.
Ok I am straight so never had a crush on him, but will admit that in my early 20s I wanted to be just like Kevin Ayers... he passed away around that time (my early 20s), and my best friend at the time (also called Kevin) comforted me... for Halloween I dressed as Kevin Ayers (with all the eye liner too), everyone thought I was Batman for some reason, despite the fact I was wearing a very colourful shirt
So great to see this footage of a psychedelic legend who was fortunate to retain his sanity despite his extensive and highly risky drug explorations. Having lived through the period and witnessed it all unfolding in real time, I can say that even then we were hearing of the acid casualties like Syd Barrett & Peter Green who achieved mythic status quite early on. Kevin shared some things in common with Syd, but in stark contrast managed to remain functional, productive, and reality-connected. It's all very easy to romanticize so many years later, but it was actually quite scary when it was happening because you realized you could lose someone you loved to a 'good time' that became a bad trip they never came out of. I knew a few of my own 'Syd' types who suffered a similar fate and it was a tragic thing to see. But thankfully Kevin Ayers lived the psychedelic dream, beat the odds, and lived to tell the tale---which he does so marvelously here. :)
If I had been at the same cafe as him on that particular day I would have walked casually over to his table during a break in the interview and said, 'May I? Sit and stare at you, for a while? I'd like the company, of your smile.' :)
Gone but always here...he left so much for us to share...
Oh those memories...
:)
His voice is incredibly cool. Love that he sings like he speaks too
I have many of Kevin's albums and he has been one of my favourite singer-songwriters since Joy of a Toy era!
His last statement is totally cool lol
The Kevin Ayers catalog was a big part of my musical upbringing from Joy of the Toy onward. An eclectic mix of eccentric English songs almost like a musical trip through alice in wonderland with a ever so strange banana obsession!!!! I got to see him live in 1975 at the Astoria in London with Andy Summers & Zoot Money just before the punk thing kicked off & just about when Summers met Stingo & Copeland to do their pretend punk band. As a musician myself I recorded a cover version of May I for my brothers funeral as he was a big fan. Ayers songwriting was always very amusing and he even got quite poppy in his later material. He never quite broke out commercially partly, I think because he was so laid back himself. He was always surrounded by a group of very talented musicians from Oldfield, Summers, Coxhill, Bedford, Wyatt etc. Whatevershebringswesing and Confessions of Dr Dream albums are stamped in my head from a young age. He was a one off with music full of vision and humour but possibly fuelled by the occasional substance, mainly red wine. A bit mad but a memorable talent. Too old to die young!
I worked part time on the door of a members bar in soho and in walks Kevin Ayers with this halo of blond hair falling over his face- I seem to remember him wearing a worn pair of Nike high tops too. He said to me “ I’m here to see him” pointing to Mike Ratledge hunched over at the bar.
Grazie per i bei momenti che hai regalato, Kevin. R.I.P.
angeloraim it’s Ayers for f-ks sake!
I've just read your interview, Judy. Very very interesting, thank you. I'm very sad, too. I'm just happy to have read he is now coming back to his home in Deia, near his brother Ollie Halsall. Hugs.
"The only important thing in your life will ever be your freedom of thought, speech and expression. If you don't have that you are zero. You are just another piece of shit on the earth." - RIP dear Kevin.
A true troubadour.
@siouxie921 I love your thinking of Kevin Ayers...I have the same wish for him. He has been a favorite of mine since the 70's...a true Artist, His song writing and the players on his recordings....All Brilliant...I love Kevin, He has given us so much to love in his music. He remains a favorite and holds a special place in me...for 30+ years!
A friend of mine, a French guy, has adored Kevin all his life, I thought he was going to cry when I asked him if he had heard the News. He didn't understand a word of his songs but it didn't matter.
Like to see more of this footage. This man fascinates me. Especially now I learned he hails from Herne Bay. I live there now and I hope greatness will be thrust apon me . Or a lotto win, cos I've got obscurity. Just need the talent. And a shed load of luck
+roytheboy ferguson knew him well when i lived hernia bay many years ago.. good gigs canterbury. wilde flowers, softs, caravan.... great days!
+roytheboy ferguson I was in Herne Bay the last year. I am not from UK. I was there just to know the "genius loci", of the place, where Kevin was born. Unrepeatable feeling. I mean his early memories can be found in the album whatevershebringswesing. I asked few people there whether they know him... they didn´t
Kevin is gone. I'm totally broked as I never was before. Really very sad. Hugs mates.
A true artist!..R.I.P. Kevin!
@caravaneriam ...wine, music, art, women, mediterranean sun, fishing, reading a lot of books, especially by Gurdijeff, was enough.. his talent the rest. And that's why I like him so much.
What a nice,cool guy: Relaxed look,munchs his peanuts and tell wild anecdotes from his past.I like that a lot!
A true original.
Just like many of us .......ageing came hard on him . Especially after having had such a brilliant party .
great to see this heroof western music speak
@darrenfinizio2
Darren, sorry for my late reply, but thank you very much for your nice comment and my best compliments for your art: I saw a documentary about you here on RUclips, you're incredible man!! Best wishies
Is the music right at the end by Tapineria? The combination w/ Daevid Allen. Seems familiar.
@ABOVEZESEALEVEL
Thanks for your comment, mate... Yes, I know about his actual residence.. I would love to visit that area.. who knows, maybe in next future!
@TQ95 Thanks for your comment, that seems to me very understandable! Me too I hope to come across him somehow sometime... unlucky he doesn't tour anymore. May I ask you if you met him during a public event or just along the street?
Saw Him In Hoboken 1993at Maxwells too great show....
@namaste91 Thanks for your comment, the first my videos receive since I subscribed RUclips... yeah, relaxed... also if my impression is to listen someone who broke down his illusions... anyway, I always appreciated his honesty, and anyway he has tons of style to sell, parbleu!
great music
RIP Kevin Ayers
@TQ95 Ahahah, very well told mate, and I'm very surprised to read in your profile you are so young, knowing so many things about him. Tell me, did you stop him at the bar, asking him for a photo or similar?
Love his laugh at 4:22. :)
Excuse me but are you related to Dave Spart?
I really wish that there could be subtitles for the Spanish parts (or is it Catalan?). The whole documentary seems to be really interesting.
How true, freedom of thought, expression and speech and these days we have no freedom of speech .....because it might offend someone! therefore no one is really free.
in the end he knows his place...rip my man
@caravaneriam Me too I like his approach, but I think it's controversial: don't forget that he often declared that a lot of his records (the last one included) just came out for business' purpose!
@freakedeliqueful I think TheMaxlow means Peter Owen Jones, who possesses a similar hat :)
@czechmike You are welcome czechmike, I'm glad that you appreciate :-)
He was just so... "naughty".
:)
@TheMaxlow ?
@posthumanhero Absolutely yes!
@caravaneriam ...(also if some of his friends were millionaires). Also he wasn't in big ideology (his friend Robert Wyatt and communism party), nor in crazy mystic (his friend Daevid Allen)...
Odd choice of post-Kevin Soft Machine music footage.
rip kevin ayes
La llibertat. La llibertat para la rat, escolta, nano, tú. Yeeeeaaahh. Y free Wild Mick Riot!!!
@TheMightyHC
Ahahah, yes, now I see... I didn't know him, tv vicars it's not at all an italian phenomenon... and a priest who looks like a rock-star, even less :D
Thanx The Mighty!
@sketchgrrl Wow, so envy! Tell me sketchgrrl, is he really so charming and carismatic in person? Did you feel it? Of course you know about his fame related with women :)
@caravaneriam I simply think that kevin Ayers had some lucky possibiliteis in his life and that his honour was to have caught them or refused them just in order of his edonism, which of course was not made only by money or fame...
Empathy!
broken? sorry, wrong languages'basis (qand just that)
I guess the rest of us are just pieces of shit on the earth then. Is that why kevin ayers deserves the peanuts and no one else does?
Anyone can have freedom of thought, speech and expression - he is just pointing out that we all should have that right and not allow anyone else to prevent us from being ourselves. Sure he is probably more fortunate than most of us what with the fame/money etc. But he still had to work hard at it like the rest of us, quite a bit of freedom and play time too no doubt.
GAL
Dan Shepherd ...I think that's a spot on comment...
These comments from Kevin helped me re-affirm what I've always thought.
It's then given me the confidence when challenging bosses at work and talking with 'experts' who are more highly trained people than myself.
All the best.
he's just died
mediocre stuff....he was clearly overrated....just being in Soft Machine for the short time he was made his legacy..otherwise he made nothing..!!!..Another Syd Barret....