Billy Childish has been a hero of mine for many, many years (I got to kiss him on the cheek once!) and only last week I was extolling his merits to Mook.
Once a month for a couple of years, I’d religiously make the journey to see him play in Tufnell Park with Thee Headcoates. The band played in the back section of the pub which was a bit like a working man’s club. Same carpet on the floor as on the ceiling. The evenings consisted of raucous garage punk, far too much whiskey, plenty of jumping around, outrageous flirting and heading home on a great high of having listened to some of my favourite music … live. Simon reminded me that we also saw them in Chicago in 98 … maybe it was too much whiskey then that blanked it from my memory, but it’s all starting to come back.
Anyway, what should happen this week whilst lunching at the Quay? I see that not only is he bringing an exhibition of his artwork, poetry and film to the island, but he’ll also be performing with his current band, The Buff Medways.
Billy has published over 30 books, created 2500 paintings and drawings and released over 100 albums. He is extremely talented and ambitiously modest with it.
The opening night (6pm-8pm) will give you a chance to meet Billy Childish and then see a live performance of the Buff Medways. There’ll be other (rare films) events too, so check the events listings on the blog.
The exhibition runs from 28 January to 11 March and yes, I’m hugely excited about it!
Check out the Quay Website for more info.
By the way … you’ll be glad to hear that I’ve stopped drinking whiskey.
