Wow, what a read, what a life! The last part completely stopped my in my tracks - I'm so very sorry to hear this. I see you've written a post on this - I'll take a look.
I was incredibly grateful for the line (and picture) that followed straight after that one - writing genius. The mind boggles. But it boggles even more about the line "Jo and I went to Live Aid." Please can you write a post on what this was like? I've always wanted to meet someone who actually went!
Ha! Ha! I actually just spoke to Jo the other day!
I’m supposed to be writing memoirs so i’ll get to it eventually but… short version…
I was in the Navy at the time and I had just got back from six months in the Falklands. We went on holiday together to Tenerife but then we broke up. Jo called me a few weeks later and said “We have to get back together again because I’ve got two tickets for Live Aid!”
The concert was amazing from start to finish. We used to go to a lot of concerts so we’d seen a few of the acts already. We were quite close to the stage and the atmosphere was so alive. When the American half started, they were alternating songs between the USA and the UK and in the quiet parts at our end, the crowd played all these silly games and sang our own songs. At one point, someone threw a teddy bear in the air and everyone cheered. That teddy went around the whole stadium for about five minutes and everyone cheered with each throw.
The best bit was everyone singing Feed the World at the end and the singing continued even after the concert ended and we sang it all the way to the tube station — just the last two lines over and over.
This is amazing thank you! I feel as if I’m there. I never realised there would be those gaps. I love that playfulness and can imagine it so easily. It seemed like such a spontaneous and fun filled vibe. Thank you!
Yup. But I've done as you advise - I got a new job eighteen months ago and moved here to Belgium full time a year ago. It's been a very rich time but starting again in midlife is hard. Many more happy years to you and your clearly wonderful family.
What a fascinating and full life Kevin. Certainly many ups and downs….probably a lot more stress than I think I could manage on many fronts. I find your outlook on life and positivity very inspiring. Life can be tough sometimes, but you have payed it well mate. It’s been a bit manic for me recently, but hope to catch up very soon for that beer. Cheers, Graham 🍻
I hate to read the last part, but all along I was thinking this guy did it right, he wins. A life well lived.
I've enjoyed it so far, Kate!
Wow, what a read, what a life! The last part completely stopped my in my tracks - I'm so very sorry to hear this. I see you've written a post on this - I'll take a look.
I was incredibly grateful for the line (and picture) that followed straight after that one - writing genius. The mind boggles. But it boggles even more about the line "Jo and I went to Live Aid." Please can you write a post on what this was like? I've always wanted to meet someone who actually went!
Ha! Ha! I actually just spoke to Jo the other day!
I’m supposed to be writing memoirs so i’ll get to it eventually but… short version…
I was in the Navy at the time and I had just got back from six months in the Falklands. We went on holiday together to Tenerife but then we broke up. Jo called me a few weeks later and said “We have to get back together again because I’ve got two tickets for Live Aid!”
The concert was amazing from start to finish. We used to go to a lot of concerts so we’d seen a few of the acts already. We were quite close to the stage and the atmosphere was so alive. When the American half started, they were alternating songs between the USA and the UK and in the quiet parts at our end, the crowd played all these silly games and sang our own songs. At one point, someone threw a teddy bear in the air and everyone cheered. That teddy went around the whole stadium for about five minutes and everyone cheered with each throw.
The best bit was everyone singing Feed the World at the end and the singing continued even after the concert ended and we sang it all the way to the tube station — just the last two lines over and over.
Feed the wor-or-or-ld!
Let them know it’s Christmas time!
Great day!
This is amazing thank you! I feel as if I’m there. I never realised there would be those gaps. I love that playfulness and can imagine it so easily. It seemed like such a spontaneous and fun filled vibe. Thank you!
A vivid life indeed. Any advice for a 42-year old starting again in a new career in a new country after a divorce?
Oh wow! That's pressure for me!
I won't advise you, but I can tell you that I would up-sticks and go somewhere new entirely. The new career complicates that a little! Good luck!
Yup. But I've done as you advise - I got a new job eighteen months ago and moved here to Belgium full time a year ago. It's been a very rich time but starting again in midlife is hard. Many more happy years to you and your clearly wonderful family.
Excellent! Congratulations on your move to Belgium.
Brilliant attack like to the full
I wasn't aware of the misery list trend on Substack until you pointed it out.
There are a few happier ones popping up now but... Yeah… lots of misery.
I'll avert my eyes and stick with the happier ones.
You've had quite a life, you've achieved, you've thrived, regardless of the ditches.
Thank you, Caz! That's very kind.
What a fascinating and full life Kevin. Certainly many ups and downs….probably a lot more stress than I think I could manage on many fronts. I find your outlook on life and positivity very inspiring. Life can be tough sometimes, but you have payed it well mate. It’s been a bit manic for me recently, but hope to catch up very soon for that beer. Cheers, Graham 🍻
Thank you, Graham. It has been a good life! I'd do it all the same again if I had the chance.
I look forward to that beer🍻
A delight from beginning to end. Well. Except for that bit at the end. I was imagining what Walter Isaacson could do with you Ragged. I’d read that.
Thank you, Mr LSO! What a lovely idea!
Perhaps if Isaacson does a good job, we could have Jon Voight play me in the biopic 😎
You’ve had such an exciting life, Kevin!
Good so far, Helen!