Shadows

As you may have read earlier, I recently completed the autobiography of Adam Ant. It was a great book and with a bit of my Christmas money, I bought the "Best Of" DVD that came out at the same time. It contains virtually all the single videos, except one or two of the early ones (copyright bollox, so I'm told) and compliments the book nicely. Disc 2, however, is the revelation and the catalyst behind this post.

It features a documentary made this year and was broadcast on London TV in December 2006. This version features another 25 minutes of footage and it's not a bad piece of work, although it seems to be inspired by these historical decade shows we see all too often nowadays. It's redeeming features are the interviews with Adam & Marco, but in Adam's case, these are also the most upsetting.

Until I saw this, I don't think I could ever say that I had truly seen someone where I could legitimately use the phrase, "He's a shadow of his former self". Adam looked so delicate and fragile in this film, so vulnerable and timid, it really was very upsetting. Why ? Well, you must remember, when I was growing up and Adam was a big part of my life, he was this energetic, brave, feisty, workaholic warrior, full of gusto and verve. He was a successful and very active artist and his live shows were pure and raw energy. Now, ravaged by Bi-Polar disorder and having suffered many years of it undiagnosed, it has left him in a withered state, speaking in monotones and almost struggling to summon the effort to smile. It truly broke my heart. I admire the guy totally and always have. I marvel at the way he has coped with a very debilitating illness and am so glad he is still with us, but it is mightily sad to see him like this.

I didn't just love his music. I loved his art. I loved his ability to entertain and inspire. The music world, and the world in general, lack such people nowadays. Adam insists there is still good music in him, which I don't doubt for a second.

Let's hope we get to hear it soon :o)

Oh, and in the vain hope he may read this, thanks Adam, for everything you have done for me without knowing.

P.S. I sat in bed this morning with my little girl and we watched some of the videos together. She absolutely loved them. You could see how his total showmanship just leapt out of the screen and excited her. The old bugger can still knock 'em down 20+ years on ;o)

Please also visit these sites for more information on mental illness...

Royal College Of Psychiatrists

National Association For Mental Health

Stand And Deliver !

Well, seeing as I stole one of his lyrics for the title of my blog, I guess it's only fitting that my first proper post is an Adam Ant related one :o)



I've just finished reading his autobiography, "Stand And Deliver" (which I got for Christmas) and a most fascinating read it is too. I've been a fan since the late 70's when, as a young and very impressionable child, his music and style spoke to me like no one else had since The Beatles. Until I saw Adam, I had only ever wanted "to be" Paul McCartney, playing bass. Within a few months of being exposed to Adam, I knew I was to be a drummer. I instantly connected with Adam's ideals, his mindset and his music. Sure, it wasn't deep & meaningful stuff, it wasn't the angry political punk or social commentaries offered by certain Ska bands, but it was pure showmanship, total theatre and deeply fascinating. I got all kinds of stick for dressing up in a similar fashion, although I'm sure my mum actually liked it !

Sadly, what many people think of when they hear the name Adam Ant now, is of a crazy old 80's hasbeen, and they could be no further from the truth. Suffering from Bi-polar disorder, Adam has been through a personal hell and has been suffering for a lot longer than many would know. His personal "fix" was to work his bollox off and spend time flying around the world and moving from one relationship to another. Some if his descriptions were very familiar having suffered from a form of depression myself.

The book is a revelation and also a confirmation of many things. It's highly interesting, not only bringing back many fond memories of those times but also filling in blanks about his life & the music industry which had often evaded me.

Hopefully, the new compilation DVD will be waiting for me when I get home tonight and the memories will really come flooding back.