I have a friend who is a huge Free / Paul Kossoff fan he sent me the photo of John and Paul that he wanted me to get John to sign when I went to see him at The Hexagon Reading on 23/5/90. John would not sign the photo and wanted it for himself. I informed him that it was not mine to give away. I said if he gave me his address I would send him a copy, John’s manager would not agree to this but John went ahead and gave me his address anyway.
I sent a copy to John for it only to be returned, I sent it again. Out of the blue I received a letter and cassette tapes from Volker. The tapes were of Johns gig at The Paradiso Amsterdam 25/6/90 which he taped from the soundboard. Volker had visited John and seen the photo in John’s living room and wanted me to send him a copy, this I did.
Roll on to 18/8/92 and John is playing at Half Moon Putney, I phone the venue to be told tickets only from the bar. On the day we drive to London to be told it’s sold out, the barman and I exchange a few pleasant words !
My wife and I wander around trying to calm down and thinking what do we do next. Eureka we will go to the stage door and see John ! As we get to the door a van pulls up and out gets John, we explain the situation and John and his manager says sorry but we can not be of any help. I said I did not want to do this but I am the person that sent you the photo of you and Paul Kossoff that hangs on your living room wall. John then turns to his manager and says put these two at the top of the guest list.
On to 27/11/94 Town Hall Henley, John walking into the hall through the front door with the audience. I say to John do you mind if I put a tape in the mixing desk tonight, John replies NO. I say it’s for a friend of mine called Volker we trade tapes. John replies with a laugh ah Volker he’s been a naughty boy and wonders off. Later I find out that John had fallen over when trying to get over a fence and had broken some some ribs, hence the gig was not one of his best. I have always thought to myself that’s why he would not let me tape it ! Ha !
R.I.P Volker my friend.
Cheers, Martin.
