smile and say cheese
When asked how he was feeling the other month, good all-round top-boy, ex-Dr Feelgood guitarist and terminally ill cancer sufferer, Wilco Johnson answered ‘pretty chipper all things considered’. He then went on to explain that, probably for the first time in ages, most likely since he was just a child, he actually felt he was living in the here & now, in the moment, and enjoying the experience for what it exactly was, what it represented and not trying to store it for future reference. Wilco’s going to die in the next few months and didn’t feel the need to record any of his current experiences for future playback. I reckon we could all take a leave out of Wilco’s book and learn from his statesman-like example.
A couple of months ago I was at a gig (yep, I still consider myself young enough to go to them occasionally, and, believe it or not, I’m off to another tonight) and I was mortified by how many people were pointing their vacuous little smartphones at the stage and watching proceedings through the tiny viewing hole (or whatever it is called). Why? It’s as if we can’t enjoy an experience first-hand and prefer to live it in the third party, vicariously. People take pictures of their food in restaurants instead of eating it. People taking pictures of the Mona Lisa instead of looking at it.
And what is it with the ‘selfie’? This week, in the middle of one of the most sombre events for many a year (Nelson Mandela’s memorial service) we were treated to one of the most disrespectful of acts: a selfie of Danish Prime Minister HelleThorning-Schmidt flanked by the sneering Barack Obama and our very own Davy Boy. The shot, known as ‘Helle’s Angels’, became the most produced picture of the event and typifies the narcissistic nature of today’s smartphone age. Admittedly, the service was going on a bit, but they all chose to be there and to bask in whatever light they could find, so what exactly did they think they were playing at?
That’s my point, they were indeed playing. They acted like a little bunch of glib teenagers larking about and posing for their next Facebook snapchat, or whatever. In attempting to justify her actions Helle went on the record saying “world leaders just want to have fun”. OMG. WTF. Stop digging girl. Someone take that spade off her. OK, I admit that the actual action doesn’t quite represent the imminent demise of the western world, but her response undoubtedly takes us a step closer. Cyndi Lauper for the chair of the IMF I say!
Dave Gingell responds:
I thoroughly recommend viewing Oil City Confidential – a film length documentary on Dr Feelgood, with Wilko as the main protagonist and presenter. It is absolutely fantastic and his humour and vitality comes across in spades. You don’t even have to like the Feelgood’s music (although there must be something wrong with you if you don’t) as it is more of a social commentary than a film about a band. It is brilliant.
