Slow & Low, Let Yourself Go.

I can't let today pass without adding my own personal regret at the sad passing of Adam Yauch, known to many as 'MCA'.

MCA was a member of the Beastie Boys.
He died, on the 4th of May, after 3 years of cancer treatment.
He was just 47 years old.

The Beastie Boys hit the headlines in our country due to some appalling 'journalism', shocking in its inaccuracy at the time but perhaps less so now.

We have all become well aware of the dubious morals of the red tops, the way they work to sell stories, not even slightly concerned at ruining reputations.

Sensational articles were fabricated.

The Beastie Boys appalling behaviour was the talk of our moral guardians, especially a particularly awful piece on them mocking terminally ill children.
Something had to be done.

It was all lies of course but as we've subsequently learned, the papers never let the facts get in the way of a good story.

Politicians questioned if the band should be allowed into the country and middle England shook with fear.

By the time they arrived on our shores, the police presence outside the shows was more like a high profile football derby than a music event.

Needless to say I loved it!
Run DMC were also on the bill but I think most people were there for the Boys.

After that initial burst of notoriety, the lads grew up, became more musical, played their own instruments and relied less and less on sampling.
Yauch became very prominent in the Free Tibet movement.

I bought a Beastie Boys cap at one of those early 'notorious' shows.

It's difficult to believe now but back then, real 'American' style baseball caps were difficult to get hold of in England.

After a while, my grandad took it off my hands as it was 'perfect' for him to wear while playing in his crown green bowls league.

It always made me smile to think of the old fella wearing the cap.

Just now, I'm not smiling so hard.

Thanks for the memories MCA.

RIP, MCA, (on the right)