prolific.org

There’s a line in Almost Famous that goes:

They don’t even know what it is to be a fan. Y’know? To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.

I’m like that when it comes to music. I was that kid with the notebook scribbling down words at gigs, trying to get an interview. I was that naive. And no different probably from the ‘groupies’ - you all do what you are good at to get close to what you admire. Whether it’s flauting your brain and your words, or flaunting your cunt.

I was ‘too sweet’ for rock and roll. I would never have made it as a journalist because I was never ‘the enemy’. I could never get close and then spill the beans. I’m the idiot who thinks they can be a friend.

And you know what? It happens. It’s rare. But it does happen. Catch someone at the right time, the right place. Say the right things. Pretend you understand the music. Understand the music. Be the person who knows the difference between a good gig and a great gig. Who knows the off night, and who knows lift off. Connect.

I wouldn’t recommend it though. I’d say, if you can… be a groupie. It’s probably easier to sleep around with musicians than it is to try and be their friend.

And why? Why want to get close? Why even try? I think it’s a desperate need to view the world from a different angle. Through their eyes. Be allowed to tag along on a roller coaster ride. A ride you haven’t got the talent or drive or singlemindednbess for to initiate yourself.

‘Almost Famous’ caught a lot of what I’ve experienced following bands around over the years. Not the debauchery (the bands I’ve been into weren’t like that, most of the time), but some of the madness. And a lot of the thrill of the live environment. Being there, watching your band take the stage, the pride and excitement. The Jekyll and Hyde vibe you can get off a musician.

I recognised all that. I recognised the betrayal too. AND the reconciliation.

And the joy.

I have very few photos of myself at gigs, backstage, with musicians, etc. I guess it was part of my strategy never to put myself in that position. The photo opportunity, the forced smile, the obligatory arm around shoulder. That’s not me, I didn’t want to degrade myself or the musician.

William Miller: So Russell… what do you love about music?

Russell Hammond: To begin with, everything.