In the fall of 1999, my band the Loose Wrecks was booked to be the opening act for Robyn Hitchcock at a club called Top Cat’s in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a big fan of Robyn’s work, I was ecstatic about this opportunity and quickly set about making a poster for the show. I took the silliest picture of Robyn’s face that I could find and I had it enlarged. Using four sheets of 11”x17” paper crudely taped together to make a poster, the result was kinda rough looking but effective. On the night of the gig I was in the club when I overheard a very loud screaming argument between Robyn’s tour manager and someone at the bar. Apparently Robyn was touring with an opening act and the tour manager was shouting, “Who is this third fucking band?! They will NOT be playing tonight!” To their never ending credit, the bar staff at the club tried to come to my defense, explaining that I had promoted the show for weeks, hanging flyers and posters all over town, notifying local radio stations, etc. The angry tour manager was drooling and spitting and shaking with rage and refused to back down. Someone pointed me out to him and the man turned his angry sneer upon me and began to approach me from across the empty barroom. At that precise moment, as God is my witness, Robyn Hitchcock himself walked through the front door of the club, uncharacteristically ebullient and beaming from ear to ear, loudly asking the room at large, “Who made this fan-TAS-tic poster for tonight’s show?!” I told him it was me and he thanked me profusely, complimented my work, and after introductions were made he seemed thrilled that my band was also on the bill for the evening. Across the room, the tour manager’s gait and demeanor shifted dramatically. Sneer turned to smile as he thrust his hand out for me to shake, “Nice work, mate. Robyn’s happy with it. Glad you’re on the bill tonight.” Fortuitous timing to say the least, and Robyn himself was never aware of the potentially volatile situation that he unknowingly defused. I have been fortunate to cross paths with Robyn Hitchcock several times over the years. He is highly intelligent, gracious, chivalrous and polite. The music world would be a lot better off if there were more guys like him. A true original, copious Syd Barrett comparisons notwithstanding, and a total gentleman.
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