That's a fine post Dave. I'm sure you're not alone when it comes to Steve's music being an integral part of your life's experience.

You mention 'Ritz' . . . I sat in a reception area awaiting a doctor's appointment a few weeks ago. It was a while before I was called - so I looped 'Ritz' for almost an hour through my ipod. I was feeling a wee bit 'detached' to begin with, but that song in that setting put me into a very odd place indeed! Surreal, and worth being ill for!

I too-so many memories, back in my bedroom as a mere child Death Trip was a must as I fell to sleep ( no TV's in the bedroom back then!) it's still up there as one my most listened too tracks. I've seen Steve perform it once live - and yes a tear was brought to my eye.

I have dragged many friends along to concerts, many saying who, why? but always coming away impressed.
I've travelled the country to see Steve live, most memorable nights -
Ronnie Scott's in Birmingham,
the "evening with" charity event in London ( my late husband bidding for back stage passes & a meal with the band) &
the Robin 2 in Bilston with a real sceptic for company (needless to say a convert!)with Steve downing a Guinness at the end of the night.

I think of my favourite track, only to argue with myself as there are so many. But
I too want "Death Trip" at my passing, along with "Compared with you".
I look foward to 2010 concerts & new memories.

Seen them in Warwick, Leamington, Birmingham, Nottingham. Leicester, Southampton to name but a few. likewise I usually have to take sceptics first timers, but also likewise they usually end up converts. I've lost count of the number of complations CD's i've done for friends - even today I've gave someone at work a 'best of' CD Needless to say it has Deathtrip and Love compared to you on it.

regards

memories from very long ago. moved to London from Chicago in 1972 to put a band together (quick aside-hired tom doherty on bass from opal butterfly-simon king, lemmie, ray major) and went to drum city for parts for my kit. met lindsay elliot who worked there, we became friends and he said his brother was in a band called cockney rebel and they were practicing for their 2nd or 3rd gig, did we want to tag along? we did, they were great and we saw them later at a midnight show at kings cross cinema, I think, it was very long ago. of course i bought the lps and later cds of all the various steve projects and have always marveled he can keep coming up with such great material.

Totally relate to everything you said. I am 50 so I guess I purchased those albums about the same time you did.
Steve Harley is to me what the Beatles were to those before me.

I've heard Death Trip played live just once and have always hoped (in vain - to date) to hear it played again. I have travelled all over the UK to see and hear Steve and can't wait for his next gigs here (when is the next one?).