I know this is the second week in a row where I could be fairly accused of name-dropping but as the title suggests, I could have made a great deal more of this occasion.
At the time, I was living in Camden Town, already well established as quite possibly, the coolest place anywhere in London to live in. I was renting a small, three-room-bedsit that was a one minute walk from the tube station. There was a pub two doors next to me, and a whole host of other bars and restaurants – all within a few minutes of each other. All this, for the princely sum of twenty-five pounds per week!
Then, there was Dingwall’s…
Dingwall’s was a legendary music venue, situated on the edge of Camden Lock and the Market that was the third largest weekend, outdoor tourist attraction in London. I lived about five minutes’ walk from this magical place.
One night, I went to see a band play at Dingwall’s and while I was at the bar, waiting to be served, I noticed Paul Weller just a few feet away from me.
I could have been forgiven for thinking it was my Dad, as many people have commented on how they look alike.
Perhaps I should have pretended it was my Dad, and used that as a way to introduce myself?
The truth is, I didn’t say anything.
I guess that’s what they call being star-struck.
Many people behave in a similar way don’t they? Even when there is no celebrity or so-called star involved.
When presented with an opportunity to speak out, or shine in some way, or volunteer for a task that could open up further doors, so many people freeze when they could have flowed right into the situation and never looked back.
Don’t let that be you.
The next time someone asks if you would like to do something that is a bit scary but you know it could lead to other, even more exciting things, don’t hold back.
You never know what might happen if you say yes.
Who knows what might have happened if I had spoken to Paul Weller that night?
I’m not a singer or musician, so I wouldn’t have been angling for a break or anything like that. It may have simply been a pleasant exchange and that would have been fine too. If smart phones had been invented by then, I could’ve shown him a photo of my Dad.
A couple of years later, whilst unloading the car containing all the camera equipment (the same car I drove when I forgot the camera)
I found myself standing in front of the late Kenny Everett…
This time I didn’t hesitate.
“Is that you, Kenny?” I asked, as he finished loading up his car.
“It may well be, who knows?” he laughed, as he ran back into the television production office.
I should’ve told him me and my Dad were big fans, that would have got his attention.
Until next time, be blessed to be a blessing!
Paul
