OK it’s been a while, That’s Not My Age is something of a slow blogger but all that’s about to change. I'm back in action, inspired by a couple of of age-related news items:
Respect to Radiohead for releasing Harry Patch (In Memory Of), the incredibly moving song about the 111 year-old last British survivor of the First World War who died on July 25 2009.
As Thom Yorke explains on the band’s website:
‘I had heard a very emotional interview with him (Patch) a few years ago on the Today program on Radio 4. The way he talked about war had a profound effect on me.’
‘It became the inspiration for a song that we happened to record a few weeks before his death. I very much hope the song does justice to his memory as the last survivor.’
‘It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us.’
As Harry himself said, ‘Irrespective of the uniforms we wore, we were all victims.’
Download the song from Radiohead’s official website for £1. All proceeds from the track will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
Fly the flag
This week I am mostly loving Gilbert & George. The 68 year-old artists are back in the news with their ‘Jack Freak’ exhibition at the White Cube gallery. The duo have donned Pete Townsend-style Union Jack tailoring and created a fine collection of photographic artwork – my favourite is Jack Shit (but that might just be the title!). The be-suited old boys do all the digital work themselves, which impresses That’s Not My Age who can just about post a blog. But most of all I love their neat appearance. The matching suits, always a clean shirt, tie and shiny shoes – and the fact that they look more than a little like Eric and Ernie.
Jack Freak, White Cube, Mason’s Yard and Hoxton Square, London (020 7930 5373)