The Movie Reel and the Empty Seats: A Tribute to My Life’s Heroes
As the years tick by, life starts playing out like a well-worn movie reel in your head. Scenes from your past flash into sharp focus—childhood escapades, career moments, and quiet personal triumphs.
But the real signal that you’ve entered the “old age” act isn’t the rewind button; it’s when the heroes of your life begin to exit the stage. Lately, those empty seats have been appearing far too frequently. I thought I'd lost a few key influences, but the truth is, their impact is permanent. While I can still play their stories over and over, I want to take a moment to celebrate the people who shaped me.
Act 1: The Literary Legend – Stephen King
My latest reminder of life’s winding plot was watching “The Life of Chuck,” the film starring Tom Hiddleston. I was utterly confused until the very end when I realized all the disparate events were linked to the protagonist’s demise. It's based on a short story by my first hero, the undisputed King of Horror, Stephen King.
Since reading his debut, Carrie (1974), I’ve remained a devoted fan, often taking a stack of his novels on my long voyages at sea. He is the only author I read again and again. His genius lies in finding terror and humanity in everyday life, and his influence extends to iconic films like The Shawshank Redemption, Stand by Me, and The Green Mile. Knowing he still writes 12,000 words a day is a testament to his enduring dedication.
Look out for his latest cinema adaptations, “The Life of Chuck” and “The Long Walk.” Thanks, Stevie.
Who is the hero in your authorship world? I wonder.
Act 2: The Prog Rock Pioneer – John Lodge (1943–2025)
My sea voyages weren't just for reading; they were for listening, too. I always brought the albums of the 1970s prog-rock titans, The Moody Blues. I was saddened to learn this month, that the band has lost another member.
John Charles Lodge, the bassist, co-lead vocalist, and primary songwriter for over five decades, passed away peacefully at 82. His contributions, like “Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” and “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” are classic rock anthems that ensured the band’s global success.
Lodge was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. I read that his family confirmed he passed away surrounded by loved ones, listening to the very rock and roll heroes who influenced me through my big sister Christine and her husband Don: The Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. A perfect, full-circle moment.
I’ve listened to their seminal 1967 album, Days of Future Passed, countless times. From cassette to vinyl to CD, it’s been a constant soundtrack. Now, a simple voice command will do.
Alexa, play some songs by John Lodge.
- Alexa's Choice: Blue Guitar, Send Me No Wine, Who Are You Now, Emily’s Song, The Minstrel’s Song.
Act 3: The Beautiful Game – Tottenham Hotspur
Every hero needs a challenge, and mine is following Tottenham Hotspur. Why, I ask myself every year?
Growing up in West London (not the North side), my neighbour Gary chose Chelsea, so I, naturally, chose Spurs. We were just kids then, building go-karts out of old pram chassis where one we called "The Tank." That era of innocent rivalry and broken pram springs is long gone, but my loyalty to the Lilywhites remains.
From those playground days to becoming a season ticket holder while working in London for the Ministry of Defence, the "Lane" has given me the highest highs and the lowest lows. My Spurs heroes—the players and the managers—influenced my passion and my persistence.
My All-Time Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Jennings
- Defence: Walker, King (C), Campbell, Hughton
- Midfield: Bale, Hoddle, Perryman, Son
- Strikers: Greaves, Kane
- Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
- Assistant Manager: Harry Redknapp
Beyond the Screen: My Real-Life XI
Of course, my most enduring heroes are those closest to me: my Mum and Dad, my sisters, my son, and my grandchildren ;who, I wish them, enjoyable lives, free of the crises that marked my own journey.
I even hold a great deal of respect for my brother, Ken, who, despite facing huge adversity—including a costly operation by a fake doctor that led to him losing his business and his bodily functions—but he just carried on and looked after his family.
I also count my loving wife, Teresa, who keeps me sane, happy, and ensures I take my statins! Alongside her are my inherited daughters, Rachel and Catherine, who have chosen their partners, Craig and Lewis, wisely (even if one of them supports Liverpool FC! but the other apparently makes a really good beef curry!).
Finally, I could never have become the decent Artificer, or "mechanician," I was in the Royal Navy without the heroes I served with. Their memory is my last, my loyal team of the past served 28 years in the Andrew (The Royal Navy of course).
My Royal Navy Team (Starting XI): Willard (Jess), Fern (Gurney), Jamieson (Jamie), Jeffs (Stevie), Barker (Ronnie), Kemp (Stan), Ritchie (Terry), Southard (Marty), Shepherd (Big Shep), McConnell (Roger), Sandford (Sandy).
Manager: Vincent Gary Taylor
The movie reel continues to turn, but the legacy of those who walked alongside me—in books, on stage, on the pitch, and in the Fleet Air Arm were my engine room—they will always light the way.
POEM
I have chosen a single poem for this blog and its one which I have written before - it was 2023, when Spurs had Antonio Conte in charge. At that time (from November 2, 2021, until March 26, 2023). I thought to myself then, "this is it finally" and we had our all time goal scoring legend too, Harry Kane. Unfortunately we couldn't keep our Harry or Conte who was just a little too demanding and started outing the team in post match interviews, and so he too had to go. So that "Its Lucky for Me" poem is now a distant memory - so here is a revised version of the original poem.
It's Lucky For Me (After A Year When We Won!/)
It's Lucky For Me (When The Year Isn't Won)
Why me, why us, why his, why hers?
Who really wants to support the Spurs?
The punters hate us and, frankly, we hate them.
The Gooners don't rate us, but Frank's (surely) here to win.
So why me? I guess, it's why I exist—
The joy of the Lilywhite, the Cockerel, the gist
Of fast-flowing football. And yes, we lost "one of our own,"
But look! It's "to dare is to do," to cheer, not to moan.
We've had a night under Poster-(no clue) some Bilbao fun—
Better than the Gooners who have won none, won none, won none.
Better than United, but the Greek/Aussie HAD to go.
(lasted just a month replacing Nuno!)
The team could be exciting, like Littler beating Gezzy, "Gwaaaaaaaan"
But we've yet to face the Scousers, and the Gooners nicked Eze! ("Oh Come On!")
It's still only a matter of time for more silverware, they say,
And we can only get better once the injured earn their pay.
Still, I can't wait for 2031; I might not be here.
My days might be done, and Trump's bringing fear.
I've been lucky with Covid, but now it's talk of wars and regret,
So I keep cheering those goals Spurs put in the net.
So, come on you Spurs, farewell our Son.
Come on you Spurs, let's rise and be one.
One team to believe, one team I've known:
Tottenham, like Harry, is my very own.
