by DaNeo Duran
Two hours later Calvin took a call from Richard who told them they’d done well. Alas due to other acts rising Top of the Pops had confirmed the week’s playlist would not include them.
Raphael new he shouldn’t be so down but having spent so many nights on the settee visualising a Top of the Pops appearance he couldn’t help it.
‘Don’t worry mate,’ Calvin told Raphael. ‘We might yet get it next week.’
‘We should be busking not resting on our laurels,’ Danny said. ‘Think about it that’s what’s gained us notoriety. People might be wondering why we’re not in the streets.’
Thursday 17th May 1984
Amy continued studying through her finals whilst for the next nine days Katherine pulled pints. The band hit the parks busking and on Friday trekked up to Newcastle’s Tyne Tees studios to perform on Channel4’s live music program The Tube. They knew Jude Netherland could be a tough interviewer as Randy Earnshaw could but as luck would have it they got Pauline Gates who marvelled at Danny’s physique which bulged through his skin-tight black T-shirt.
Afterwards they shared the driving as far as Hemel where Raphael’s parents put them up for the night.
Following The Tube national interest in the band continued to flourish and, as the weather became hotter they pulled greater crowds in London’s parks.
Unbeknownst to Little Spirit The Guardian newspaper photographed them in Hyde Park and interviewed Richard who only thought to mention it the day they released an intellectual article about Little Spirit and their role in the modern music industry.
On Tuesday Richard confirmed that in seven days they’d be supporting Brewster Springfield on the UK leg of his world tour. They’d travel the length of the country for eight dates of colossal arena and stadium venues before filming two videos somewhere around Brighton. They’d then join Reformed Dreamscape’s tour; smaller venues but ultimately more people.
But first, they had to play Top of the Pops. Tuesday’s chart saw Little Spirit reach Number-17 which guaranteed their place on the show. Not only that but Richard insisted that the band celebrate its significance and signing to Vanquar by taking band, girls and Trudie for a meal after the show.
On Thursday Little Spirit walked into the car park at BBC Television Centre. Without instruments they only carried Little Spirit T-shirts.
‘This is it, Raphael said punching the air. ‘We’ve made it, Top of ze Pops.’
Danny looked upon the famous bare brick building. ‘We said we couldn’t do this without a decent record deal. And we have a spectacular deal.’
Calvin said, ‘Virtually the top of the pyramid. The only thing we could want for now would be a tour of our own. But who cares right now?’
‘We’ll soon be playing Wembley Arena with Springfield anyway,’ Raphael said.
‘You’re right,’ Danny said. ‘Still, I’d just love for us to get our own tour; see our names at the top of the tickets.’
‘A proper bed to sleep in would be nice,’ Raphael said doing neck rolls.
Calvin looked at him. ‘Sorry mate. We’ll sort it soon I promise.’
Richard had explained that the Musicians’ Union insisted acts re-record their songs for Top of the Pops. But apparently that never happens because clever wining and dining would distract the Musicians’ Union rep who’d be led to believe the song presented to him had just been recorded especially for the show. Richard had somehow wangled his way past this problem claiming the count in clicks added for Raphael’s benefit qualified it as different; radio listeners didn’t hear the clicks after all.
This technicality couldn’t have been further from the band’s minds as they stepped into the Top of the Pops studio. Just like The Whistle Test they couldn’t get over the studio’s diminutive proportions.
‘Is this really it – the studio you use every week?’ Calvin asked the stagehand who directed them to a table-top sized stage with only two vocal mics and black drum kit complete with plastic cymbals.
‘It really is. It’s incredible how different it looks on tele. You’re a three piece right?’
‘Yeah.’
‘You’ll look terrific on this little stage,’ he said advising them of marked spots on the stage from which they’d perform from.
Raphael sat and arranged the drums and plastic cymbals as best he could before catching up with the others in their allocated dressing room.
‘We’re in it now,’ Raphael said. ‘Madness are ze other side of this wall.’
* * *
So far Amy had faced exams every day that week. She felt she’d earned a break especially as she didn’t have another one for several days.
She arrived with Katherine at Television Centre where they met Grace. All three girls wore the same black, white and blue outfits Katherine had helped them choose for the video.
‘One small step for Little Spirit, one giant leap for GMD,’ Grace said as they entered the building and followed the throng of snazzy youths to the Top of the Pops studio.
Katherine collared someone with a clipboard and asked which stage Little Spirit would be taking. He pointed to what looked like a sparsely equipped plinth.
Looking around she said, ‘We could go on the balcony.’
Amy looked above and behind the stage. ‘Not in this skirt.’
‘Good point,’ Grace said. ‘If we get in front of the stage we’ll have a better view. Crikey what’s that?’
Behind them they heard jeering. Amy turned to look towards the fire exit. Unable to decipher yelled words she saw security guards forcibly removing two lads smartly dressed in crimson shirts; one looked like Brian the other like Marlon. She looked at Katherine who of course couldn’t confirm either identity. Looking back towards where the wrestling had taken place Amy decided she surely must have been mistaken. Nevertheless she bit her lip and forced it to the back of her mind.
Positioned just feet from the stage the girls waited. As the time approached 7pm the audience reached capacity. Stagehands vanished and cameras took position.
Some guy with headphones shouted up, ‘Okay everybody make some noise we’re going live in five, four, three …’
Amy started cheering with the teenagers when the ceiling monitors played the show’s familiar theme.
As it ended the man in headphones waved his arms about to excite the audience into making more noise.
Up went the applause and Amy looked round to see what had caught the crowd’s attention.
On the far side balcony she saw Radio1 DJs Janey Short with Mick Tiff who said, ‘Hey, hey, welcome to Top of the Pops. We’ve got a great show for you tonight and …’
‘A brand new Number1,’ Janice said taking over. ‘But first Terri Wells is kicking us off with I’ll Be Ahhhh-round.’
The cameras swept round and from their positions the girls saw the solitary black lady dancing and singing.
Amy watched the performance on the ceiling monitors. Next came Ultravox.
* * *
Backstage Little Spirit, having had their mullets pulled into spikes by makeup artists, received their final call and made their way stage-ward. With no backdrop they’d threaded their belts through T-shirts so the audience and cameras could read the band name from their backsides.
Danny strapped a borrowed black Stratocaster on and headed out. He stood on the low stage seeing faces he didn’t recognise and hearing random inane cheering from around the Ultravox stage.
With nothing to do he looked at some of the front row faces but felt stupidly awkward. Instead he and Calvin faced Raphael.
Just offstage Mick Tiff appeared. A camera wheeled around. Ultravox finished and a red light popped on in front of Mike. Danny, preparing himself to rock, didn’t hear Mike’s introduction.
Insincere high-pitched screams went up and Raphael beat out the rhythm. Danny spun round and stamped his foot. Not knowing where to look he avoided the cameras and focused on the back wall. He twisted his plectrum in his fingers but came alive the moment he had so
mething to do.
When Calvin joined in, Danny finally felt at home. Adopting the spread leg stance he pressed his crotch into the back of the BBC’s Strat and transcended the triviality of it not having a lead plugged into it.
Calvin took over the second half of the first verse and Danny prepared himself for the chorus. As he drew breath he looked into the crowd and several rows back spotted Grace. He smiled seeing Katherine and to her left Amy whose face shone energising him further. Danny grinned breaking from Amy only occasionally to give the cameras something.
* * *
Afterwards the girls waited for the lads at White City underground station.
Whilst Grace checked the route to Leicester Square Amy said to Katherine, ‘Danny said he loved me.’
Katherine faced her. ‘I don’t doubt that. What you going to do about it?’
Amy thought of her exams. Pulling a face she said, ‘Nothing tonight.’
The busy station quietened as Top of the Pops goers left for other things.
‘Come on guys,’ Grace shouted when the lads appeared. ‘My feet are aching.’
‘I hope not,’ Raphael said. ‘We’re dancing tonight.’
‘You were brilliant,’ Amy said rushing to Danny.
‘Thank you. It was great fun. How was today’s exam?’
‘Who cares. Tonight’s all about you.’
‘Amy, we just played Top of the Pops; it was brilliant but don’t ever think it’s all about me, or us,’ he said.
Danny held her gaze. Amy frowned but said, ‘Alright if you must know my exam went well. Now let’s go celebrate.’
* * *
Richard and Trudie had already arrived at The Ivy. Danny positioned himself opposite Amy feeling more relaxed than his previous visit. Amy plonked her napkin in her lap and caught him watching. She smiled and joined a conversation with Grace.
After food, Richard filled everyone’s champagne flute with the bubbly Raphael had so far avoided.
‘Just sip a bit,’ Richard said. ‘Or mime. I know you can manage that.’
At the head of the table Trudie tapped her glass calling order. ‘Everybody, Richard has a few words.’
Clearing his throat Richard thanked her.
Raphael leaned back and relaxed whilst the crotchety middle-aged man who’d softened over recent months stood in his usual brown suit chuntering about all the things Raphael would have guessed. But his words came in such earnest that Raphael couldn’t be anything but impressed when he announced he’d never been happier since hiring his niece and signing Little Spirit.
After raising a glass Trudie said a few words along the lines that in Little Spirit she’d never had a better project to get her teeth into.
Like Richard, Trudie’s words felt huge in their significance and when Raphael cast his memory back he couldn’t imagine why he’d freaked out before signing to Vanquar.
Again they raised their glasses after which Trudie said, ‘As you know we’re on the guest list of Astoria so let’s go boogie.’
Outside they debated against using taxis as the Astoria lay a mere stroll away. The boys wandered ahead. The girls followed four abreast. Trudie who never seemed to dress to impress told them how fabulous they looked.
‘Everything I’m wearing was Katherine’s idea,’ Grace said.
‘Me too,’ said Amy. ‘Katherine helps people develop their beautiful selves.’
‘You had quite an effect on Dave Whitaker,’ Trudie said to Katherine.
‘That’s normal,’ Amy interjected. ‘Calvin told me his brother, who’s a priest, nearly gave up the cloth when he saw her.’
Katherine laughed. ‘That’s an exaggeration.’
‘Barely.’ Amy turned back to Trudie. ‘Anyway, Katherine and Calvin are unshakable.’
‘For all Dave can be a womaniser I’m sure he understands that. But, he’s interested in Katherine’s ability as a connoisseur of fashion and style.’
‘Really?’ Katherine said.
‘Perhaps you’d like to come to Vanquar for a chat soon.’ Trudie handed her a business card. ‘We can’t directly employ you but Dave wants to be acting agent. We’d get you jobs styling acts. It’d be well enough paid to be worth us taking commission.’
‘Wow Trudie thanks.’
‘No probs just ring me when you’re ready and we’ll make an appointment. I could do with an overhaul myself. I know the green trouser suit isn’t helping but I’m growing tired of the comments it’s attracting.’
Katherine put the card in her handbag and almost skipped after the boys. Trudie spoke to the doormen and before they knew it they stood at the bar ordering drinks.
The Astoria had recently been refurbished and re-launched as a grand scale nightclub. Amy had avoided nightclubbing since the Hippodrome episode and tapping her foot faster than Let’s Hear it for the Boy’s tempo felt irrationally unsettled. She stood with her back to the room facing Danny and Calvin who propped the bar up supping pints.
Danny watched the packed dance floor. Girls danced provocatively. He looked back to Amy overlooking her agitation and seeing only the Little Spirit T-shirt clinging to her deliciously. Sipping his pint he figured getting drunk would be a mistake. He didn’t fancy risking his friendship with her again. Butterflies circled his stomach when she looked at him and pulled the olive off her Martini’s cocktail stick. When she turned to face the room he looked her up and down and imagined how her skin would feel under his fingertips.
‘Guys,’ Amy said without warning. ‘I think Brian might have been at the BBC tonight.’
Danny gripped his pint.
‘Alone?’ Calvin asked.
‘If it was him, he was getting thrown out with Marlon.’
Danny thumped his glass on the bar. If Johnny Won avoided alcohol to stay sharp then that’s what he’d do.
With the mood ruined Danny ordered a Coke and went off to join Raphael. Nobody mentioned Brian again and though Danny couldn’t let his guard down he enjoyed himself with his friends.
Another pint of Coke and an hour later Amy pulled him to one side. ‘I’d like to go home.’
‘Now?’
‘Immediately.’
‘Okay, but I don’t think anyone else is ready.’
‘So what?’
‘Okay, but let’s say bye to people first,’ he said puzzled.
‘Danny.’
His eyebrow jump with surprise as Amy almost stamped her foot.
‘Fine, but I’ll have to let someone know we’re going.’
‘Be quick.’
Danny pulled Calvin aside who asked, ‘Is she unwell?’
‘Don’t think so.’
‘The ex-boyfriend?’
‘Hope not.’
* * *
Danny and Amy stepped onto the pavement still hot from summer’s early arrival. Even at that hour cars trundled along the ever busy Charing Cross Road with open windows. The air smelt sweet as they passed a doughnut vendor.
‘You okay?’ he asked when linked his arm.
‘Yeah?’
‘What happened?’
‘I saw Brian, with Marlon. Red shirts, it was them at the BBC.’
Danny blanched. ‘Did they see you?’
‘Don’t think so but they must’ve known you were on Top of the Pops then tracked us to the Astoria.’
‘But you don’t think they’ve seen us leave?’
‘Not if we were quick enough.’
‘I’m not sure we should have left the group.’
‘They’ll be alright. I’m the main target.’
Covering the fact that the group’s safety hadn’t been his main concern Danny said, ‘What, surely not?’
‘Brain’s not the worry, it’s Marlon. He went mental when I dumped him.’
As Danny’s sigh ended a change took place. In accepting the inevitability of the situation, a truth formed and shone through his cowardice. He desired to protect another soul.
He’d been a tall child who fought often. He
should have won kudos for winning battles. Younger boys should have known better than to start with him but he generally did well against boys the same age. He rarely backed down from lads older than him and in most cases schoolyard fights got broken up or ended without harm anyway.
Walking silently with Amy on his arm he recalled one particular episode when he’d found himself the victim of an unprovoked attack by a boy two years older than him. Incensed, Danny had met the challenge head on. His attacker fought to save face but Danny hung in until at the end of his energy, he head-butted his foe. By then the older lad had emotionally given up anyway. He collapsed into a foetal position clutching his head until the end of break.
On another occasion Danny fought a boy his own age; again incensed by the injustice of his attacker. On that occasion he did more damage to his opponent than he’d ever seen on any loser’s face.
Both these incidents seemed to be ignored by his peers. At that age Danny didn’t have the cool of the other kids and as the only child of a single mother his acceptance into the pecking order remained mediocre.
When Danny started secondary school, his outlook to fighting changed immediately with the discovery of two things; gangs and consequence. Never again would Danny fight. He became the victim of bullying. The teachers couldn’t help him; he couldn’t help himself. And he stood out. Not local to the area he spoke differently. His mother dressed him in homemade clothes cut from outdated patterns or sent him to school in musty jumble sale castoffs. She argued that the haircut which brought about his nickname ‘Basin’ couldn’t be a ‘basin haircut’ because she hadn’t used an actual basin. Every kid in the school had licence to pick on him because every kid knew some other bigger kid. And none of them cared that his mother hadn’t actually cut his hair round a bowl.
Rather than face the problem Danny waited until puberty where he sidestepped the problem by exercising his body and saving any money he could to buy urban camouflage. He worked hard to fit in and learnt to avoid his foes. Learning to play guitar had been the first cool thing he’d done.
After escaping to polytechnic he discovered a whole different bunch of characters and no longer felt like an outsider or so individual. He made friends and had girlfriends; some of them so pretty he couldn’t believe his luck. But, his self-assurance didn’t soar genuinely as he discovered every time he came under fire and saw his courage vanish like smoke in a hurricane.
Now though, here in London’s breezeless heat strange effects took place within him. Marlon’s anger and assault of Amy had maddened Danny but that the aggressor might now be back for more saturated Danny’s being with indignation. Come what may he’d protect Amy.