I took this picture
of Kevin
Ayers
and his young daughter Galen walking down a Palma, Mallorca avenue in August or early September 1980. I expect we were on our way to the wondrous fish market there and afterward probably to an
equally wondrous Mallorquin lunch.
As you can see, it
was a beautiful
summer day
and Kevin looks relaxed, happy and utterly in his element both as a Mallorca "local" and as a parent. Galen's
expression, half excited and anticipating and half fearful, reminds me of all the children I've known
since
becoming the father of a daughter myself.
I love the Peter Blegvad song that follows these words. I don't know anyone who's heard it
who doesn't. Kevin once told me that Desperate Straights, Slapp Happy's album (Peter was a
member), was the best record anybody had ever made. That surprised me (and still
surprises
me), but I like definitive answers and Kevin was always judicious and decisive in artistic matters.
Happy birthday
(tomorrow), Kevin.
Peter Blegvad: Daughter (Link)
