One of John Lennon’s many contributions to everyday philosophy is his observation that ‘life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans’. It crossed my mind when I read Glen Matlock’s affectionate words in a Pete Shelley obituary. Talking about the brilliance of the Buzzcocks and taking the time to go to a Buzzocks concert he dryly observed:

“The last time they played London, I thought, I’ll go – but then I didn’t. I thought, I’ll see them next time around. But now I can’t. Us lot are all of an age now that means maybe you should make that extra effort before it’s too late. But 63 is no age at all.”

The observation is annoyingly true. Coming from a different age, too young to have witnessed The Buzzcocks in their heyday, I largely ignored the band and never went to see them. There always seemed to be a next time, until there suddenly wasn’t anymore.

So The Buzzocks join the ranks of David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Prince, Motörhead, Joe Strummer, The Gun Club, The Cramps, James Brown and Tom Waits, acts I meant to see, wanted to see, but failed to see because of death or (early) retirement. An impressively sad list.

I’m happy that i caught Paul Simon just in time for his last gig before retirement. I believe Gang of Four, Simple Minds, Stiff Little Fingers, and Peter Hook are still touring, and I should finally see Brian Eno somehow, somewhere. It’s not even 2019, but my New Year’s resolutions are already clear.