I was on the London tube this morning and there were two people stood in my carriage with music seeping from their headphones. Other people, as ever, were staring into space or at advertisements, or reading newspapers.
Taking in the ambience, I was reminded of a short diatribe (“Stop the music for a minute”) from the wonderful Quentin Crisp, who warned against the human race sinking into a mindless state where, like amoeba (his word) every individual sits alone, listening to music on their headphones, tapping their feet and yet unaware of anyone or anything around them.
At the age of 17 as I was then (1982), I thought his monologue was rather quaint and amusing, but now I feel it is sadly all too true. Catch the track on Cherry Red’s “Pillows and Prayers” album if you’re interested.