Stuck in the Middle

I had a feeling that events might prompt memories, and sadly it's a death that has prompted this one. Gerry Rafferty died earlier this week, and even the Today programme played Baker St. I first came across him as a member of the Humblebums with Billy Connolly - such a daft but happy name. When Stealers Wheel were touring the university and college circuit in 1972/3 I went to see them at Salford University. At the time I was part of a hippy dance troupe, formed by Allan Prior. By day he was a computer wizard, working for ICL. By night he was an idiot dancer, leading a group of like minded in his wake. Small, round, with a red beard and longish hair, he looked like a character from the Hobbit. I don't think he had any academic background in computer studies. He had just grown up with them. I believe he eventually got a honorary degree, possibly from one of the Manchester universities. He enthralled us with his visions of a computerised future - the idea that sound and vision could be combined - computer driven light shows - all too much! He had six children - where are they now? - and sadly he died of cancer mid to late 70s. Thanks to him, as his dance troupe we were on every guest list for every gig or concert in the Manchester area. Salford University gigs on a Friday night were particularly good. I can remember seeing Wings and Curved Air there among others.
For some reason when Stealers Wheel played we shared a dressing room! Our status as dancers may have been to do with how amazing we were, but you have to remember this was a time when the audiences sat cross legged on the floor, nodding their heads to the music. So a group of hippy dancers were worth watching - especially Juliet Begley!
Someone from the band told me to listen to Pharaoh Saunders, so I did. This is how you learnt about music in those days. Luckily I worked at Salford Library at the time, and they had a record lending section. You had to take your stylus in to be inspected, and if it made the grade you could borrow LPs.
How times have changed.....