Some years ago, I was listening to a radio show, and caught enough of the end of a track to say to myself "Hey! That was purdy dang good!".....no I didn't, I don't speak like that, but anyway, the DJ said "That was Alvin Lee with Emmylou Harris, from his new album 'Hiding'.

My first reaction was "How did AL get in tow with Emmylou?" My second was to start searching record stores for the album. Imagine my disappointment when I saw the cover with Albert doing his best Quasimodo impression, pictured peeking round an half open door, or if your a pessimist, a half closed door.

In the early 80's I saw the Everly Brothers at the old Apollo theatre in Glasgow, Albert was in their band, playing lead, and got the biggest cheer of the night when he was introduced....cheering, clapping and giving it big 'yahoo'...."Yeah! Yeah! Albert Lee! Woo-Hoo! (whistle, whistle, clap, clap)". I was the only one who seemed to know who the hell he was. I suddenly realised that mine was the only noise reverberating round the Apollo, and I became the focus of attention for a thousand blue rinses and balding heads.

Rosie made me sit down and told me to behave, saying that I was an embarrassment, and how she couldn't take me anywhere, without me causing a scene. "But his name's Lee, he's halfway there", I said.

I can relate, Alan - Lola frequently laments that she can dress me up but can't take me anywhere!

Email