Long ago, back in 1977, I wrote the song ‘Faded Velvet Suit’. Punk music broke out and myself (Fender Jazz bass guitar) and Dave (6 string electric Gibson Les Paul) started writing songs as quickly as we could.

My brother Kev (Zero Summers) joined us on drums. He had been playing for all of one week! Hey, it was punk. Anything went. I decided to pick up the acoustic guitar and sing it again to see if it could be done in a different way. It can’t, but it was fun to revisit the lyrics. Playing gigs and the subsequent exhaustion of it all. But really fun times.

Here’s both versions.

The chaotic 1977 punk driven electric version with Dave singing the main tune. We had been together for a couple of weeks.

The gentler current day acoustic version of whimsy and warble. Singing and guitar by me. No intention to play the song with working on it again in mind.…just wanted a little experiment. Punk was a nice period in life. Leave its chaotic presence back there where it belongs. And sing to its memory with a smile, a warble and, as said, a gentle approach.

Punk was indeed a glorious musical freedom. It gave all budding musicians a chance to express themselves. Anyone could pick up a guitar or drum sticks and have a go. The audiences were chaotic, but safe and friendly. Such a vibe!