Rock’N’Roll War Stories

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Rock’N’Roll War Stories

by Allan Jones

OSO True Stories at the OSO Arts Centre, Barnes until 18^th October

Review by Heather Moulson

Here is a man who held the key to a very golden era of rock n’ roll, a deceptively unassuming man in his seventh decade, and author of two memoirs, he had met everybody and everyone in the biz.  Hosted by the vibrant Duncan Steer, we were introduced to the legendary editor of Melody Maker, Allan Jones

A young rookie at this iconic music newspaper in 1974, skinny with long blonde hair, he was immediately sent out to interview Elton John, who was promoting his new album Caribou. Despite Jones not hearing the LP before, he still shared five bottles of champagne with the pop star at eleven o’clock in the morning … “It would have been rude to say ‘No’”.  This was the kind of tidal wave we were treated to, and just his discipline of getting on that typewriter that same afternoon and meeting his deadline was awe-inspiring. 

Jones recorded everything in interviews except when he joined a band on tour, then it was paper and pen, and he never missed a deadline in his entire career.  Born in Port Talbot, Jones talked about the Jimi Hendrix concert he saw in Cardiff in 1967 and knew what his career path would be. 

Steer asked him who was the most volatile rock star Jones had ever interviewed, and Van Morrison’s name came up. This was not the hottest news, for he had a fierce reputation.  Then as a plus was the fiery Lou Reed, who systematically abused every journalist.  Even the most seasoned hacks came away shaking, but Jones stood his ground while Reed ranted, and ended up sharing a bottle of Johnny Walker Red.  Once again the deadline was efficiently met.  This line of business was not for the weak livered! 

Jones became Lou Reed’s favourite and ordered him to join him on a tour of Sweden.  The following three days were obliterated for the plucky journalist, such was the pop star lifestyle then.

John Anderson, the lead singer of Yes, and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, and Peter Gabriel, despite (or because of) platinum albums on their walls, had a huge sense of entitlement. And Jones could not stomach Springsteen and The Beatles.  In fact, at a lunch held for Amy Lou Harris in a Greek restaurant in Soho, Jones found himself next to Ringo Starr.  As with Greek tradition, he was required to break a plate over his neighbour’s head.  Jones immediately thought of Octopus’ Garden and smashed it over the Fab Four member’s head with relish! 

In 1979, Jones recalls sharing a car with Sting, newly relocating to London with a wife and baby, who carried on relentlessly about his decision to join the Police.  Was it the right move?  Should he have stayed back in his village near Newcastle teaching?  After Jones met him again a couple of years later, with phenomenal success, he still carried on in the same vein!

Going through the joys of Bowie’s Station to Station tour, (Bowie tended to come over rather more imperial then false), Jones declared Nick Lowe’s and Dr Feelgood’s the most riotous of rock tours.  Rock stars falling off stage – the lot!  What an era! 

Jones’ pinnacle with the Melody Maker came when he was meant to interview the short-lived Kajagoogoo, and talked to the Smiths instead.  His instincts spotted an emerging talent, and when Jones became editor in 1984, he put them on the front cover.   It was the highest selling copy of the Melody Maker ever. 

Allan Jones moved on to edit the classy Uncut magazine in 1997, and the Melody Maker entered a serious decline, finally hanging up its hat in December 2000.  It was a very sad end to a glorious publication.

Allan Jones’ has written two books on his journalistic experiences Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down and Too Late to Stop Now, which are absolutely worth getting.  Meanwhile, look out for the innovative Duncan Steer, who hosts live interviews at the OSO, least once every season.

Heather Moulson, October 2023

Photography by HM