Grand canyon ashtray
John Lagun and I used to sit up long into the night drinking cans of weak lager and discussing the true meaning of friendship. A big man, John was to be found on his stool at the Villa Vic in the West End of Newcastle. We spent many happy evenings over the years in that pub. Playing pool and staying out much later than we planned.
On our first meeting he said “Hallo y’bastard”. I loved him instantly. He died of liver cancer some time in the late '90s (how the time flies and memories take on different meanings - dates and times seem irrelevant now). A committed smoker, this Grand Canyon ashtray was his favourite place to put out his tabs when at home.
We loved to listen to 'The Obvious Child' (12 inch vinyl edition) by Paul Simon, 'Next' by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. “And the boys of the NYPD choir were singing Gallway Bay, as the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day…”
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