5 AUGUST 2024- PORTER SQUARE BOOKS, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 7 PM

In late April of this year, I attended the three New England dates on Robyn Hitchcock’s spring tour. After the third, an afternoon gig with comedian Eugene Mirman at the Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut, two and a half hours from my home, I waited until after Robyn had spoken to everyone else, including singer (and frequent collaborator) Sean Nelson, before I approached Robyn, with a small gift. It was a Trader Joe’s 50th anniversary 1967-2017 “Summer of Love” reusable shopping bag, which I’d kept for seven years to give to him, saving it until I felt the time might be most appropriate. (“It’s not from 1967, is it?” Robyn inquired, with deadpan mock incredulousness.) While waiting, I bought a vinyl box set from Mr. Mirman, had him sign it, and hung out with my friends Eric and Pat.

During my short chat with him - we’d spoken briefly after the previous two shows, so I wanted to make it quick and not overstay my welcome - Robyn nonchalantly asked me if I’d like to moderate the Boston area in-store promotion for his upcoming memoir, “1967 - How I Got There, And Why I Never Left,” on August 5th, location to be determined. He credited his wife and partner, singer-songwriter Emma Swift, with the idea. Trying to maintain my cool, I, of course, agreed, and told him how much it meant to me.

It was eventually decided that the event would take place at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA. The store has a capacity of 120 or so, and the free, RSVP event was filled to capacity in no time.

Over the next few months, I prepared by reading and rereading, and listening and relistening to, the book and the audiobook, all the while taking notes and organizing my thoughts. By sheer chance, I found a black dress shirt, with a design not unlike something Robyn might wear, at Savers for about $7, to wear at the event. I also decided to wear a tiny green crab button, an official one based on Robyn’s early record label, Two Crabs.

On August 5th, I arrived at Porter Square early. I sat outside at the Cafe Zing (part of PSB) dining area, eating a blueberry muffin and drinking a ginger lemonade. Eric and Pat joined me while I reviewed my recently heavily edited notes.

Just before the scheduled starting time, I was escorted to a backroom office, as the crowd shuffled in, including members of my family and a couple of co-workers. Emma arrived first, and then Robyn, each greeting me warmly, which helped center me. Emma looked fantastic, and we had a quick chat, and she updated me about her most recent projects. By the time Robyn said “Hello,” there was hardly any time to discuss anything. It was now showtime!

Robyn and I each sat on our own stool, and were given our own handheld microphones, with a small table between us. After a brief introduction from a staff member, I gave my own introduction of Robyn, which I’d been working on since April 28, on my way back from Westport.

The entire presentation was well received, and the audience was enthusiastic and engaging. Robyn was his usual witty and charming self. I tried to question Robyn about subjects he had not been asked about a million times before. Since I was able to particularly relate to his discovery and exploration of music in the 60s, that was the focus of most of my inquires. However, I did also want to talk about his family, and some other subjects related to 1967. I didn't even have to bring up Brian Eno!

After about 45 minutes, I arbitrarily checked my phone, and realized it was time to move onto the next section, which was Robyn reading from his memoir. The excerpt I chose was Robyn’s imaginary 1967 interaction with Bob Dylan at Nashville’s Ramada Inn, complete with his hilarious Dylan imitation, possibly the funniest section of the book, one among many such moments. (Pg. 176-180)

Then it was time for the Q&A section, all intelligent and relevant questions from members of the audience. This was followed by Robyn previewing material from his forthcoming album, “1967 - Vacations In The Past.” He performed three songs from it, alone on an un-mic'd acoustic guitar. First up was The Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset,” then “See Emily Play” from Syd-era Pink Floyd. For the third number, the Beatles’ “A Day In The Life,” Robyn announced midway through that he would not even attempt to replicate the very high register, wordless midsection after Paul’s bit, so, unprompted, members of the audience filled that role. Then Emma joined for two “bonus tracks,” Robyn’s “Queen of Eyes” and “Glass Hotel.” Emma has recently developed an extra soulful tone to her singing (or was it always there?), and her harmonies were exquisite. Robyn, of course, sounded great as well. I hadn’t realized until afterwards that he had recently caught a cold, but aside from the occasional cough, it wasn’t apparent to anyone there.

Next up was the book signing. There was no charge for admission, but there were plenty of copies sold at the event itself. I kind of lost track of time, but Robyn was autographing and personalizing copies of his memoir, as well as the occasional album, for quite a while - maybe an hour? During this time, a handful of people said hello to me, including friends Jen, Amy, “Zoltan,” Mark, and Philip, as well as some new acquaintances.

After it was all over, Emma graciously offered to take a picture of Robyn and me, and he posted it on social media the following day, with a nice caption. (Coincidentally, Robyn’s shirt was not dissimilar to mine! I was expecting polkadots, or maybe paisley or fish or flowers?) We all chatted a bit outside of the store, along with Eric and Pat, while they waited for an Uber. Then it was time to say goodbye.

Needless to say, this was an honor and a privilege, something I will treasure forever. Even now, it feels like a dream. Goodnight I say, goodnight I say, goodnight I say, goodnight I say, good night!

Harold L