Chris Salewicz says he will board a train today, Thursday for Stratford,England,to the town church,and later to publishing entrepeneur Felix Dennis’s estate,for Mick Farren’s funeral and memorial reception.The Farren send off-affair (affray?), since his death last August from a stroke whilst doing a lead singing gig with his band The Deviants,at a club in London, could last for days,with hundreds of his friends gathering to rejoice in having known him. Some arriving from around the world.
Farren had over 20 books published in his lifetime,and wrote for countless magazines and newspapers. Felix, the former publisher of high circulation magazines (MAXIM,BLENDER) goes way back in his relationship with Mick. Dennis’s OZ,and Farrens NASTY TALES magazines were prosecuted in the Old Bailey for obscenity in the 70’s. Both cases,( in separate trials )were eventually thrown out,after incurring heavy legal costs,with partners, staff and legal friends tied up for years wrangling with the British High Courts. John and Yoko Lennon silently assisted in affraying some of the legal bills, as did others.
This correspondent photographed dozens of stories to accompany Mick Farrens words,and is honoured to have known him.
All power to the people.