John Spinks 1956-2002

Why would I remember John so vividly?
Peter Johnson

I had not seen John Spinks since I left college in summer 1979. But when I heard of his untimely death I was gutted. Very strangely I still felt of him as a close friend and part of my life. Bizarre. I guess that tells you something about him.

I first bumped into 'Cockney' at the end of September 1976 when we were in the same corridor in Priory Hall, Lanchester Polytechnic. I remember that characteristic wide smile and the great banter we had. John 'Mac' Cracknell has already provided a story or two about Cockney in those days and I can confirm them! I was there when Josie the cleaner was convinced John was a drug user. It was my ('Pete's cassette recorder') which recorded John, Mac and myself recalling a wild and drunken night out in Coventry in the style of Pete and Dud and Derek and Clive. We 'had a skinful at the Penny Black', a rather dubious drinking establishment in Coventry precinct and Mac was keen to chase 'flange' in the Block opposite but we ended up recording a memorable tape that I kept for almost 20 years.

We ate in Priory Hall refectory and John and our 'corridor' sat together a lot. As a lad from then unfashionable Hull & East Riding, we had a great banter. I will remember many exchanges, but one in particular. In 1976 people's perception of Hull was still based on fishing. I remember sitting down at breakfast one morning and we were all eating particularly greasy bacon. 'Gosh' said John, 'You could float a trawler on that couldn't you?'

After Priory Hall I shared a house for 2 years at 623B Foleshill Road Coventry with John, Derek and Paul. I have many memories of him. Never cleaning the grill after his breakfast kippers for one!! But many a chat, many a drink and with my bedroom opposite John, memories of his guitar playing and strains of the first part of 'Stairway to Heaven' night after night. To this day if I hear 'Clever Trevor' by Ian Dury or 'Lazy Sunday' by the Small Faces, I think of John. They were anthems to him at that time, and me too, despite my being preoccupied with Kate Bush and punk at the time. An Irish gal from Wolverhampton appeared on the scene for John and then Karen, who I recognised from photos. I was delighted to hear they continued their association in later life.

I never thought of it until now, but seeing how John ran his life, we were amazingly similar. I developed into a carefree, dreamy type, a bit of a lost soul yet popular and a charmer, womaniser and heavy drinker. John and I also shared a very dry sense of humour. But whatever John was or did I suspect that big grin and constant charisma meant it was hard to ever be angry with him. He had a quiet presence and charm and was indeed a very special individual.

Whilst living with John, we journeyed to Finsbury Park Rainbow to see Eric Clapton supported by Ronnie Lane. John's Dagenham mates won't remember me but they might remember the gig as we met up afterwards.Steve Morton might have been one.

Let's just finish with a serious bit. Why would I remember John so vividly 34 years on? Because he had a warmth that spread to everyone he met. He was 'real' and despite huge confidence, always carried a certain vulnerability deep down. I never saw him drive a car,but I can well imagine. I will remember his smile, his telling if a story, a pint in his hand, strumming his guitar, injecting his insulin and a figure in a rugby shirt falling into a lecture late after a good night out.

It was only 3 years, but it was a privilege to know you John Spinks. The passage of time is strange. It changes everything, or nothing. They were great days our student days. I am happy to confess that all these years on, I shed a tear or two when I saw this website. Our time is a very shadow that passeth away. I think John made the most of his time.