客層もTシャツやタトゥ、ピアスから、70−80年代はバリバリのフレンチパンクスだったであろうに、かつては逆立てていた髪も真っ白、あるいはすっかり無くなり、ポゴれば痛む膝や腰をビールで誤魔化し、またポゴる。ストラングラーズのおなじみの曲では大合唱。皆んな楽しげで、良い雰囲気だった。
何の因果か、そんな彼のMVを2本も自分が作ったなんて… だからMVの曲が演奏された瞬間、子供の頃、カセットで必死にこの人の曲を聴いていた記憶が蘇り、とても感傷的な気持ちになった。
思えば今まで回り道ばかりの人生、無駄にしてきた時間も数知れない。けれど、ようやく報われた、なんて思っているわけでもない。
物を作り続けるのは、「好きだから」とか「自分が自分であるために」とか、もはやそんな理由などではない。ではなぜ？ただただ、執念。私が頼りにし、信じているのは、努力でも才能でもモティベーションでもない。己の執念だけだ。
ヒューの演奏を聴きながら、そんなことを考えていた。
Went to see Hugh Cornwell’s live show, someone I had the honor of directing two music videos for. It meant a lot to me.
A tight 3-piece band, playing mostly his solo work, also some Stranglers tracks. There was something about it—the ease, the depth, like you could feel the life he’s lived.
Looking around the crowd, from their tees, tattoos, piercings, it was clear they were French punks in the 70s-80s. They pogoed like old times, but knees and backs hurting, washed it down with beer, they’d pogo some more. Big sing-along when the old Stranglers songs came up. Everyone enjoying themselves—good vibe.
As for me… to think that I somehow ended up directing not one, but two of his music videos. Still feels surreal.
Memories from my childhood flooded back—listening to his cassette tapes. Felt super emotional, like I was suddenly that kid again.
Looking back, my life’s been full of detours, with more wasted time than I care to admit. But it’s not like I think I’m finally getting my reward or anything.
I keep making things, not because I “love it,” or to “stay true to myself.” So why do I do it? Just pure obsession. What I trust in isn’t effort, talent, or motivation. It’s obsession. That’s all I’ve got.
That’s what was running through my mind as I listened to Hugh play.
#hughcornwell #thestranglers #rocknroll #terunoji
