EVENT REVIEW : GRACE MAXWELL & EDWYN COLLINS : AYE WRITE FESTIVAL, GLASGOW 10 MARCH 2010

Last July, I posted a review of the book Falling & Laughing - The Restoration of Edwyn Collins. For those of you who don't know, it is the story of how one of Scotland's national treasures underwent an incredible journey to recovery after two near death experiences after falling seriously ill in 2005. It is a story written by Grace Maxwell, the wife of the said national treasure. And you wont be surprised that the book was one of the best things to emerge anywhere in 2009. Click here for a link to last July's posting.

The book has been a huge critical success as well as an inspiration to a great many people. Eight months on, and the paperback edition has just been published. Last week, on 10th March, during a recent Book Festival that always attracts some of the best-known authors in the business, Grace Maxwell took to the stage of the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow to talk about her work, to read a few extracts and to take questions from a capacity audience of just over 400. Oh and Edwyn was alongside her to help her out....

The event was always going to be a bit special, but what unfolded turned into something bordering on magical.

It began with Grace reading from the opening section of the book which relates how she first met Edwyn back in August 1980 when the Orange Juice singer along with Alan Horne, the band's manager and record label mogul, came to London to try and get some record shops interested in stocking copies of their debut single. Grace hadn't long moved to the big smoke from Glasgow and was happy enough to offer space on the floor of her flat to the happy travellers. It was the beginning of a relationship that has lasted 30 years and involved events that neither of them could ever have imagined in their wildest dreams.

Grace, with the occasional interruption and interjection from Edwyn, then answered some questions from the MC for the night (and apologies for not catching his name - all I know is that he was a Glasgow-based publisher and an obvious EC/OJ fan) covering various events and happenings in the book, following which there was a chance for the audience to join in.

As is usually the case, the audience was initially a bit shy. Indeed the first contributor who eventually put their hand up explained that he didn't want to ask a question but just simply say how fantastic it was that Edwyn was still alive and still able to take to the stage and perform his music. Cue applause.

Then an elderly lady put up her hand. She was sitting directly in front of me next to an elderly man who has been taking the occasional photo during Grace's reading and the chat with the MC. Both had been nodding vigorously at times. When the microphone was put in front of her, the lady started to speak with some difficulty, but was able to explain that, like Edwyn, she had been struck down by a stroke and like him, the after effect had been severe aphasia. But that the book had helped her realise she was not alone in struggling back and she wanted to thank Grace for doing so much to publicise aphasia and to thank Edwyn for being an inspiration. In reply, Grace talked a little bit about the issues surrounding this very unpleasant after effect - and the lady in the audience then said "What no-one really understands is that we are not stupid or mentally disabled but we just can't express ourselves the way we want to. It's really hard to get that across."

I don't think I was alone in having a lump in my throat at this point. It was really only then that I fully realised just how hard the past 5 years must have really been on Edwyn, Grace, their son William and those most closest to them. And I was moved by the fact that it is not just ancient indie kids or music fans who are looking on at Edwyn Collins continued recovery with huge interest...

After quite a few more Q&As, Edwyn was joined on stage by Sean Read and Carwyn Ellis for a semi-acoustic set featuring songs from the Orange Juice era and the solo years,including one new song entitled I'm Losing Sleep.

With no drums or bass and a minimal backing, Edwyn's voice is more to the fore in this type of setting than normal, and that is when you realise that while he still has obvious problems fully expressing himself when talking, his singing voice is getting better and stronger by the day. As he explained in response to a question, it's all down to the fact that he practices and rehearses every day. Sean and Carwyn were peerless whether they were playing guitar, keyboards, percussion and saxophone or joining in on backing vocals. And Edwyn was clearly having a ball. After 30 minutes, it was time to seemingly bring the evening to an end. The audience rose from their seats and gave a loud and heartfelt standing ovation....

And yet there was more.

We had been told that Grace would sign copies of the book in the foyer outside the theatre. What we didn't know was Edwyn had decided he was also going to add his signature....

I reckon over a hundred people waited behind. If it is a strain or struggle for Edwyn to slowly write his name in all those books, he certainly didn't show it. Not only did the author and her husband sign all those books, but they spoke at length with anyone who wanted to say something or ask a question that they were too shy to have posed in front of an audience, and of course they posed for any pictures.

It took around an hour and a half for the last person to have their book signed. And I should know, as it was me.....

I wanted to wait till the end just so that I could say thank you in person to both Grace and Edwyn for everything. That and the fact that I wanted three copies of the book to be signed.

I handed over my hardback from last year and when Grace asked who it was to be dedicated to, I couldn't help but say 'The Vinyl Villain'. Grace looked up and smiled and asked if that was who I was, and she then turned to Edwyn and told him that I was the fan who had posted some videos of live performances and photos at edwyncollins.com

Edwyn in response said 'Thank you. Those videos are great.'

Now I knew that Edwyn had watched the videos as he had left some comments behind at his site. But the fact that he was personally thanking me just left me in awe. It was, without question, one of the most memorable moments in my near 47 years on this planet.

After a little bit more small talk, I got the two paperback editions of the book signed. One was dedicated to my dear friend and fellow Edwyn-obsessive Jacques the Kipper.

But the other simply says:-

'Congratulations....and best from Grace Maxwell and Edwyn Collins'

And that is because I want to offer that copy as a giveaway prize on TVV......

Now I did initially think about making it an auction with the highest bid going to charity. But no, I'd rather make it open to all and sundry. All you have to do is send in an e-mail - the address is over on the right hand side of the blog - and mark it 'Grace Maxwell Competition'. One lucky e-mail will be drawn out by Mrs Villain after the closing date which is Sunday 28 March.

Good luck

mp3 : Edwyn Collins - Won't Turn Back

Oh and I hope you enjoy the video clip taken on the night. Its one of the many wonderful tracks to be found on the LP Gorgeous George.

Happy Listening. And viewing