It's always sad when one of your heroes or favourites dies. But as much as I admire an singer or an actor, it's unlikely I'd ever shed a tear over them, write poetry or publicly thank them for their good work on a personal level. You know, 'thanks Paul, for helping me through, etc'. I find all that especially cringeworthy. I didn't actually know them.
I remember my brother crying when Elvis Presley died, but I think he got caught up in the moment. He was only nine. When Kurt Cobain died, a colleague had to go home because they needed to play his records 'and say a private goodbye'. Frankly, I thought that was preposterous. I'd never even heard of him.
The whole of Britain sobbed uncontrollably when Diana died. Except me and Mrs F-C, who really couldn't see what all the fuss was about. She was right. Britain embarrassed itself and hasn't been able to look itself in the eye since.
I've never cried over anyone famous. I'm saddened of course, as I think it's a shame when someone talented whom you liked is taken. For example, Kirsty MacColl was a true tragedy, she had so many years left. I was shocked. But I didn't cry.
I wonder what sort of person you have to be to cry over the death of a famous person.
A normal one? A sensitive soul? You?
Am I being hard here, or am I just as I should be?
