Nero and the Gladiators beat group –
Autographs acquired but long since lost
I recall their transit-van emblazoned
By their ludic in transition to brief fame
Their rakish name sold 45s and tickets
Though quiet and kind they signed my homework book
Now the Majestic Ballroom is one more grey brick block
Of identical matchstick flatlets for the fortunate
Professionals persevering in Mc-Jobs
Perhaps they dance to i-pods twice a year
Before the sixties swung we jived each week
As vipers with our dove-like hearts intact
Preferring hits found off the beaten track
A mixed-up shook-up milkshake jukebox
By which we grew articulate in caffeine free-form speech
Costume armour cast-offs from Quo Vadis
Dressed their over-driven amps to bloom
Bric-a-brac acquired on tour in Rome
Before The Silver Beetles ever shone
Not all bands conformed The Shadows line
Two straws to a Bardot bottle
Of curvaceous original Coke
Cookie lend me your comb
I may have one hair left
And I shall slick it back
Remembering Link Wray’s noir pompadour
Bernard Saint
Illustration: Claire Palmer
.