Ray Jones, 65, is a Portobello veteran despite his Taff roots. Infamously, he edited the Roughler in the 80s, which a Portobello mixture of Tatler and Sniffin’ Glue. More recently, he has published 3,000 Hangovers Later which is a compelling photographic account of The Warwick Castle during the same era. Ever-prolific, he now has a single out Hey Cowgirl with his C & W band, Glory Bound on Dec 15th. The same date sees them performing at that evocative venue, the Maxilla Social Club off Latimer Rd. Go Ray Go…

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR NAME, WHAT YOU DO, YOUR AGE, WHERE YOU LIVE 

My name is Ray Jones, I live in Ladbroke Grove London W10, I write and am singer and songwriter in the band Glory Bound I am 65 yrs old

TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE YOUR AGE?
 
It’s OK, its just that you have to realise that every ache and pain is probably for life now.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE AT 25?

A better vocabulary and a lot more confidence.

WHAT ABOUT SEX?

Irrespective of age, I feel like I’ve been sold short in this department. Probably through my lack of bullshit.  As Connie says to Smiley in Tinker Tailor etc: ” We are the great underfucked.”

AND RELATIONSHIPS?

Not been in one for a long time. I put this down to my lack of eligibility really. It’s a bit of a mystery, there’s not a girl I know who hasn’t been out with at least one bigger twat than me. Not one.

HOW FREE DO YOU FEEL?

As a bird. Since I’m not reliant on booze, fags or drugs, I’m on fast forward.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF?

My new record. ‘Hey Cowgirl, (which way’s the Rodeo?) with my group Glory Bound (out on Dec 15th)

WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

This daft world.

WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST?

When I feel I’ve given my best to a situation or project.

AND WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY GO?

Anywhere, but usually saved for the ‘Crime channel’ where I get song ideas.

WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING?

Keep on keeping on.

AND DYING?

A bit like Philip Larkin’s “not so much frightened of dying. But scared shitless of being dead.”

ARE YOU STILL DREAMING?

My night dreams are an extension of my days – so pretty boring.

WHAT WAS A RECENT OUTRAGEOUS ACTION OF YOURS?

In 2015 I appeared naked in the film Under Milk Wood.

In 2016 I sang my song ‘All a bunch of Cunts’ at a Class War demo outside White Cube Gallery.