Born the son of a simple cockney fishmonger and a travelling gypsy wisewoman, to say Alfie was a precocious child would be an understatement! Legend has it he lost his virginity at age 8 and bought his first pair of Chelsea boots on the way home.
After a troubled adolescence Alfie left school with no qualifications, what his English teacher described as "no chance of ever amounting to shit", and, most importantly, 3 acoustic guitars swiped from the music department.
In later interviews, Alfie has claimed "I only took them to hit my enemies with, but when I hit Harry Fergus round the head I just fell in love with the sound". He then devoted himself to the art of guitar playing and, only two days later, he was ready to hit the, then thriving, north London rock scene.
18 months later, Alfie had formed and disbanded roughly 18 groups; including "Goose Fat", "All Purpose Cleaner" and "Hey Guys, I'm Covered In Flies!". The public and the critics responded to these bands with what can only be described as "hate". This abject failure led to what "Alfamaniacs", as his growing fanbase like to call themselves, like to call his "Wilderness Period".
Alfie descended into a cycle of substance abuse and petty crime. He recieved one of the country's first restraining orders, allegedly for repeatedly shouting "bastards" through the Hope And Anchor's letterbox.
Alfie had hit rock bottom, spending his nights curled up in his guitar case and his days going round and round the circle line, badmouthing the music industry to anyone who'd listen.
But, one fateful evening, an unknown businessman gave Alfie £20 to go away. An undernourished and foul-smelling Alfie decided to piss this up against the wall. He walked into the Edinburgh Cellars public house and discovered it was not a normal night. It was karaoke night. Ever the performer Alfie sang his signature tune, Spandau Ballet's "Gold". The audience's euphoric reaction gave him his musical confidence back. With a steely determination he picked up his guitar and decided to go solo.
The rest is history...
but apart from all that, is gigging north London Based Singer Songwriting
I' a bit confused too. I dont even really know what I want let alone how to get it. I dont think he does either. Its all gone a bit Pete. I'l tell you when I see you. I'l ring you tomorrow and see where you are, if your not out I'l pop round. Do you have a sink in your bathroom yet?
Sorry it did get busy here.... I guess your gone home now. But to answer your question I am fine and dandy...and a little bit of a liar. Dont worry about yesterday but do you fancy meeting up some time this week?
The Soup Kitchen takes place on November 24th 2007 downstairs at The Royal George, Goslett Yard, 133 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0EA between 8pm and 1am. Entry is free!
Oh no -sorry my love -I've got no idea! I hope you can figure it out soon though -I want to hear your music! I might be coming to London soon -I'll let you know. I miss you xxx
