If you are reading this as one of the countless people all over the world who has organised a gig for me, interviewed and/or written about me, played my stuff on the radio, helped with overseas tours, enjoyed and shared my social media activity and my poems and songs published online, played a gig with me, come to a gig I’ve done, put me up/put up with me or in any other way helped me sustain my life as Attila the Stockbroker for the past 35 years… a huge, heartfelt thanks.
There are far too many people to mention here, but everyone has my gratitude: having taken the DIY path it is you who have enabled me to earn my living doing what I love - travelling the world, entertaining people and spreading ideas. Cheers to you all! (Especially if you’ve bought this book – or helped me with memories for it…)
For years my graphic designer friend Alan Wares has been my Minister of Propaganda, creating posters, leaflets, T-shirts and CD sleeves. He has gone way beyond the call of duty here: this is a dedication to dedication. From the bottom of my heart – thanks, mate. Likewise to my talented photographer stepson Patrick Blann and to all the others whose work is featured.
Above all, love and huge thanks to my wife Robina, who proofread the text, always expects better from me, and hopefully has the best of me here.
Incidentally, fans of Lynne Truss may be occasionally irritated by my punctuation style. I’m a performance poet and I write how I speak. It’s deliberate. Just to let you know.