7.9: “I’ve never tried”

Arriving at the pub later that day, Bill is surprised to find an air of gentle excitement. Clearly, the local newspaper has caused quite a stir.

“To think I’ve had that Nick Drake washing up in the scullery all this time! Him who died back in ’74, not that long after I bought this place.” The Barman, in rueful mood, continues: “Mind you there’s been a lot of change in the last 50 years. People used to stay dead, for one thing. But we’ve had that decimalisation too. Never got the hang of the new coins. I do miss a shiny sixpence! Funny coin! Jingled nicely in your pocket. Mind you, I remember the gold standard from ’31. Pounds were pounds back then. Even a five bob note, if you were lucky to see one, blocked out the sun and could destroy that season’s crops! Happy days.” 

Ignoring these tedious and likely lengthy recollections, Bill breaks all convention and walks past the Barman through the closed door into the scullery to find the Minkey. 

“How are you? What do you make of all this nonsense?” 

“Well, is it nonsense, though? I’ve always thought my life must be more than just dirty glasses. And now I know it is. I’m Nick Drake!” 

“You’re not going to go through with any of this? With this ‘Posthumous Encore Tour’? Can you even play the guitar?” 

“Why not? I don’t know about guitar playing. I’ve never tried. But if I’m Nick Drake, then yes, obviously I’m quite good at guitar albeit just in a plucky, plinky style.”