h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have read his book "Puckoon" a dozen times, or more, and it never fails to make me laugh. I, for one, loved his sense of humour.

I was privileged to see Spike perform a one-man show in Birmingham in 1973 or 74, just before I emigrated to California.

Instead of entering the theatre through the main doors, we were all herded down to the side entrance, thus passing immediately in front of the stage where Spike stood noodling on a trumpet and nodding to each and everyone of us.

Before he started the show, he enjoined us all in standing up and giving the inevitable late party a standing ovation when they arrived 20 minutes later.

He also recruited a drinking partner from the front row to help him drink the bottle of Schnapps he had on the edge of the stage (didn't like drinking alone); and the two of them polished off the lot by evening's end.

It was a beautiful evening being entertained by the beautiful genius he was.

In a biography of Eric Morecambe there was a letter written by Spike addressed to Morecambe and Wise. It read as follows:

Hiya lads,

I see you had that Des O'Connor on your show last week. You missed an opportunity for a real "squelch" line. When Des asked if he could sing on your show the correct answer would have been, "You can't sing on your OWN show!". Just thought you ought to know.

Regards, etc