Correspondence #22: David Buckley
An established American rock musician long resident in London recalls, as a Lowell teenager, an invitation to a meal with Jack Kerouac
An intriguing letter from musician David Buckley, who has been based in London for many years but, as a boy, lived in Lowell, Jack Kerouac’s birthplace, of course. He has a memoir currently in preparation.
His message is below but he shared some extra personal background: ‘When I finished art school in Boston, I wanted to travel to England. The idea was to view art and move onto Europe. I met some musicians and we formed a band. I had to learn to play the bass. The band were called the Barracudas. We ended up being signed to EMI. We had a hit single and got on Top of the Pops.
‘After the band, I continued songwriting and playing in bands and as a solo act. I also became a teacher of SEN (Special Educational Needs). I reformed a band called Thunderclap Newman with Andy “Thunderclap” Newman. He passed away in 2016.
Pictured above: David Buckley on stage Credit: John Catto
The book he is writing is tentatively titled Blank Page…Growing Up in Lowell. He explains: ‘I will have to be DD Buckley since [rock historian] David Buckley has written books on Bowie!’ More news to follow on that autobiographical project.
He adds: ‘I have taught now for 23 years. I still write and play and my kids are also doing film and music.’
Messenger, February 28th, 2023
Dear R&BG,
In brief reply to musicians and associations with the Beats. I grew up in Lowell Massachusetts first of all. I lived a few blocks down from Jack Kerouac. My childhood friend Sam Kourkolakos had an aunt called Stella. This was Jack's wife making Sam Jack's nephew by marriage.
In 1967 when I was 13, Sam's parents invited me to dinner with Jack Kerouac and Stella. At the last minute, they suggested it would not be a good idea due to the unpredictable alcoholic behaviour of Jack.
When they came home, they were somewhat frazzled. They had a paperback signed by Jack. I held it for a moment! Satori on Paris. They claimed he got steadily blasted and accused Stella of being a lesbian. They were shocked.
My other childhood friend is Raymond Foye the publisher and curator of some of Ginsberg's work. I went with him as a student to see Allen give a reading at BU in Boston I met him and had the Lowell connection, so we became pen pals for a while.
He [Ginsberg] was like a very cool professor who had time for everyone. I have more encounters and stories headed for a book.
All the best!
David Buckley
Note: Image at head of story Stella and Jack Kerouac