My hubby and I Saw Ray solo and with the band over 70 times and we saw him do "Alcohol" only once or twice. I'd remember more clearly if we all weren't drinking demon alcohol during shows.
Ray Davies, the greatest theatrical rock star, is performing a song that is exceptional with a warning for us all, not to let our vices control our lives.
An animated music video, with cover vocals, was created by John Wilson (who animated the opening titles of "Grease" and CBS variety shows in the early 70s). Unfortunately, the network insisted on the removal of "damn it all, and blow it all", and the addition of a happy ending, in which the drunkard "made an unbelievable transition". I have a multi-cel set-up from Wilson's video, and I can spot it every time I watch the video.
My anthem, inimitably performed by one of the most underrated artists in this hemisphere. [ 150th like. Hurray! Thanks for sharing this clip & cheers! ]
Was in the front row, mpls 79, when they did this number, Ray shook up his beer & sprayed it all over us. When I got home, my mom didn’t believe the explanation of why I smelled like beer.
Haha so funny! I was at that show too. 15th row center. And "Alcohol" was always a crowd favorite. If I remember correctly, Ray carried on his theatrics like this--beer spraying, bottle head balances--during "Alcohol" at the Mpls Orpheum April 1977, and Mpls State Theater June 1978 (two show night, I went to both) as well as 1979 Northrup. I don't remember hearing Alcohol in any tours after that.
there can't be a better song about alcoholism that this! in the style of the british music hall? i presume the reference to floozies is about Davies' experiences and several wrecked marriages of his own.
