LastWord GLEN MICHAEL
After decades as a household name thanks to the massive 26-year- run of his Cartoon Cavalcadeon our screens, Glen Michael now spends his time on cheese, toast and flowers
First record you ever bought A copy of ‘The Ovaltiney’s Song’ from the radio – or wireless as it was then.
Last time you were chatted up 3.45pm today, by an 81-year-old lady who asked for a date. I gave her a diary – she was delighted. First film you saw that really moved you Robert Donat in Goodbye Mr Chips. I cried and cried, and still do.
First movie you ever went on a date to Can’t remember the title but it was a silent film. As was my date! Not sure it was a success.
Last time you cried Yesterday. I’m a sucker for a sob story.
First thing you do when you’ve got time off work Pour a glass of white wine and watch sport on the TV with my feet up.
Last great meal you cooked Toast, but really good toast. I can’t boil an egg and am lucky enough to be married to a wonderful cook. Last extravagant purchase you
Next issue out
made As a pensioner most purchases seem extravagant!
First crush A very lovely girl called Doreen when we were 16 years old. She kissed like a hoover – a very nice hoover.
Last book you read Life’s a Cavalcade by some guy called Glen Michael. It wasn’t bad. First great piece of advice you were given Be nice to people on the way up, because you’ll meet them again on the way down.
Last time you were star struck When the great actor Jack Warner asked me how to put stage makeup on when we were doing a live concert. First thing you’d do if you ran the country Make everyone take laughter lessons.
Last meal on earth. What would it be? Some really good cheese – tasty and mature. Just like me. First song you’ll sing at karaoke With apologies to Liza Minnelli, ‘Life is a Cavalcade, old chum’.
Last time you exploited your position to get something Being able to switch off Paladin the Lamp – he talks too much, that guy!
First time you realised you were famous When a young child stopped me in the street and said, ‘My granny fancies you!’
Last time someone criticised you work I can’t honestly remember – maybe I’m faultless? First three words your friends would use to describe you? Happy go lucky – happy as in smiles a lot, go as in leaves before it’s his round and lucky as in chances his arm most of the time.
Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it Last year I bought a portable greenhouse. It was last seen being blown over to Arran by the wind.
through three shows and got flung out at the end! Last time you bought someone flowers Yesterday for the wife. She binned them. £1.99 from Tesco. What a waste!
First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning Thank God! I’m alive! Last thing you think of before you go to sleep I hope to God I wake up! At 82 I have so much more to do. Kick ass!
First concert you attended A Billy Cotton Band Show. Magic! I sat ■ Life’s a Cavalcade by Glen Michael is out now, £16.99 plublished by Birlinn.
Wednesday 7 January
Preview of 2009 We’ve banished the ‘C’ words (‘credit’ and ‘crunch’) from The List, and we’re going to be optimistic. Cash flow and frostbite might be concerns, but there’s a plentiful supply of the cultural nosebag for the next 12 months and we’ve got the best bits to chow down on. Celtic Connections To say it’s bigger and better than ever is something of an understatement. A mammoth programme kicks off next issue, drawing acts from all over the globe, the musical links being made have never been so adventurous. We bring you the best from the first week.
YOU’VE GOT 15 DAYS TO LIVE 112 THE LIST 11 Dec 2008–8 Jan 2009