Ashes to ashes

Posted by Jon M on November 5th, 2009

Bonfire is, as we know, adapted from the French “Good fire”.

It is believed to come from an exchange between Martin “Guy” Fawkes and Robert Catesby. When Catesby enquired as to whether levels of gunpowder lying beneath the House of Parliament would be sufficient to successfully deliver their plot, Fawkes is said to have replied “Aye, their tyts will ne’er been seen, twill be a good fire fo sho”.

But what constitute a good fire, dear reader? Is it how hot or how long it burns? Is it indeed better to burn out or fade away or maybe go whizz-pop followed by a group of people going “oooo” and “aaahhh”? As another fire from our past extinguished recently (RIP The Rakes) it sure does get you thinking.

I went to see Wilco this week with Mr. Whiskas. A band that’s career has never created a commercial inferno, and who’s embers have appeared to have burnt out on more than one occasion, but for me their colossal set plucked from their slow-burn career was truly inspiring and has reignited something. Just in time too, I hasten to add, as we now ending our hiatus and preparing for the Work.

Tags: bands, duels III, the rakes, wilco.