I am somewhat loth to throw my hat in the ring, but here goes.

In my time as one of the MC brigade at MSG I hosted Ewan and Peggy at least twice, and Alex Campbell several times.

Let me say that I enjoyed all of these 'concerts'. I do not remember E & P laying down the law as to how the evening should be conducted,

Let me also say that I remember Alex as reasonably sober - it was only later I saw him "off his box" at what I think was a "Golden Lion" concert.

I was also a proud member of the Manchester Critics under Jim Carroll's excellent and learned stewardship.

It seems to me that this is a pointless argument. There are Ewan-philes, of which I am one, and Ewan-phobes.

It seems to me also that the poor bastard ought to be left in peace-

DE MORTUIS NISI BONUM and that means Ewan, Alex, and all who have gone before - we owe them much.