i never really thought of MacColl as an extremist, Ake. Most communists of that period were a lot less respectful of British institutions and culture.

I don't really know what you're basing it on. I always think of Ewan and Peggy as being polite. Perhaps that was because we had so little in common - and amongst people in their own set, they were more blunt.

Did he say something to you that struck you as extremist? I can't imagine either of them wanting to plant explosives or shed blood.

Their weapons were words and music, and setting an example of creativity.