Summary of "The Admiral Drake" by Joe Jackson on The Moth Podcast
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Admiral Drake," Joe Jackson, a renowned musician credited with introducing new wave to America, recounts his formative experiences performing at a local pub in his hometown of Portsmouth, England. Recorded live at The Moth Mainstage in April 2002, Jackson's story delves into the trials and triumphs of his early music career, highlighting the pivotal role The Admiral Drake pub played in shaping his passion for music.
Early Music Career
Joe Jackson begins by setting the stage for his journey into music. At the age of 16, he secured his first gig playing piano in a local pub—a seemingly auspicious start. Reflecting on this initial success, he shares:
“[01:50] It was a great success and it was almost too easy as it happened, and this sort of went to my head a bit, and I was rather pleased with myself and I thought that I was launched on a glittering career as a gigging musician.”
However, reality soon tempered his enthusiasm as subsequent performances did not meet expectations. One notable disastrous gig was at the Portsmouth Irish Club, where his jazz trio faced an unwelcoming audience of skinheads. Jackson describes the hostile reception:
“[03:00] The audience was not Irish at all. It consisted of about 100 skinheads. ... They started to throw things. ... The purpose was really humiliation.”
This experience, though painful, ignited a defiant determination in Jackson to find a more receptive venue for his music.
The Admiral Drake Discovery
Determined to locate a decent spot in the "godforsaken town," Jackson embarked on a "pub crawl," searching for a place with a piano. His quest led him to The Admiral Drake, a shabby pub owned by Charlie, a landlord with a distinctive Birmingham accent. Jackson's first impression of the venue was cautiously optimistic:
“[04:30] Charlie was interested in having some live music in his pub a couple of nights a week. So I said, great, great. Can I bring some mates in as guest musicians?...”
After some negotiation regarding payment and Charlie's resistance to the idea of a free-form band, Jackson enlisted the help of his friends Martin Keel and Phil "the Mouse" Mousely, forming the trio that would soon enliven The Admiral Drake.
The Band Comes Together
Jackson introduces his bandmates, highlighting Martin Keel's versatility and inventive spirit:
“[06:00] Martin was a saxophone player, but he played every wind instrument you could imagine. He would try to invent new instruments by taking them apart and sticking bits of different instruments together. He was a sort of musical Frankenstein.”
Phil the Mouse joined as the drummer, completing the eclectic ensemble. Together, they developed a diverse repertoire ranging from jazz standards to Beatles covers, infusing their performances with humor and creativity.
Life at The Admiral Drake
The Admiral Drake quickly became a hub for local Royal Marines, whose robust presence made the pub a supportive and lively environment. Jackson captures the camaraderie and unique atmosphere:
“[07:45] The Royal Marines liked us, so we were golden. They sang along, they bought us drinks, they steered dangerous drunks away from us, and it was just fantastic.”
The band's performances were marked by whimsical antics, such as Martin donning an 18th-century naval officer's coat with a dummy parrot and interacting with the pub's resident parrot that incessantly repeated, "you bloody bastard."
Memorable Incidents
One particularly vivid memory involves Jackson's 15-year-old brother attending a performance. Requested to play the stripper, chaos ensued as a Marine stripped on stage, leading to a humorous yet chaotic scene:
“[10:20] There were more and more choruses were demanded, and the noise grew and grew to, like, hysteria practically...I saw a pair of naked, hairy Royal Marine buttocks just a few inches from my face.”
The evening culminated with the landlady herself performing a strip act, only to be restrained by her husband, further escalating the night's madness.
Another standout moment was Martin Keel's unique solo performance using a toilet and a trombone:
“[12:00] Martin became the only musician, as far as I know, ever to perform a solo on a toilet... It sounded so like a French horn might sound, if a French horn could fart.”
These incidents underscore the band's ability to entertain and adapt to the vibrant, sometimes unruly, pub environment.
Challenges and End of the Gig
Despite the initial success and enjoyment, challenges emerged. The lack of amplification made it difficult to hear over the noise, leading to moments where Jackson's intense piano playing physically affected the instrument:
“[13:30] I was pounding the piano so hard, at one point, I looked up and I actually saw a hammer come flying out of the top of the piano.”
A fateful comment about the pub's antique piano strained Jackson's relationship with Charlie:
“[14:00] 'If you was born in 1902, you'd be bloody knackered, too.' And he stormed off.”
This incident signaled the beginning of the end for their gigs at The Admiral Drake, culminating in the trio losing their regular spot.
Legacy and Impact
Despite losing the gig, Jackson reflects on the invaluable lessons and experiences gained during his time at The Admiral Drake. He emphasizes the realization that making music was his true passion:
“[14:10] What happened after that? ... I realized that it was possible to actually have fun playing music. ... I didn't really want to do anything else other than make music.”
The Admiral Drake remains a cherished landmark in Jackson's career, symbolizing both the chaos and camaraderie that fueled his dedication to music. He adds a personal postscript about his brother's unexpected performance, highlighting the lasting influence of those early days.
Conclusion
Joe Jackson's "The Admiral Drake" is a testament to the unpredictable journey of an aspiring musician. Through a blend of humor, resilience, and sheer passion, Jackson navigates the challenges of early performances, ultimately discovering his unwavering commitment to a life in music. The Admiral Drake pub stands as a pivotal setting where these transformative experiences unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on Jackson's career and personal growth.