(From New Musical Express, February 1984)

THE SLIM TEARJERKER SUCCESS STORY

NME SLEUTHS can now reveal the connection, hitherto the guilty secret of ten nations, between two seemingly diverse figures: "Slim" Tearjerker, rocking accordionist, and Clive Pain, the man who in 1978 achieved the supreme accolade when he was selected by Ian Dury as "Champion Blockhead" in an NME competition. While Slim was adding his musical talents to a multitude of London bands, Mr. Pain (of Alton, Hampshire) vanished into obscurity. Paid NME detectives have discovered that Clive and Slim are one and the same person.

We confronted "Slim" in London's sleazy Hope And Anchor public house. "Oh Gawd!" he said, unperturbed, and related a tale of rock and roll depravity. Readily admitting the importance of NME in his career, Slim told us he came up to London after winning the Blockhead award, on a coach crammed with such stalwarts of Stiff Records as Wreckless Eric.

Soon he had fallen for the rocking lifestyle, and became one of the few ex-natives of Hampshire to fit in amongst the likes of The Clash and The Specials. He bounced for the former, and his temporary spell as a chaperone for The Joe Ely Band around the pubs of London introduced him to the beauties of country music; likewise, his friendship with The Specials was to lead to his membership of Roddy Radiation's fine Tearjerkers.

Now he can be found playing for The Tearjerkers, as well as guesting with The Boothill Foot-Tappers, The Rough-House All-Stars, The Skiff Skats and the like; he has also gained renown for his rendition of the love song of the 80's, a self-penned masterpiece called 'You're Too Bloody Good For Me'.

Slim Tearjerker, legend, star, call him what you will - we salute him.

DAVID QUANTICK

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