In his memoir, 1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left, singer-songwriter and guitarist Robyn Hitchcock delves into the transformative year of 1967, which profoundly shaped his music and worldview. Through whimsical and vivid storytelling, Hitchcock reflects on his adolescence, tracing his musical inspirations from Bob Dylan to Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd. The memoir is an eccentric mix of personal history, imaginative narratives, and contemporary commentary.
Hitchcock’s writing captures the essence of psychedelia, emphasizing how the era’s music bent conventional genres into new, unconventional forms. He describes the lasting impact of 1967 on his artistic sensibility and how it has influenced his extensive discography. The book also explores Hitchcock’s struggle with societal expectations and his lifelong quest for liberation through music, portraying him as a perpetual misfit navigating the complexities of life with humor and introspection.
For readers interested in a deep dive into the mind of a musician who never quite left the ’60s, Hitchcock’s memoir is a kaleidoscopic journey worth taking.
