Prog Digest – An Xperience Column

Image: Peter Capaldi speaking at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con International, photo by Gage Skidmore. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

By Klyde Kadiddlehumper.

Around about 1963, there were not a bunch of recognizable “progressive” bands.  Phoenix, Omega, Dinamiti, Sfinx, and Los Jaivas don’t slip the old lips as readily as those that followed by a couple of years, such as Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, and the Wilde Flowers.  But in 1963, one of the most progressive TV shows ever was born. In a bold move, mostly because it was intended as a short-lived children’s TV prospect, Verity Lambert was the producer.  Come on – a female producer of a nationwide, prime-time TV show was a huge deal.

Especially in stiff upper lipped Britian.

We didn’t know the main character was centuries old yet, but we were introduced to Doctor Who.

Just five years earlier, the 12th Doctor was born in Glasgow, Scotland.

Peter Capaldi.

Of course, as is usually the case, reading this column can confuse the novice reader and let the regular reader look to just what twisted methodology is rattling around in Klyde’s rather vacuous cranium.

Now, Glaswegians are a particular lot.  So, buckle up … it’s an interesting ride.

This Capaldi was born on April 14 and is exactly 11 months older than this author.  Other than having Scot’s blood (his is rather a larger concentration than Klyde’s), that is where the similarities diverge.

Peter Capaldi is an Oscar Winner for Best Live Action Short Film, having written and directed 1993’s “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life.” 

He is a citizen of the UK and Italy.

As the male lead in the British detective series on Prime, “The Devil’s Hour,” he delivers a truly twisted and disturbing performance.

His Doctor Who is compelling and deeper than most expect The Doctor to be.

OK, Klyde – you’re a fan – what of it?

Peter Capaldi is a punk rocker.  We all know Sheena is a Punk Rocker – but who knew the Doctor was?  During his time, we would see the Doctor wield a guitar, and many of us figured it was an affectation, not that he was the real deal.  His first band was named Bastards from Hell, and he believes the first song he played out was the Sex Pistols’ “Pretty Vacant.”  With peroxide hair and pierced ears.

Got your attention yet?

Favorite songwriter – Roy Orbison.  Favourite singer – Bowie.  Greatest record of all time – Lou Reed’s “Transformer.”  Best live album – “David Live.”  Most underrated band – The Cramps.  Oh, how we miss Lux Interior.

Progressive and punk enough for ya?

Perhaps the only thing that really would connect the two of us is a love of massively diverse artists.  Add to the list above his love of Kate Bush, Television, Robert Donat, and Frank Sinatra.

In March of this year, Peter Capaldi completed a UK tour performing songs from his “St. Christopher” (2021) and “Sweet Illusions” (2025) albums.  And, gotta admit, these are serious recordings and pretty fine performances.

There are days when being 67 or 68 feels like more than enough.  But rocking at 2,000 years old, that’s another story.

So, here’s to Johnny Rotten, Lux Interior, Joey Ramone, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Roy Orbison, Sid Vicious, Marc Bolan, Phil Lynott, and all the rest who have made us who we are.

Then again, perhaps 2,000 years is not enough.  ‘Cause I don’t want to grow up.  I don’t want to get a job.

Maybe our lives ought to be guided by heading towards the second star to the right … and straight on ‘til morning.

Until next time.

Klyde