Coincidence is a funny thing. Throughout my life, I have noticed that coincidence (or “fate” or synchronicity) is a powerful and unexpected force. One of the more memorable incidences of coincidence happened when I was around 13 years old and I was with my grandmother visiting the grave of my recently deceased great-grandmother. In the cemetary, who should I spy but my errant father, the woman he left my mother for and the child they recently had together being wheeled in a buggy. As you can imagine, this was a smack in the chops and almost made me vomit on the spot. When you break it down, I suppose the chances were there, but considering that he lived in Kent, me in East London and we were visiting two separate graves in a cemetary that covered quite a large distance, it always leaves me a bit gobsmacked that our paths could ever cross. Ever since then, I’ve always been aware of the power of coincidence.
Take for example, my return journey from Las Vegas. While waiting to board the plane, I noticed my old boss of 2000/1 in the queue. In fact, he stood right beside me and we made eye contact, but being a completely faceless, chameleon-like chap, he totally failed to recognise me. And the coincidence? Well we were on the same place and sitting in the same row…number 42. I’d pre-booked my seats. I was in 42E and he was in 42A. That’s coincidence for you. Spooky, eh?
Tonight – Laurie Anderson at the Barbican. Let’s hope that the tube behaves itself this time…

« »