I was shocked to hear today that Chad and Jeremy would be performing locally. Shocked that they were both still: a) living, b) performing together, and c) welcome in NH.

In probably 1966 Patty of the Cher-hair and I had sat stage right, front row in the u-shaped wrapping balcony of the Keene State College gymnasium, waiting impatiently through an interminably bad opening group, and boisterously joined the throng of stamping feet, whistles and catcalls for the main event. Finally Chad and Jeremy emerged. After three songs the President of the Student Senate rushed on stage and implored us to give them a big hand. Which was very confusing. Till we realized they were departing. And then we were told that one of them wasn't feeling very well. Stamping feet and catcalls returned as a drama unfolded backstage. The college refused to pay, citing breech of contract; and then there was some breaking of furniture.

I didn't see Patty after that. Dropped her off at home and never called back. We'd been out maybe three times, it might have looked from a passing bus that we'd be a good fit, but there was simply no spark. And even less maturity.

43 years later I'm hoping Patty is also still alive; and if she remembers me at all I'm hoping that she does not do so with the same glower that I reserve for Chad and Jeremy.

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Oh, but memory fails. And are we surprised? It was only designed to suggest possible locations of car keys; 43 years of personal dust bins is way out warranty. Never was Chad and Jeremy was it? Was Peter and Gordon (who maybe only had three songs).