Ian Rankin and Jackie Leven Interview

Report and conversation on the evening “Twa Twisted Fifers” at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow (January 2004), at which Ian Rankin read his new short story “Jackie Leven Said” and Leven sang songs at suitable points, accompanied by Michael Cosgrave on keyboards. Du Noyer describes the story (two brothers from Fife, one of whom becomes a pop producer in London) and sketches Leven's life story: John St Field (Leven: trouble with the law), Doll by Doll, the attack and addiction, the solo albums. Leven mentions 130 concerts a year (previously 200). Rankin explains that Rebus would like Leven's music because they are stories about disappointed hard men; Leven announces “The Haunting Of John Rebus”. The two talk about emotional reticence in Fife, about pubs as an outlet, about a “Celtic” view of the world (Leven: reality lies in the in-between, for instance between tree and bark) and about the differences between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Rankin thinks Leven's life would make a great book. Songs sung include “Man Bleeds In Glasgow” and “Gylen Gylen”.