Reader comments on: I don't know why Jackie Leven isn't better known – he should be revered

Beneath Ian Rankin's piece (as told to Robin Denselow) are 151 reader comments from 20/21.07.2021 – the most extensive publicly readable thread of memories about Leven. It falls into three layers. First, Doll by Doll memories: one reader (“Kevin1957”) claims to have seen the band 58 times and says fans from the Midlands were allowed to stay overnight in the band's squat in Maida Vale; several readers describe the Hawkwind tour around 1979 at the Hammersmith Odeon, where Hawkwind fans shouted down the support band, threw objects and some stormed the stage until the curtain fell; according to others the band was later thrown off the tour (allegedly because of Hawkwind's beer, according to Kevin1957 after sabotage of sound and lights). Further traces: concerts at the Red Cow (Hammersmith), Taboo Club Scarborough (in front of about 20 listeners), Albany Empire Deptford, Dingwalls 1982, The Venue, a cancellation at Futurama 1981 in Stafford and a fight with a heckler in Chesterfield.

Second, memories of the solo artist: appearances at the 12 Bar Club (Leven threw chattering guests out himself; an evening of audience requests only), at The Bell in Bath (Leven is said to have called it “family”), at the Queen's Hall Edinburgh with David Thomas and Linda Thompson, in Sidmouth, Otley, Trowbridge 2010, Exeter, Tavistock, Hebden Bridge, Manchester shortly before his death and several times in Bergen. A former CORE Trust funding officer remembers weekly morning sessions in Leven's kitchen in Ladbroke Grove; a female musician thanks Leven for getting her into a major festival in Bergen. “mikeollier” relays Leven's claim that Princess Diana brought him back to singing – he insisted it was the plain truth. Third, debates about fame, Rebus and the free CDs from Uncut (2000/2001) and The Word.