We all have our own particular story when dealing with our passions. Mine with Eddie Cochran’s life and music started when I was just a kid and finished a few years later, still being a teen. But, let’s not talk about how it ended, but about how it began.

It was way back in the 80’s, when one of my elder brothers bought an Eddie Cochran vinyl and brought it home. It was a spanish compilation of Cochran’s hits of a series called ‘Pioneros del Rock (Pioneers of Rock)’. I still remember its cover as clearly as if I had it before my own eyes. Seen from the distance now, more than 20 years later, I must say it was a very good compilation, as it really haunted me. And how it did!!!

From that day on, I started looking for information about Eddie in music books, magazines, back covers of vinyls, etc. There was no Internet in the 80’s in Spain, you know, so it was pretty hard to find some reliable information about him. Finally, after some time of research, I wrote a brief biography along with some pictures and prepared some kind of handmade fanzine which I photocopied, glued, and shared with people in the Rock and Roll clubs I knew. I was 14 or 15 at that moment, so you can bet it wasn’t easy for me to even enter those bars. Anyway, I finally managed to distribute all the copies I had.

At that point, I had already discovered singers and bands such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Waits, etc; and my attention moved to other artists so that I eventually ended up almost forgetting Eddie’s music. But I never really did. At least, I never completely did. Even though it’s true that I am no fan as I once used to be, I still feel something very special when I hear his music, and my respect and admiration for his achievements and talent is still intact.

So here I am, already a man and still feeling like a 14 yeard old boy entering the bar to share Eddie’s music and life with rest of world, now by means of the new media. A new communication channel by which leaving a few words to ‘an old friend of mine’:

“Part of what I am I owe it to you, as my passion for music is closely linked to yours. In fact, I even started playing guitar just because I wanted to play your songs. Now, all this has become a part of me. A part of which I feel very proud. Thanks, Eddie.”

As I said in the beginning of this text, we all have our own particular stories. I, therefore, invite you to share yours regarding Eddie Cochran with us.

Cheers!!!

David
Madrid, Spain - July 2008.