WHAT A DRAG IT IS GETTING OLD

When our good buddy UK Steve sent me this story from The Irish Times, I could only respond that it “would seem to confirm what The Rolling Stones told us all those years ago. ‘What a drag it is getting old.’ (And maybe a salutary warning about taking your benefits and trying to make bit extra on the side as a rock star.)”

“American-born Proby (72) enjoyed British success in the 1960s with a string of hits including Somewhere and Maria from West Side Story and enhanced his fame by being banned from the BBC after splitting his skin-tight trousers during a notorious concert in Luton. Magistrates in Worcester ruled that Proby, who denies the charges, should be committed to stand trial at the city's crown court, the Press Association reported. Proby spoke only to confirm his address, date of birth and his real name -- James Marcus Smith -- during a five-minute appearance before two magistrates. Proby, who lives in Twyford, near Evesham, in Worcestershire, faces a total of nine charges over claims for pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Among the charges are two counts of failing to declare savings and investments, and four of failing to inform the authorities of a change in circumstances. He was granted unconditional bail to reappear at Worcester Magistrates' Court for a formal committal hearing on March 30th."

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