Joe’s name has been in everyday use in our house for so long and I don’t think that will change. Joe’s humour, intellect and charm made you take notice and his essence is indelible in our memories. Joe has been a regular at the Porter’s over the last few years. He and Ryan shared so much. I knew that Joe MC’s oxblood DMs in the hall were a sign that there would be plenty of meaningful (and much random) conversation at our kitchen table in the morning. We loved Joe’s presence. He laughed at both me and Russ for our funny ways. Me for my ‘serving skills’ often missing the dinner plate with whatever I was dishing up, or leaving it in the oven til we’d eaten, and Russ for his ‘bad dad jokes’ (Joe was the only person who laughed at them).
Ryan told me just how precious Joe was to him on so many occasions. His Guru in many ways. Maybe two years ago, I remember him telling me that every time he spent time with Joe he learnt so much, thought about things he had never thought of before and that they laughed at so many shared recognitions. Ryan had a lot of love for Joe and we soon felt the same.
Recently, I inadvertently got involved in a rap battle, not sure how but I told Joe I hadn’t got a clue what to write. Without flinching Joe generously said ‘I’ll write it for you’ and he did for the next 2hrs. I’m glad he didn’t watch the performance!
The Special Measures years have brought us all so much joy and fun. Louise, Tammy, Malc, Russ and I have lived the dream and- yes - got the T-shirts (made at the sweet shop in Broadwater- the shop keeper’s side line!).
For me Special Measures were never more glorious than in rehearsal in Ryan’s bedroom. Luke on drums by the window, Ryan and Sol either side of the bed on guitars and Joe right there, a couple of feet from the door when I’d open it. I would sometimes be dancing already as they came into view and would be met by one of Joe’s wide warm, Cheshire Cat smiles. The boys would humour me for a moment before giving out the vibe that they wanted to get on. I always tried to leave the door a little ajar, so that I could hear the music that little bit better. Joe’s voice was so beautiful and I sometimes sat in the hall for ages and just listened.
Obviously (for those who know the four) Special Measures arrangements were always somewhat last minute and as the band relied heavily on telepathy (a power not shared by Louise, Tammy and me), there were many times the band made their gigs by the skin of their teeth, but they did make every booked gig. Joe’s iconic Blue Cardigan was a must (I did buy him another cardigan, in case of mishap. Bless him he wore it a couple of times when he came round but his heart wasn’t in it!) On stage the band were spectacular and Joe, from the beginning, had such a presence that you couldn’t take your eyes off him. He was such a talented cardiganed front man.
On stage Joe’s humour was infectious. I remember at one of the Bar42 gigs Joe mercilessly targeted one of their friends in the audience, after a long intro each time, Joe dedicated every song to him. When their regular Arctic Monkeys end number began, Joe invited everyone to join this mate on the dancefloor ‘where he looked good’. Glad to report the friend said he absolutely loved it! I can hear Joe and Ryan saying “XD” to my telling of this story but have no idea why or what it means!
As a family we are all devastated that Joe will not come to our house again. It is still hard to take it in and harder still to bear. Ryan and Sol are there for each other, going on long walks and spending time together and with their other good friends. Luke will be back soon. The celebration of his influence in our lives and our grieving for the lovely and unforgettable Joe has begun.