It Was Never Pistols at Dawn

Abstract

Cathy McQuade was the bass player in The Ears and was dismissed from that band late in its existence. She discusses her experience in the band, her impressions of other members, its social machinations, and the importance of drugs and personal power in the band. She contrasts these with the way The Ears and Sam Sejavka in particular were depicted in Dogs in Space and reflects on Richard Lowenstein’s role as observer and ‘teller’ of the world they both saw. She also notes the lack of musical ability amongst many members. She reflects on her time in Deckchairs Overboard with John Clifforth (another contributor to this section of the book) and her experience of mainstream pop music and the dynamics of bands and ‘scenes’.