Johnny be Good

Rip It Up, Issue 15, 1 September 1978, Page 7

Johnny be Good

Murray Cammick

Was it something that I said? One boring question too many and Johnny Cougar followed his rubbishing of the British music press by abusing poor little me. It is obvious that a blunder like that daily and there’s a future for me in New Zealand radio. But seriously, all was well until I mentioned a comment from the music paper that Cliff Richard will not have in his house New Musical Express. It was clear to Cougar that Melody Maker and New Musical Express are just for hip people who care for Elvis Costello. The future was also clear, “This time next year, no one will give a about Elvis Costello.” Referring to the cover photograph and his stroppy lyrics, I asked Cougar my final question. “Why is this well dressed man angry?” “Why am I angry?” said Cougar, “Because I have to put up with a bunch of idiots all the time.” “You are so caught up in the hip world, you make me sick!” “Well dressed? That coat cost four dollars. You wouldn’t know well dressed if it bit you on the dick! You read something. You obviously haven’t given any thought yourself. I am sure every record you have in your collection, you wouldn’t have a clue what it was about!” “I would obviously disagree”, I stated quietly in my defence. Anyway it was time to take a photo and leave Johnny to his morn-

ing of interviews. Cougar later told Wayne Munro (8 o'clock) of my concluding question, saying how “he only just stopped himself from pulping the guy’s head” and how I was real scared. Why was Johnny the kid Cougar in town? Well, when “I Need a Love” started climbing the Australian singles chart, phone calls were made and a promotional visit to Australia and New Zealand organised to promote the new album, A Biography. This album of Cougar’s own compositions, was recorded in London with his hometown band Streethart. Formed in Indiana, July 1977, the band have also toured Britain and Europe with Cougar. A Biography is recorded for Riva Records, a company owned by Rod Stewart’s manager, Billy Gaff. Cougar also recorded two albums while managed by ex-Bowie manager, Tony De Fries in 1976 and 1977. The first album, Chestnut Street Incident in Cougar’s words was “just an 8 track demo tape”, that De Fries insisted on releasing. The second album, The Kid Inside, was completed but shelved when Cougar sought to end his association with De Fries. He got free with the assistance of Billy Gaff who had “a lot of money and a lot of contacts”, said Cougar. Gaff now manages Cougar. This time next year will no one care about Elvis Costello?