Win, Lose or Draw, let’s play... Dead Man’s Poker!
Undoubtedly, the passing of a music legend is always a sad and sombre affair, but within the blues scene that’s no reason not to put it to good use in boosting your kudos or street cred, and generally burnishing your reputation amongst both your chums and fanbase.
We give you ‘Dead Man’s Poker’: the rules are simple, and you’ll find that all your Facebook connections already know them.
Imagine you’ve just heard a musician from ‘the Golden Era’ (which could be as late as the 90s, depending on your own age) has sadly died. Whenever and whoever, they MUST have been pretty big, amongst the hip kids or cognoscenti at the very least, not just some local pub jammer.
In order to show both your deep sadness and knowledgeable appreciation of their talent AND also just how cool you are, you naturally pile onto Facebook with a post…
“So sad to hear X has gone… they were my favourite all through the [insert period]. 😢”
So far so good, but there are other players at the table…
Player 2: “I’ll raise you a ‘they were the first and longest lasting influence and inspiration on my own music’ 😢🎸😭”
Player 3: “Call, and raise ‘I booked him once for [insert name of pub] back in the day!’📆😭😭”
You (getting into the spirit now): “I see you both and raise with a ‘… yet he was a really nice guy to chat with after shows’ 🍺😭😭😭“
Player 4: “I call and raise with ‘Yes indeed... the weekend I spent with them at their villa in Antibes for an interview is one of my fondest memories: they were such a convivial, warm-hearted and generous host. ’ 🤩😇🥂“
Player 2: “Woah, I fold!”
Player 3: “Too rich for my blood, I’m out”
Now it’s up to you at this point, you can either throw your hand in as Player 4 smugly leans in and scoops the pot, or ...
You: “... ‘and a wonderfully considerate, but surprisingly inventive, lover 👌👆👊🥕🍆🌭🏑👙🍦🌋🚬’ ...”
