Screaming Lord Sutch

Wednesday 4 November 2009

Screaming Lord Sutch

Now here's a story you might find interesting.

Born David Edward Sutch in London 1940, Sutch was both a rock'nroller and a politician, yes I said politician (more about that later).

First his music career:

Sutch's early rock'n'roll career began in the early 1960's, with his first record being produced by Joe Meek in 1961 entitled 'My Big Black Coffin', also known as 'Til The Following Night' the reverse being a rendition of Good Golly Miss Molly. In building a rock horror act, David renamed himself with the stage name Screaming Lord Sutch, in addition he also formed the band The Raving Savages to back up this new act. Complimented by his wild man of Borneo look, 18" of hair, a buffalo horned crash helmet & his aunt's old leopard skin coat, Screaming Lord Sutch and the Raving Savages were a great success.

During the 1960s, Sutch became known for his horror-themed stage show, adapting his look and taking on the persona of Jack the Ripper he'd begin his shows coming o

ut of a black coffin. Other props to the shows included knives and daggers, skulls and "bodies".

Political career:

In 1961 at the tender age of 21 years old thus eligible to vote, Screaming Lord Sutch decides that as he can vote he can also stand for parliament in the British parliamentary elections! The views of his peers and himself at the time about politicians was simply to sod 'em all, so the Sod 'Em All Party was technically formed.

In 1963 Screaming Lord Sutch had the chance to stand for parliament. much to the disgust of many serious

politicians. Dropping the 'Sod Em All Party' title for the more subdued 'National Teenage Party' he polled 208 votes.

Later in 1983 Sutch renamed his political party 'The Official Monster Raving Loony Party'. To a cry of 'We shall fight them on the benches' Sutch declares the OMRLP officially launched and that the loch ness monster will be the party mascot.

That same year Sutch stood against Margaret Thatcher in the General Election, carrying a giant tin opener during his campaigning to open up the Iron Lady herself! Unfortunately the Iron Lady lacked a sense of humour and wasn't impressed, setting the legislation in motion to raise the election deposits from £150 to £500 to deter candidates such as Screaming Lord Sutch. This did little to deter Sutch, who increased the concerts he performed to pay for campaigns!

His most significant contribution to politics came when he secured more votes than the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, led by former Foreign Secretary David Owen. Within days the SDP dissolved itself.

Life:

Despite his wide ranging exuberant contribution to music and politics, Sutch suffered from depression and committed suicide by hanging on 16 June 1999, following the death of his mother the previous year. At the inquest, his fiancée said he had "manic depression".