Kevin Coyne, one of Derby's famous sons, was 60 in January 2004. In this article, Frank Bangay, survivor poet and mental health activist looks back over Kevin's career. Frank tracked Kevin down to his current home in Germany to ask him about his music and the strong mental theme that permeates his work. Singer, Artist, Writer, Service User, Social Worker…Kevin is an inspirational figure to many in the mental health field.

My first introduction to Kevin Coyne's music came in 1973. After reading interviews he did in music papers. Talking about his then new album Marjory Razorblade. I felt inspired to buy the record.

Kevin Coyne was born in Derby in 1944. After leaving school he attended Art College studying graphics and painting. After this he worked as a social therapist at the Whittingham Psychiatric Hospital in Preston Lancashire. In 1968 he moved to London. Joining Siren. A down to earth blues band. Signing to John Peel's Dandelion label they released two LPs. Siren and Strange Locomotion. In 1971 Siren broke up Kevin then worked at the Soho project in London. Counselling people with drug problems. During this time he made his first solo album Case History. Mostly just his voice and guitar, powerful and direct. Unfortunately Dandelion ceased to exist. Case History disappeared. However it did come to the attention of Virgin records. A label to which Kevin signed. In 1973 he released Marjory Razorblade.

Musically it's a mixture of blues and music hall comedy, with a punk edge. John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) played one song Eastbourne Ladies in a one off show he did on Capitol Radio in 1977. Another song House on the Hill was about life in a psychiatric institution.

Kevin carried on making interesting records. Like Blame It On The Night and Matching Head and Feet. Possessing a powerful voice. Kevin showed himself to be a very distinctive songwriter. Dynamite Daze ranged from the punk of the title track to the voice and accordion of Are We Dreaming. A moving song about old age. Then there are the lovely acoustic love songs on Beautiful Extremes. Collaborations with guitarist Bob Ward.

In 1980 Kevin had a nervous breakdown. Despite this and his heavy drinking taking its toll, he carried on working. One record in particular Pointing the Finger spoke of his experiences at the time.

In 1985 Kevin left England to live in Germany. Settling in Nuremberg where he lived until his death at the beginning of December last year. It proved to be a good move. He gave up drinking and set up an alternative career as a painter. However for fans in England Kevin was being missed. Then in 1990 he toured here. At the end of 1990 he published his first book of short stories The Party Dress. His second book Showbusiness was published in 1993.

Elvira (recorded in 1979) released in 1995 tells an interesting story. During this period Kevin released a number of new recordings. The Adventures of Crazy Frank in 1995. The story of comedian Frank Randal. Knocking On Your Brain in 1997 recorded with some top German Session musicians and featuring a couple of collaborations with acclaimed guitarist Garry Lucas who has worked with Captain Beefheart. The cover features some great Coyne artwork. Kevin's gigs were always an uplifting experience with his onstage humour.

In 2003 Kevin was diagnosed with lung fibrosis. A condition that creates severe breathing difficulties. This experience is reflected on his new album Donut City. Over the years he has shown himself to be something of a survivor. His creative flame still burns brightly.

In the spring of 2004, I interviewed Kevin and asked him questions about his music and his life.