Ian Smith 'The Funny G.I.'

From a mini-documentary on Channel 4's Ear to the Ground about Ian Smith and The Zap Club, this poem was recorded on Smith's solo album 'The Vagabond King - Golden Grates' (Coldharbour Records) and was played, unbelievably, by Andy Kershaw on Radio One one Sunday lunchtime. Graphic artist Caspar Williams drew a cartoon strip of the story for the LP insert.

[@dshe8637]

Saw this on a local news programme in the early 80s It was quite an inspiration RIP Ian Smith ❤

[@someblokecalleddave1]

Mate I had this on a C60 tape recording from 1982-83 off of the 'Man' John Peel. Kershaw licks the boots of John Peel. But so glad you sourced it, because I've been waiting for this for years to re-appear.

[@martinpattison8916]

I remember hearing this on John Peel's programme around this time. For some reason it stuck in my mind and so I tried looking for it on KZbin.

[@ReverendFlatus]

I used to go to the 'Tuesday Night Veterans' open mike at the Zap. Ian Smith was the compere and there were many strange performances.

[@dunebasher1971]

I only ever heard this once, in about 1986 on the BBC Essex alternative music show Revolver. It stuck in my mind ever since. Rather like the Funny GI’s nail.