Back in 2011 English psych-folk musician Simon Finn celebrated the 40th anniversary of ‘Pass The Distance’ with a London show. The album was originally released on Vic Keary’s ill-fated Mushroom Records in 1970 but was only out for a year before it had to be removed due to the album cover. Nearby to the studio where the album was recorded was a billboard advertising childrens shoes which inspired the cover. Clarks Shoes objected leading to the album being pulled with no funds to re-issue it. Simon remained in London for a further two years before disappearing to North America where he remained for the next 35 years.
In this film profile by Gianmarco Del Re Simon Finn fills in many of the blanks revealing his early life and arrival in London with just £30 to his name. From sleeping on the streets at 16 years of age to learning some hard lessons, the memories of which have clearly have stayed with him. He also talks about the time he spent in North America where he reveals he taught martial arts and took up organic farming. The film, which includes a number of clips of live appearances at Cafe Oto, is a very moving portrayal.