LETTER FROM NEEDS SWELLBELLY -  20 February 2007

A VISIT TO CHARLIE

Sunday 18th February 2007 and it’s a bright sunny morning. 7.30 am to be exact as I set off to Wakefield prison to meet my good friend Charles Bronson. It’s a four hour drive – not bad really when you consider I’m used to eight and twelve hour drives between gigs with the punk rock group The Swellbellys.

After arriving at the prison and being finger printed three times, searched and ID’d, I make my way to the Secure Unit accompanied by a prison officer.

I can still hear him now: “Hey Needs! Where’s the Swellbellys? Bring ‘em all down!” Charlie shouts from a grill in the window.

I pass through the last gate and into the visit room. Well, that’s what they call it. But really it’s a cell and you can see through a heavily barred two foot square window – there’s Charlie smiling.

We drink a couple of cups of tea and eat some chocolate.

We talk like there’s no tomorrow, laughing heartily. There’s moments when it seems like we’re sitting round a table in any local pub. But then you notice the bars again, the fact that a wall separates us. Yeah, Charlie in one cell me in another.

It’s a quick two hours. The door in my cell opens. It’s an officer. It’s time for me to leave. For me it’s a four hour drive home; for Charlie it’s back to solitary. We say our goodbyes, shake hands warmly and it’s done.

I’m sat though. As I make my way back to the outside world it’s hard leaving him in there.

Charlie’s a gentleman, one of the best and should be free. He deserves his life back and his freedom would be justice.

Whilst visiting Charlie we shared a somber moment when he told me about the death of his friend Joe Pyle. I’d only ever met Joe twice (briefly, at that) but I was impressed with his dignity and honesty when we talked about The Swellbellys. My thoughts and, I know, Charlie’s thoughts are with his family.

Respect,
Needs Swellbelly

NOTE FROM MAL: There will be a page on The Swellbellys coming soon to the "Charlie's Friends" section as well as a chance to buy their CDs and DVD in the Purchase Section.