In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Chris Difford sits down with Jason Davidson.
Chris is a musician, best known as a founding member of the rock band Squeeze. Chris also hosts songwriting retreats and his own podcast, I Never Thought It Would Happen, where he talks with fellow musicians about the highs and lows of their careers. He has been nominated for a Grammy and has won two Ivor Novello awards.
In this conversation, Chris talks about the death of his dad, Sidney, how songwriting has helped his grief, and the importance (or unimportance) of visiting loved ones' graves.
Content note: This conversation includes discussions of death and grief that might be triggering or upsetting.
Planning ahead
If you leave instructions, it can only guide people and help them… I think its good to make sure that people around you are comfortable when you pass, that they know that you’ve thought about it and almost designed a passing for yourself. A safe place for them to be missing you and grieving you.
“You can grieve anywhere”
My father’s grave and my mother’s grave are together in south London. I don’t think I’ve visited in 25 years. Because I don’t need to. I can just sit here and think about them or remember times when we were together.
They say that the roots of trees get to touch each other underneath the ground, that’s how they communicate. Maybe in a graveyard, all those people that are under the ground connect via nature. Maybe they’re having the greatest time. Maybe they’ve got the greatest gig on earth, we just don’t hear it.
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Jason's chat with Chris. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Remember to like and subscribe so you know when a new episode drops – more conversations are coming soon.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/information
