The Smiths and Turkish Coffee
This morning, I received the news of Andy Rourke’s passing, one of the founding members of the band Smiths. This news made me sullen, and regretful for many reasons. Only a month ago, I had written a letter for Andy — which I will share below in its entirety — inviting him to attend of one of my Turkish coffee fortune reading sessions here in New York City together with his wife Francesca.
The problem is. I never sent it. And as the call of duty to dispatch the letter intermittently flashed week-by-week before my eyes, I always forgot. These words I will share are now bereft of their intended home. But that’s life.
Andy lived in the East Village. It was a source of pride that after one of my Turkish coffee fortune readings, I could have a spontaneous run-in with him. Whether it be at Target on 14th street and Avenue A or at Piano’s bar in Lower East Side.
A person as influential as him to gander near “Turkish Coffee Room”, gave me a sensation of greatness and grandiosity being only an arm’s reach away.
Thank you for that Andy.
In fact, Andy saw me perform during one of my first ever stage performances. It was at Nublu in 2019. My old podcast guest (artistic madman) Kino was holding a theatrical showcase which I briefly hosted, but had to bail. It was an embarrassing affair for myself, but I will never forget the imagery of that bright spotlight, in front of 500 attendees, with Andy’s horn rimmed glasses glowing in my eyes like halos in the darkness.
I always considered that moment as a blessing. We are talking about The Smiths here. Hello? This unsung hero, has written every Turkish Delight sweet melody that wrapped Morrissey’s voice like candy wrapper. I really wish I had sent this email to you Francesca.
Anyways, here it is in its full.
_______________________
“April 3, 2023,
Hello Francesca and Andy! Heartfelt greeting from your neighbors all the way down on 6th street.
Every now and then, a feeling arises within us to express love for another human being. Perhaps, for no reason at all. So kindly consider this gift package to fulfill that very purpose. We hope that all of these goodies are received in good spirits and jubilation.
Amy my girlfriend is a very talented product photographer, and I am a Turkish coffee fortune reader. As faith would have it, I will appear on the Steve Harvey show next month on ABC. But I apologize, for my vanity is not the purpose of my writing to you.
I would be thrilled to have both of you attend one of my Turkish Coffee Therapy sessions in the East Village. Andy’s music always fills up our home. I even brew my Arabica coffee beans to “Strong Forever” which I firmly believe concerns the robustness of delicious Turkish coffee. Am I correct in thinking as such?
I have included a gift card of $400 for my website. You may make a booking for yourselves, or even with friends as well.
Thanks so much again for reading. May we all be forever strong. And I can not wait to give Andy one of my famous Ottoman twerks during our session.
Uluç (Dr. Honeybrew)
Amy (Amy Willoughby)”
__________________
Francesca, you are always welcome to “Turkish Coffee Room”.
