Picture the scene. 1981, a 17-year-old me was working as a part-time cleaner in Woolworths in Colchester, after school and on Saturdays to earn some cash.
My job was to use one of those electric upright floor polishers. I have to tell you that whilst I did earn money, I actually loved it. Running around with those buffers was a great way to earn a few quid.
I actually worked for a cleaning contractor who was the uncle of one of my school mates. That’s how I got the job. Nepotism at its finest.
In July, the new Def Leppard album High ’n’ dry was out and I went into town after school with my mate Phil as we were both going to buy it. As you will remember if you are of a certain age, this was a very exciting highlight of any week. To clarify, I don’t mean Def Leppard albums specifically, but any album that you are looking forward to being released, going and getting it, and popping it on the turntable for the full first time as you open up the gatefold sleeve for a good read.
I don’t really know why, but we were late getting into town and I had to go straight to Woollies, because I was (and am) a punctual, conscientious worker. Phil went off solo to the local independent record shop to go and buy his copy.
Sometime into my buffing fun I saw Phil waving at me from the big glass doors at the back of the shop that opened out into the precinct. Phil was waving the new Def Leppard album with glee. Obviously as it was after hours the doors were locked, however there was a thin gap between them and he managed to slide the album through for me to have a look at and then pass back to him. Off he went.
I carried on cleaning and finished my shift and went home.
The next day when I came in my mates uncle asked if he could have a chat with me in the managers office. The manager of Woollies was also there.
It turns out that the day before, somebody had seen me passing a record out of the shop to my mate. I explained what had happened, even pointing out in my defence that they didn’t have the new Def Leppard album, so I’m not quite sure how I could’ve stolen it. Unfortunately said the manager, he believed me, but was going to have to sack me because the store couldn’t be seen to be employing thieves. End of. My career with Woolworths was over.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, when I had a part-time job, representing nobody, and elected by nobody, with no responsibilities other than to make a floor shiny, I was immediately fired without question for something that without a shadow of a doubt by anyone that I didn’t do. All because an unknown member of the public thought they saw me stealing a record.
I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I didn’t break the law, I didn’t breach any rules, I didn’t betray any trust. I didn’t let anybody down. I did nothing immoral. And I was simply a part-time cleaner, minding my own business, trying to earn a crust.
Oh how times have changed haven’t they?
(Fun fact, we met Joe Elliot and Rick Allen from Def Leppard on that tour in Ipswich, and they took us for a pint! Nice blokes)