johnnyhotrocks-doodles

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

I came to music late. It just never grabbed me—until the day I saw Smooth Criminal. That video didn’t just entertain me—it struck something deep. The music, the style, that gravity-defying lean... I was floored. From that moment, Michael Jackson wasn’t just another artist—he became the artist for me.

I still remember sprinting to POP IN, the local record shop in Antrim, like my life depended on it. I bought the 7-inch single and played it so much I probably wore the grooves thin. One single led to albums, and over the years, my collection exploded—14 copies of Thriller on CD, vinyl, cassette, and VHS; Bad in every format I could get my hands on; Off the Wall played on loop like it held answers to everything I was feeling.

When I was expelled from school, everything around me dimmed. I retreated into my room, and into Michael’s world. His music gave structure to the chaos, his voice made the silence bearable. I poured myself into sketching him—pages and pages. My GCSE and A-Level art? All Michael. He wasn’t just a star on a stage; he became my anchor, my lifeline.

After I lost my mum, when I needed someone and there was no one, Michael was there. Through his lyrics, his moves, his oddness and brilliance—he got me through the worst. I even converted Joanne, and together we saw him live in Dublin. That day? Burned into my memory. Pure joy.

When he passed, it felt like losing family. Because to me, he was family. His strangeness, his genius, his untouchable artistry—there’ll never be another like him. For so many reasons, and through so many dark nights, Michael’s music didn’t just entertain me. It saved me.

Without him, without those albums and videos, I truly don’t know if I’d still be here. But I am. And a big part of that is because of him.

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

Taylor Swift

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Marilyn Manson

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Johnny Rotten

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George Michael

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Belinda Carlisle

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Chris Rea It all began with an unexpected delivery. My mum had forgotten to make the monthly order for Brittania Music Club, and as per the contract, a CD was sent automatically—The Road to Hell by Chris Rea. We decided to keep it, counting it towards the required purchases over the year.

Little did I know that pressing play on my CD player would mark the start of a lifelong fascination. From the moment the first notes played, I was hooked—Chris Rea’s raw, gruff voice, his poetic lyrics, and his mesmerizing guitar work drew me in completely. That album wasn’t just good; it was transformative. I found myself slowly collecting his older albums, each one adding another layer to my appreciation of his artistry. And there were plenty—Chris has released so many records, each holding something special.

Then, in the early 2000s, something changed. Chris shifted from rock to blues, and fuck me—the blues was even better. The soul, the depth, the emotion—it was music that hit me right in the heart. Songs like Some Day My Peace Will Come—what a masterpiece—left me stunned by their sheer emotional weight. Give That Girl a Diamond spoke truths that resonated deeply. And then, The Bones of Angels—Joanne and I consider that our song. It carries something personal, something meaningful that words can’t quite capture.

I’ve been lucky enough to see Chris perform live in Belfast multiple times, each experience cementing his place among the music icons who have helped me through dark times. Whenever I’ve felt low, his songs have been there, filling my mind with lyrics that push back the shadows. His music isn’t just entertainment—it’s reassurance, a companion through life’s rough patches, a soundtrack to both pain and joy.

Chris Rea’s music isn’t just great—it’s essential.

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

Prince

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

For Lois

The stars whispered softly, their silver glow bright, A love unbroken, still burning in light. Though time moves forward and days pass on, The bond of a mother and child stays strong.

A bubbly laugh, a gentle embrace, Memories etched in time and space. Though sorrow lingers, though skies turn grey, Love will carry through each day.

In dreams, in echoes, in the hush of the air, Luke is beside you—he’s always there. Not lost, not gone, never apart, He lives within your soul, your heart.

And though some sparkle may dim and wane, The strength within you will rise again. For love is endless, it knows no end, He’s with you always—your heart’s dearest friend.

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

007 James Bond (Sean Connery)

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S&M

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Lindsey

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

[johnnyhotrocks-doodles]

For Claire, the Path Not Taken

Oh, Claire, in white, a vision bright, A healer’s hands, a beacon light. Your heart once danced with dreams untold, A nurse, so kind, with courage bold.

But life's swift tide, it pulled you far, From whispered hopes to wounds and scars. Yet even now, in depths so deep, The spark remains, though it may sleep.

So here I stand, with hand and heart, A picture drawn, a work of art. Not as you are, but as you were, Before life’s troubles made things blur.

It’s never too late, the dawn still glows, The road to healing gently flows. Take the hand, let kindness guide, Step once more with love and pride.

Your strength is there, your light remains, Beyond the sorrow, beyond the pain. Seek the help, embrace the call, Rise again—stand proud, stand tall.