Mike Finesilver owned Pathway Studios in Grovenor Avenue, Islington London, since the 60’s. He had got the money for the studio when he wrote/co-wrote the song “fire” for Arthur Brown that went N0 1.

We lived in the next street from the studio, in Beresford road. Mike and Dave had stroked a friendship and Dave was the only musician Mike had untrusted with the keys. Dave went on to record there as often as he could afford.

Mike produced a lot of Dave’s songs and agreed to be his publisher. He was also Dave’s mentor and friend.

In my memory the studio could not have been bigger than 20 square metres. It was a smoky, smelly and dirty place but no-one seemed to care: It had a great sound and was popular.

There was a narrow and steep staircase leading to the first floor. There, a small table with a phone and an office chair. A tiny kitchen was partitioned in one corner, and all that on another 20 square metres of space.

The whole place was covered with grime and graffities.

Elvis Costello and Madness and Dire Straits recorded there amongst many others.

I worked for Mike answering the phone for a short while. First and foremost, I remember his kindness. He was very tall, thin and bald with an uncomfortable gait about him as if he didn’t know what to do with his body…I also remember he was vegetarian and he seldom spoke unless he had something to say. But his way of being was all about kindness and care. Dave told me Mike was known to be the only honest man in the music industry.

When Dave asked him for a job for me he said yes, even though my English was far from great. Gill was leaving and he needed someone to answer the phone.

It is during my time there, that the guys from Madness turned up. They were making a film of their beginnings. With all those guys upstairs with me it was very crowded. I remember this journalist asking them for autographs and them laughing and making jokes. I wanted to join in the fun and asked the journalist if he wanted my autograph as well. He didn’t and on seeing my disappointment, the guys asked me then for mine and we all laughed.

I remember fondly all those late nights there with Dave recording on his own or with his band “The Idlers” or just with John and Jamie, the engineer. Christopher Jones who was part of our lives then, and so many other musicians….London was full of incredibly talented musicians working in pubs and music venues everywhere, trying their luck at being recognised, hoping for a recording deal with the big guys…  

But this was another life….it was 45 years ago…Dave is not my husband anymore but we’ve kept in touch lately.

A few days ago, Mike had a stroke and didn’t recover from it. Dave is devastated. He has lost a dear friend. They had kept talking to one another through all these difficult years for Dave, full of drama, turmoil and uncertainty and Mike had been such an amazing support in every way possible.

May you rest in Peace dear Mike.