The enigmatic Ted Milton, a post-punk puppeteer, saxophonist, and poet, has been making waves in British culture for decades. At 82, he's still going strong, with his band Blurt and new album the Odes, but it's his family that's now bringing him back down to earth.
Milton's unconventional upbringing, moving to west Africa at 11 and attending a boarding school, left an indelible mark on his rebellious nature. As a teenager, he was more interested in disrupting classes than focusing on his studies. This desire for chaos eventually led him to pursue art studies in Cambridge and the city's jazz scene.
It was during this time that Milton's fascination with puppets began. He started out by performing at puppet shows and glove shows, eventually creating his own unique style of performance animation. His work caught the attention of Tony Wilson, who featured him on his TV show So It Goes, introducing him to Graham Lewis and Colin Newman of post-punk band Wire.
Milton's music with Blurt has been described as "raucous, jazzy blowouts" that would often go over audiences' heads at first but eventually win them over. His partnership with Eric Clapton was particularly significant, with the musician recalling how Milton could make music come alive through his performances.
However, it's Milton's family that's now bringing him back down to earth. He has been married three times and had five children, including a recent birth at the ripe age of nearly 70. His son George is behind a new film, The Last Puppet Show, which explores Ted Milton's life and sometimes fraught relationships through his puppets.
When asked about what made his performances so captivating, Milton attributes it to charisma, which he believes is a form of psychosis. "Charisma is a form of psychosis," he says with a hint of self-awareness, drawing from Alice Miller's book The Drama of the Gifted Child, which suggests that children often have to suppress their authentic selves.
Despite his wild past, Milton has mellowed out somewhat with age. He admits that some people found his performances intimidating or overwhelming at times, recalling one incident where someone even beat him up backstage.
Now 82 and still touring, Milton acknowledges the need for compromise in his later years. "The last couple of shows I've had to do sitting down," he says with a chuckle, "but actually it kind of opens up a different dynamic."
Milton's unconventional upbringing, moving to west Africa at 11 and attending a boarding school, left an indelible mark on his rebellious nature. As a teenager, he was more interested in disrupting classes than focusing on his studies. This desire for chaos eventually led him to pursue art studies in Cambridge and the city's jazz scene.
It was during this time that Milton's fascination with puppets began. He started out by performing at puppet shows and glove shows, eventually creating his own unique style of performance animation. His work caught the attention of Tony Wilson, who featured him on his TV show So It Goes, introducing him to Graham Lewis and Colin Newman of post-punk band Wire.
Milton's music with Blurt has been described as "raucous, jazzy blowouts" that would often go over audiences' heads at first but eventually win them over. His partnership with Eric Clapton was particularly significant, with the musician recalling how Milton could make music come alive through his performances.
However, it's Milton's family that's now bringing him back down to earth. He has been married three times and had five children, including a recent birth at the ripe age of nearly 70. His son George is behind a new film, The Last Puppet Show, which explores Ted Milton's life and sometimes fraught relationships through his puppets.
When asked about what made his performances so captivating, Milton attributes it to charisma, which he believes is a form of psychosis. "Charisma is a form of psychosis," he says with a hint of self-awareness, drawing from Alice Miller's book The Drama of the Gifted Child, which suggests that children often have to suppress their authentic selves.
Despite his wild past, Milton has mellowed out somewhat with age. He admits that some people found his performances intimidating or overwhelming at times, recalling one incident where someone even beat him up backstage.
Now 82 and still touring, Milton acknowledges the need for compromise in his later years. "The last couple of shows I've had to do sitting down," he says with a chuckle, "but actually it kind of opens up a different dynamic."
Ted Milton's wild past is starting to catch up to him at 82... not that I'm complaining 
. Three marriages and five kids later, his son George is making a film about their family life through puppets - sounds like a wild ride 
. And let's be real, the fact that someone beat Ted Milton backstage at one of his shows is just another story to add to his legend 
. I mean, charisma as a form of psychosis, huh? Sounds about right considering how many times he's reinvented himself throughout his life 
. Anyway, it's good to see Ted still going strong, but can't help feeling like the best days are behind him now 
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. He's defo living proof that age is just a number! His music and puppets have always been so unique and captivating - I mean who wouldn't want to watch a show with a wild-haired, sax-playing teddy bear on stage 
. He's definitely got a special energy about him - a bit like when you're watching a crazy uncle at a family gathering but they're also somehow endearing? That charisma of his must be what makes his performances so compelling 
, I mean, what's the secret to his longevity? 
His music might not be for everyone, but there's something about his energy that just draws you in. And yeah, his family is really bringing him back down to earth now - can't say I blame 'em! 
Five kids and three marriages? That's a wild ride 
. It's interesting how he ties charisma with psychosis, like it's some kind of mental superpower 
. Either way, I'm excited to see this new film about his life and puppets - sounds like it's gonna be a wild ride! 
. His story is pretty wild, from moving to west Africa as a kid to being featured on Tony Wilson's TV show - the man's got talent pouring outta every pore 
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. And don't even get me started on the fact that his son is making a film about him... it's like he's trying to capitalize on his dad's legacy or something 
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. And can you even imagine having five kids at 70?! 
I love how he attributes it to psychosis... like, maybe that's just a form of creative genius 
. Anyways, gotta go check out this new film about his life, The Last Puppet Show... sounds fascinating! 
anyway i think his family bringing him back down to earth is kinda sweet like they're keeping him grounded and all but some people might see it as kinda harsh like "oh you're a rockstar now behave" 
i can see why some people would find his performances intimidating especially at 70+ years old doing new shows sitting down is a big deal lol
anyway, i think it's really cool that his family's step in and are makin' a film about him. gotta love how he's still got some edge, even at 82. and lol at him sayin' charisma is like psychosis... sounds like someone who's been through some stuff 
But on the other hand, its also awesome to see him still going strong at 82 and touring. He seems like he's found a balance between his art and everyday life.
At least its clear that he's still got some tricks up his sleeve.
He's like the punk rock version of a superhero - all that chaos in his youth seems to have paid off. And who wouldn't want to watch a film about their dad's puppet shows at 70+ years old?! 
totally relate! I mean, have you ever been to one of his live performances? 
and did u know he was only 11 when he moved to west africa and went to boarding school lol. anyway he still tours at 82 and makes music with blurt which i guess is pretty cool 
his son just made a film about him and it's called the last puppet show 
. But on the other hand, he's been married three times and had five kids, that's a lot of drama 
I mean, some people find him captivating, but others found his performances intimidating... how can you have both? 
. And the fact that he had to sit down for his last couple of shows because he's older... is that a good thing or what? 