Thursday, July 30th, 1981
Many stories begin to circulate about Pete's drinking, drug use and deteriorating health. In response, Pete writes a letter for publication in the Who's News fanzine denying that he is ill, has marital problems, has given up on Meher Baba or is an alcoholic.
Transcript:
Dear Marc,
I thought I'd write a nol that you might reproduce in Who's News. Ive been getting a lot of mail lately from people who have heard gossip about my general health, moral fibre, family stability and spiritual focus. Many of the letters have been an almost desparate nature, good folk offering to come and sit by my sick bed ete.
1 am absolutely 100g fit. I don't think 1 am an alcoholic, in fact for the past month I haven't drunk anything with alcohol in 1t, not even a fizzy drink because of a slight sleeping problem that happens to me whenever start to record. I nm still n Baba lover for those who are interested. The closure or Oceanic 1s, viewed in the long term, only temporary. In any case that has nothing to do with my own feelings about Baba. I am not a good disciple all the time, but I am totally committed and will remain that way forever.
My family life is fine, Karen and I are happy, sometimes we feel we don't see enough of one another but what couple don't go through this? Morally I think I'm doing Ok, the occasional boot up my dog's ass etc. but one rumour about me spending time in bed with young girls, ( 12 years old!) could only refer to my oldest daughter who for information wont let me even kiss her let alone sleep in the same bed. It's crazy.
I really am in good shape. The trials of the business problems I have had have strengthened me rather than weakened me. The heavy touring was, as always, great once it was over. I have several sabbaticals to rest and enjoy myself, including two in the Slates which I enjoyed.
My sole recording is going great and I'm about to take two weeks with my family for a break before finishing it off.
I won't live forever, I know that, but unafraid as I am of dying, I still get upset when I hear people talking about me "Killing" myself. That won't happen unless by accident.
Much, much love to you and all,