I love how tattoos have become fashionable in recent years. In my youth, a long time ago, it’s true, they were definitely frowned upon in certain circles. Indeed, I think I’m right in saying that even the UK Armed Forces wouldn’t allow them to be displayed.

Certainly, my parents would have gone crazy had I rocked up one afternoon proudly showing a poorly inked swallow on the back of each hand and M-U-M and D-A-D etched into the knuckles of my fingers.

I can’t say I’m sure of the background to the rise in popularity, and artistry, of tattoos these past couple of decades, but could it have something to do with the advent of alternative music channels on television? Many of the bands / musicians featured, sported some pretty cool looking images on their bodies – particularly those of punk and emo persuasion.

I know that’s what influenced my younger son. He played drums in a small, touring band and over the years he constantly added to his body-art.

I have to say, it’s pretty impressive; his chest sports the lyrics to a song that means a lot to him – as well as lots of other stuff; one arm has four different sized roses bunched together, depicting his mum, me, his brother and himself. I can’t recall all the other upper body tattoos, but I do know one lower leg is dedicated to his favourite television programme – Red Dwarf – with images of all the main characters and also a green Starbug.

Me? I’m like, meh …

For a long time I’ve swithered. Yes, I’d love a few tats; but then I think, what? At my age? And other than possibly two or three weeks of the year, it’s always chilly here in Scotland, meaning most of the time, any tattoos would be buried under several layers of clothing. Nobody would see them.

I’d have to get my kit off to flash them.

But if I did decide to go for it?

Well, a recent one I toyed with the idea of, was something like this:

It seems quite popular, and the ‘done thing’ for survivors of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest to have something like this etched into their forearm. It’s not that I’m likely to forget what happened, but it’s something to celebrate.

My wife, Diane, who was a witness to the traumatic event, is not so keen to be reminded though, and so my arm remains ‘naked.’

Other than that, I’ve absolutely never considered any of those Maori or Celtic designs that were (maybe still are) so popular. I’m not keen enough on the artwork to have them indelibly inked into my skin.

If I were to go with the notion, I’d keep to a musical theme. On one shoulder I’d have this – the logo of punk band The Exploited. Not so much that I’m a fan of the band (I am) but the design shows unequivocally that I’m still a bit of a punk.

On my other shoulder, I’d have the classic Rolling Stones logo. I’ve been a huge fan of the band since the ’70s, and have over forty albums in my collection, so I think I could justify this tattoo. (They of course have an album called ‘Tattoo You,’ so it would all tie in quite neatly.)

You know, writing this post has just put me back in the mood. I mentioned it to my wife, and she’s still not keen. Her response?

“Tat’ll be the day.”

(It wasn’t really – but I’d dug myself into a whole and couldn’t think how else to finish this piece.)

😉 😀

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