Can’t say I ever liked Savile or his tv shows. Always thought he was a strange, scary man. That was years before I even knew what a rapist or paedophile was.Rolf Harris's paedophile actions are indefensible, while his death is the final chapter in a sad story.
However, I wish to acknowledge his positives. I am 54 and as a kid Rolf Harris was brilliant, the way in which he created a painting whilst telling an anecdote really endeared kids and parents to him, and I am sure there are many people now who owe their love of art to him.
For kids of the 70s it is difficult to square fond childhood memories with Operation Yew Tree's uncovering of widespread sick sexual behaviour. The first record I ever bought was "I'm The Leader of The Gang" by Gary Glitter. One of my favourite shows was 'It's a Knockout' presented by Stuart Hall and - like every kid - Jim'll Fix It and Top Of The Pops were must-watch TV, with Jimmy Savile a genuine superstar.
But yeah, Rolf Harris was good fun when I was a kid. I had his stilophone thing, paint by numbers sets and annuals.
Of course now I realise, he was just better at hiding what a thoroughly nasty **** he was, than Savile who juts about stoped short of wearing an
“I’m a creepy, necrophiliac nonce” sign around his neck.