David Sylvian | Ghosts | Interview | The Other Side of Life | Riverside Studios | 20 November 1982

40 years ago today, David Sylvian made this one-off solo performance for the BBC TV youth culture show Riverside. Here’s my restored version of the two broadcasts of that unique and beautiful appearance. • Now I find myself alone “No, we’re splitting up”, David Sylvian tells Riverside presenter Mike Andrews. Sylvian’s declaration feels very poignant, after his stark stripped-down 12-string accompanied solo performance of Ghosts. Mike Andrews responds, “…Japan have fought so hard to get to where they are now, which is one of the biggest bands in the country”. Despite Japan being on their most extensive tour to date, and finally enjoying commercial and critical success in the UK and abroad, including the March 1982 top 5 hit single “Ghosts“, the band would indeed imminently split up. They played their last ever concert in Nagoya, Japan on 16 December 1982. Then all that remained for the group to do was complete the Oil on Canvas “live” album and video. When Oil on Ca