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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Rich Pelley

YOU WONT BELIEVE: My mother s best advice always play it by ear - What They Never Told You

Rich Pelley and his mum at the Black Swan in Bristol, Christmas Eve, 2025.
Rich and his mum in their local pub last Christmas Eve. Composite: Guardian Design; supplied Image

What my mum taught me best is her expression: “Let’s play it by ear.” That might sound like an excuse for disorganisation and procrastination, but what she’s really saying at the end of every phone call is: “Life happens, plans change, and we’re always here for you – whatever time you decide to roll up.”

That’s her to a T – putting everyone else first. Even now, at 50, if I go out for a drink or to a gig with my brother and crash at my parents’ place, Mum will still stay up to be sure I’ve made it home safe.

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