Things I Miss #8

In the early 1970s the news media reported a streaking epidemic, streaking being defined as running naked through a public place usually for a dare or as a prank. It appears to have started in the USA but quickly spread to the UK, so soon no major sporting event was complete without a streaker. Several cricket matches were enlivened by streakers, as was a 1974 England v France Rugby Union game when an iconic photograph was taken of the streaker, Michael O'Brien, with his genitals covered by a policeman's helmet. Another notable streaker was Erica Roe at Twickenham in 1982, and her name still resonates among rugby fans. A streaker interrupted the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, causing the host David Niven to remark,  "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?"

In 1974 a novelty song, "The Streak" by Ray Stevens, reached number one in the UK singles chart, with lyrics that included:

"He ain't crude, Boogity, Boogity
He ain't lewd, Boogity, Boogity
He's just in the mood to run in the nude

Oh, yes, they call him the Streak
Boogity, Boogity
He likes to turn the other cheek
Boogity, Boogity
He's always makin' the news
Wearin' just his tennis shoes
Guess you could call him unique."