Alongside unruly nasal hair, erectile dysfunction and a penchant for elasticated trousers, another lurking hazard for the ageing male of our species is a precipitous descent into batshit political craziness. The symptoms can be particularly severe for those in the public eye. Van Morrison and Eric Clapton, who are both 77, have embarrassed themselves with their antics over Covid restrictions. The flirtation of Morrissey, who is 63, with English nationalist iconography coagulated into support for deeply unpleasant far-right figures. A gentle glide to the ideological right over the course of one’s allotted lifespan was common long before whoever it was...