Protheroe wrote the song while living in a friend's flat in Covent Garden . At the time, he was primarily working as an actor and wrote the song after being signed by Chrysalis Records based on music he performed in a play.
The song has seen a significant revival in 2025 due to a high-profile cover:
"Pinball" is the debut single and signature song of British actor and musician Brian Protheroe, released in . A cult classic of the 70s, it is known for its laid-back, atmospheric folk-rock sound and its vivid, autobiographical lyrics depicting a bohemian, somewhat disheveled life in London. Origin and Background