Okay, this is technically from 2019, but it’s 2020 now, so ner.
Syd Mead, industrial designer, and “visual futurist” – you’ve seen his work if you’ve seen Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Blade Runner, Tron, 2010, Short Circuit, Alien, Aliens, Timecop, Johnny Mnemonic, Mission: Impossible III, and Blade Runner 2049– bit the dust 30/12/19, aged 86.
dai says
You must be in Australia?
Sniffity says
Bo Winberg has gone beyond at the age of 80. He’s worth noting as lead guitarist for Swedish outfit The Spotnicks, who are best remembered for two things: wearing spacesuits (or Fireball XL5-type equivalents) and having Jimmie Nicol playing drums for a short while around the mid-1960s.
In reading about The Spotnicks, I was surprised to discover they’d had a #1 in Australia in 1962 – a cover of Orange Blossom Special (it made the Top 30 in the UK). Checking it out on Youtube revealed a fairly innocuous, almost inoffensive rendering, that seemed to ideally encapsulate what Australia was like at the time (I was only 1 year old at the time, so don’t speak from memory)….no wonder The Beatles tour in ’64 was like the gods descending.
Mousey says
They did this wonderful surf version of the introduction to Frank Zappa’s Lumpy Gravy
deramdaze says
I was playing the Spotnicks, the Shads and Joe Meek only yesterday.
So far behind, I’m ahead.
mikethep says
Might seem innocuous to you, but back then I was in complete awe of that guitar playing. Great though Duane Eddy and Hank Marvin were, they didn’t go for fingerboard pyrotechnics much. which is why thousands of lads like me could play their tunes. Nobody could play Orange Blossom Special.
Gatz says
‘Television medium and psychic Derek Acorah has died aged 69, his wife has announced.’
He could at least make the announcement himself.
Slug says
Didn’t see that coming.
count jim moriarty says
‘Medium and psychic’. Or more accurately, charlatan and conman.
Vulpes Vulpes says
“Thief”, I think, covers it.
Mousey says
He may have been better known in Yes Minister and Heartbeat, but for me he was always Mr Derek in Basil Brush. RIP Derek Fowlds
https://trib.al/WcG6J79
Mike_H says
Brilliant in Yes Minister, but then they all were in that show.
deramdaze says
Made an uncredited appearance in The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (as did John Thaw and James Fox).
This was before the days when everyone, including the catering van manager’s dog, got a credit.
Didn’t know he’d been married to Leslie Judd.
Max the Dog says
I only knew him from Yes Minister, brilliant show, and coincidentally, I ordered the box set from Amazon only yesterday.
Mousey says
Yes Minister is one of those comedy shows like Fawlty Towers and Dad’s Army that is always funny, even though you’ve seen them all a million times
Rigid Digit says
Brilliantly written and brilliantly performed.
Not just a “vehicle” for a specific talent with a supporting cast
Mike_H says
Yes, both writing and casting were first class.
Sniffity says
He was also in this proposed kids’ show from 1967…and was possibly thankful it never went ahead.
Sniffity says
While we’re at it, let us note a couple of other departures worth noting…
Buck Henry, a writer/director/actor who I’ll admit I thought had already expired. He co-created Get Smart, one of the few 60s TV sitcoms that are still funny to this day. Also wrote screenplays for The Graduate, Catch-22, Day Of The Dolphin among others.
Steve Martin Caro, singer with The Left Banke when they had their big Walk Away Renee hit in 1966.
slotbadger says
Buck Henry also appeared behind his jam jar specs in The Man Who Fell To Earth alongside the emaciated Dame
Slug says
Comedian, writer, librettist and historian Terry Jones has run up the curtain and joined the choir invisible at 77, after a long degenerative illness.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51209197
Anyone who, like me, was weened on Python and went to school reciting sketches we had seen the previous evening will be very sad indeed about this.
No more wafer thin mints for Mr. Creosote.
Black Celebration says
The wonderful Nicholas Parsons has left us, aged 96.
Slug says
Good innings. Seemed like an excellent sort. Probably best known for hosting ITV’s long running Sale of the Century (“Live from Norwich – it’s the quiz of the week”) but all fans of BBC Radio 4’s even longer running (since 1967!) Just a Minute will know how witty, gentle and professional the man was.
Mousey says
Oh no. I thought he was indestructible. What a brilliant British chap. RIP
Fintinlimbim says
If I believed in that sort of nonsense I would say ‘He is up there bickering with Kenneth Williams’.
Carolina says
I am going to miss him on Just A Minute hugely. He was still sharp as a tack, but kindly too, and his comic instincts were burning bright even at 96.
Slug says
I enjoy many sports but like most Britons I have no interest at all in basketball. But even I had heard of Kobe Bryant prior to his shocking death on Sunday. From what I read, he appears to have been not merely an exceptional athlete but also understood that his talent gave him a position of social responsibility, and he knew how to use his money and time to benefit others much less fortunate. The reaction in America and elsewhere to his passing reflects the impact he had in his short life.
dai says
A tragedy, especially as his 13 yr old daughter (and 7 others) also died. He wasn’t always a great example of how an athlete should behave though.
Sitheref2409 says
That’s Kobe “accused rapist whose defense team destroyed the victim of an assault he admitted” Bryant then?
Slug says
Not quite, apparently. I discover that in the pre-trial hearings, he admitted the sexual encounter but denied any assault.
Various evidence produced by the plaintiff was supposedly inconclusive. The plaintiff then refused to testify in court so the trial never even took place. A separate civil case led to an out of court settlement of around $2.5 million.
Aren’t expensive defence lawyers supposed to vigorously defend their clients?
dai says
https://www.thedailybeast.com/kobe-bryants-disturbing-rape-case-the-dna-evidence-the-accusers-story-and-the-half-confession?ref=scroll
Sitheref2409 says
Thanks Dai. That was the article that really enraged me.
Billybob Dylan says
People here (in California) having been talking about nothing else. Los Angeles City Hall was bathed in yellow & purple light (the Lakers colors) on Sunday night. People have been gathering at the Staples Center (the Lakers home arena) all day. I had no idea of his philanthropy. All-round good guy, by all accounts.
dai says
See above.
Paul Wad says
Footy fans may have missed the passing of the great Rob Rensenbrink the other day. The first World Cup I watched was 1978 and Holland were my favourite team (apart from when they played Scotland). In the absence of Johan Cruyff, it was Rensenbrink who became the favourite for me and my schoolmates after scoring a hat-trick in Holland’s first game. I think he got 5 that tournament and was only beaten to the Golden Boot by Mario Kempes, helped by his 2 goals in the dodgiest World Cup game ever. There were a lot of disappointed faces at school on the Monday, after Holland had lost to Argentina in the final, but as far as we were concerned Rob Rensenbrink was the best player in the world.
dai says
Didn’t he hit the inside of the post in the last minute of normal time in the final? If it had gone in then Holland would have been World Champions.
Freddy Steady says
Rob Rensenbrink!
Another sad Dutch fan here…blooming cheating Argies! (Not sure they actually cheated that much in the final, Holland were just unlucky.) Dirk Nanaga(?)
Just remembered that dodgy 5-0 against Peru..,pah.
duco01 says
I’m afraid it was even worse. It was 6-0 against Peru.
Paul Wad says
Yes, that was the game I was referring to. There have been other dodgy ones over the years, like the East v West Germany, and the Ireland v Holland match, when both teams stopped trying once they knew a draw would put them both through (although any Peterborough fans would probably say I had no right to complain about that, being a Barnsley fan!).
I guess you need to look at Scotland too, and ask whether they had some sort of betting scam going on, because surely nobody should have the long history they have of losing to the worst team in the group!
Sewer Robot says
There was this beauty too from ‘82:
Black Type says
Nanninga, Dick. Not being rude. 😉
dai says
Answering my own question, it was indeed Rensenbrink.
count jim moriarty says
Just read that Andy Gill of Gang Of Four died today. It appears he had been ill for some time.
fentonsteve says
Crikey. I had no idea. No wonder Go4 albums became decreasingly essential purchases.
duco01 says
Lyle Mays (1953-2020)
The great keyboardist Lyle Mays has died. He was best known for his 30-year collaboration with Pat Metheny as keyboardist and co-composer in the Pat Metheny Group, on albums like “As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls”.
Mays also played with Rickie Lee Jones, Earth Wind and Fire and may other top artists. For many rock fans, he may be best known as a member of Joni Mitchell’s legendary all-star band on the “Shadows and Light” live album. You know the band I’m talking about – that incredible one with Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Don Alias and Michael Brecker.
Rest easy, Mr Mays.
Cozzer says
Familiar with his Pat Metheny Group work. He was a very accomplished pianist/keyboard player – you don’t get the Metheny gig and retain it for so long without having some chops. I understand he gave up music and became a software development exec or summat.
66 is no age at all. RIP Lyle.
Vince Black says
I’ve just seen this, and hadn’t spotted it anywhere else despite being a fairly avid interweb browser. I have a little home studio and I record and produce CDs for local folkies or acoustic acts. My current one is a local troubadour who recorded 12 of his own songs very quickly on guitar / vocals and said “I’ll leave you to do something with them”. It’s been a slow but rewarding process. In the last week of January I started on one of his songs and decided it needed some sort of a melodic synth line to counterpoint his voice. I got my midi keyboard out for the lads and came across a sample called Lyle Mays. My first thought was “I wonder if he gets paid for this”. My second was “I’ve a pretty good idea what this will sound like”, and so it was. It did the job nicely and when my client came round to review progress I showed him what I’d done and explained to him about who Lyle May was and how he was associated with certain sounds. That’s the first time I’d thought about him for a long time. I”m now somewhat taken aback to discover he passed on less than 2 weeks later. RIP Lyle
fentonsteve says
Mazzy Star co-founder David Roback dies, aged 61
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51642346
fentonsteve says
Throbbing Gristle’s Genesis P-Orridge, former “wrecker of civilization”, aged 70
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51893184
After all the years of abuse, it was leukaemia that got him/her.
dai says
Roy Hudd, legend of radio and screen, he was 83.
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/mar/16/roy-hudd-dies-aged-83
count jim moriarty says
Also a great authority on the history of music hall – he had a considerable archive which he was in the process of donating to a university (can’t recall which one). Apparently, and I can believe it from his various media appearances, a thoroughly decent chap.
fentonsteve says
Eric Weissberg, Bluegrass musician, 80.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eric-weissberg-dueling-banjos-blood-on-the-tracks-musician-dead-at-80-971278/
dai says
Bill Rieflin. King Crimson and R.E.M. drummer. He was 59.
https://variety.com/2020/music/news/bill-rieflin-drummer-ministry-rem-king-crimson-dies-dead-1203544112/
fentonsteve says
Bob Andy. Young, gifted and black. And gone at 75.
duco01 says
Yes, that’s right. Fine voice.
Anyone wishing to try a Bob Andy album is directed to the all-time classic Studio One compilation “Song Book”. Sadly, CD copies of this album tend to be shoddy and rather poor-sounding. If ever there was a classic reggae album that was due the full Remastered Deluxe Edition treatment, it’s the outstanding “Song Book”. It’s the very least Bob Andy’s legacy deserves.
dai says
Jack Schofield, tech guy at The Guardian. I always enjoyed reading his columns. His last one was only 6 days ago.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/askjack/2020/apr/01/jack-schofield-guardian-ask-jack-tech-columnist-dies-at-72
Rigid Digit says
Eddie Large
The larger one in Little and Large, and owner of a perm. Big Man City fan too
Martin Hairnet says
Loved Eddie Large as a nipper, and he was a popular figure in and around Maine Road during the Peter Swales era. I think he got the perm around the same time as Asa Hartford and Tommy Booth. Odd to think that Little and Large was once BBC Saturday night primetime. Even now, I’d take them over Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Gatz says
He was 78 and as I recall had a history of heart trouble, but his son says he died from C19.
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/apr/02/comedian-eddie-large-little-and-large-dies-after-contracting-coronavirus-son-says
Black Celebration says
Very sad to hear this news. I have fond memories of his impressions of Deputy Dawg, Top Cat and Mutley on TV shows of the 70s. The other impressionists seemed to concentrate on politicians and Frank Spencer but Eddie had a direct line to the kids and silliness, generally. I also like the fact that Syd Little did genuinely fancy himself as a serious Andy Williams-type crooner, and Eddie used to heckle him from the audience. This eventually became the act.
A terrific example of this was Syd’s attempted rendition of Send in the Clowns. The lights are low, Syd alone under a spotlight. As soon as he sings the line “Send in the clowns” the lights go up, we hear Eddie shout “Wahey!” and he leads a group of clowns onto the stage, juggling, unicycling, swan whistles and honking horns. Syd angrily stops the music – tells him to get off – Eddie apologises for the misunderstanding etc. He resumes the song and …well…you can guess the rest.
Paul Wad says
My mum always used to say “I wish he’s stop spoiling the songs and just let Syd sing, cos he’s got a lovely voice”. Each to their own, I guess.
dai says
Sad news, but they really were a terrible act.
Martin Hairnet says
A bit harsh. Didn’t really have the dynamism – or the catchphrases – of Cannon and Ball, with whom I associate them. Eddie was charismatic, but I always thought Syd’s act was pretty weak.
count jim moriarty says
Even Little & Large were better than the appalling Cannon & Ball.
Jackthebiscuit says
What do you call a stone on top of a tomatoe?
Rock on Tommy
Well it made me laugh (40+ years ago)
Sewer Robot says
Are you going to sing the one about the cedar tree?
Colin H says
There’s a line in one of Clive James’ anthologised TV reviews where he describes Eddie Large’s act, whizzing about, full of energy, and then says ‘Syd Little plays the role of a man just standing there. Unfortunately, he *is* a man just standing there.’
Gatz says
Fare the well to Honor Blackman, the wonderful Cathy Gale in The Avengers, Pussy Gallre, and many more.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52189803
Rigid Digit says
and the wearer of Kinky Boots
Sniffity says
Mort Drucker, ace caricaturist best known for his work in Mad magazine, has drawn his last at the age of 91.
And I just learned British actress Hilary Dwyer has taken her last call at 74. If you’re a fan of “The Prisoner”, she was the poor lass Patrick Cargill tortured till she jumped out the window in the “Hammer Into Anvil” episode. She was also the daughter in “Witchfinder General.”
deramdaze says
Hilary Dwyer, as well as being in (arguably) the best TV series and (arguably) the best film, was (unarguably) a beautiful woman.
Black Celebration says
I also read that she produced Nil By Mouth – a knockabout farce, with laughs aplenty. I’m joking, of course. It’s one of those relentlessly bleak films that stays with you. Not even sure if I want to see it again but it’s very, very good.
Rigid Digit says
Stirling Moss – racing driver and all round Gentleman.
Gatz says
Goodie, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue stalwart and all round good egg Tim Brooke-Taylor has sadly succumbed to C19 at the age of 79.
Kaisfatdad says
How dreadfully sad. What an awful end to a life so full of laughter and entertainment.
Rigid Digit says
Peter Bonetti, 78.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper, and possibly unfairly “blamed” for the 1970 World Cup exit
Paul Wad says
Surely he has another 8 lives left?
duco01 says
The great alto saxophonist Lee Konitz has died. Taken by the coronavirus at the age of 92.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/16/lee-konitz-jazz-saxophonist-with-75-year-career-dies-of-coronavirus-aged-92
Junior Wells says
92 pretty good for a jazzer
Gary says
Brian Dennehy
Absolutely brilliant in The Belly Of An Architect.
Billybob Dylan says
That’s the role he’s going to be remembered for, isn’t it?
Gary says
I’m seeing Rambo and Tommy Boy in all the headlines, but Architect is certainly the one I’ll remember him for.
Sniffity says
He said of it “I’ve been in a lot of movies but this is the first film I’ve made.”
Bargepole says
Norman Hunter – the archetypal hard man of Revie’s 1970s Leeds United but he could play too.
count jim moriarty says
He could certainly play. Unfortunately, he was also fond of making potentially career ending tackles. But then, he wasn’t the only one around at that time you can say that about (most clubs had one). He’s one of a few that wouldn’t last 2 minutes today.
Sitheref2409 says
You raise – maybe just to me – an interesting question. I’ve also been watching a lot of “old” rugby.
Just how many careers were ended by hunter or Smith or those of that ilk? Similarly, some of the stuff in the rugby would have seen more red cards in this “safer” era. But how much safer is it now? Or more dangerous then?
Are there any stats out there?
John Walters says
Such a cultured footballer. With a dip of the shoulder and a sway of the hips he seemed to glide effortlessly past the opposition before engineering a slide rule defence splitting pass to either Messrs. Clarke or Jones.
Oh yeah …… almost forgot. He stood on top of the ball on the halfway line against Poland which led to England not reaching the World Cup proper in 1974.
Black Celebration says
There were another 89 and a half minutes in the game to score a goal or two, to be fair.
dai says
But the Polish goalie was a “clown”
Paul Wad says
Hunter was also the manager of the best Barnsley team I’ve ever seen, having originally signed for us as player-coach under Allan Clarke. We were one win short of promotion to the old First Division under him in 1982, the season after getting promoted from the Third Division. And with a team featuring the likes of Mick McCarthy, Ronnie Glavin, Trevor Aylott and Ian Banks we would have had a good chance of staying up too. We beat three First Division teams in the League Cup, eventually losing at home to Liverpool in a replay, having drawn 0-0 at Anfield (with our best player injured), with around 16,000 Barnsley fans having made the trip to Liverpool.
Hunter’s team was a joy to watch and he is fondly remembered by all Barnsley fans of a certain age. There’d be no way we’d be able to keep a team like that together these days though. McCarthy played over 300 games for us before moving to Manchester City. John Stones played less than 30.
Deviant808 says
Matthew Seligman – bass player for The Soft Boys, long-time Thomas Dolby collaborator, part of Bowie’s backing band at Live Aid.
Had been in an induced coma for the last couple of weeks after contracting Covid-19.
John Walters says
Ronan O’Rahilly, the founder of Radio Caroline has passed away.
Sniffity says
As has Ian Whitcomb…UK fellow that had one hit in the US – “You Turn Me On” – but established himself as something of a scholar in popular music history, especially pre-rock pop. He wrote a couple of book on the subject that are worth reading, particularly for the chapters he devotes to his own experiences in the US in the mid 60s (he comes across as the Adrian Mole of Pop)
Colin H says
Wasn’t he Irish, though?
Sniffity says
Well, er, yes….
Kaisfatdad says
Not by birth, according to Larr Hinze on TYube.
Ian Timothy Whitcomb (born 10 July 1941, in Woking Hospital, Woking, Surrey, England) is an entertainer, singer, songwriter, author, record producer, and actor.
Mousey says
RIP Millie Small
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52557332
fentonsteve says
Nigel the Gardener’s World dog.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52624040
mikethep says
Phil May, Pretty Thing vocalist, has left the building.
Sniffity says
Peter Thomas, aged 94. As a composer and arranger, he created music for a zillion movies and TV shows from Europe, chiefly his native Germany. Remember the loungecore theme to “Chariots Of The Gods”? That was him. He also did music for the early 60s Edgar Wallace films.
deramdaze says
Some of those Edgar Wallace episodes are as good as TV ever got. Still on Talking Pictures.
Most of them had a cinema release, playing before the main feature.
There must have been thousands of film goers who would start a conversation, “Here, remember that b-feature we saw when the (insert details of Edgar Wallace film here) … ” ending with “… that was brilliant, that was.”
Sniffity says
Charles Lippincott was at one time Senior Vice President, Advertising, Publicity, Promotion, and Merchandising of Star Wars Corporation. That was before the first film came out. It may not have been the success it was without his input, which was considerable; indeed, it’s said that he basically reshaped the way movies are marketed. He was more or less airbrushed out of the Star Wars story, after falling out with George Lucas.
Sounds a bit dull, I suppose, but have a look here…
http://therealcharleslippincott.blogspot.com
…for the background story not only on the original Star Wars, but also Westworld, the first Judge Dredd, and others. If the first page of his blog doesn’t interest you, well, sorry to have wasted your time. But Derek Taylor seems to have had a career that people like to read about, so it’s possible that Charlie’s tale might be worth a look.
Anyway, he died last week from COVID-19 complications, aged 80.
Kaisfatdad says
Mr Lippincott looks very interesting, @Sniffity.
After a film like Star Wars is a success, we all take it for granted that it was ordained to happen. This piece show how this far is from the case.
Mrbellows says
Aged 80. But the coronavirus got him in the end. (How much subtlety can the Afterword take?)
Black Celebration says
Brendan Bowyer – leader of the Royal Showband has also left the building.
Supported by pre-fame Beatles in the early 60s, he was an Elvis impersonator from the early days. Even Elvis himself was a fan.
Gary says
I’ve been a fan of Christo since I first saw a photo of his Surrounded Islands in 1983. Marvellous, bonkers conceptual artist.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2020/jun/01/the-life-and-work-of-christo
Gatz says
But who’s going to wrap the tombstone?
Black Celebration says
Michael Angelis has left us. An actor who was everywhere in the 70s and 80s – notably Lucien in the Liver Birds and a main character in Boys from the Black Stuff.
He was the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine after Ringo stopped doing it. “Interestingly” his older brother, Paul Angelis played Ringo in Yellow Submarine.
Sniffity says
And he scored with Joanne Whalley in “No Surrender”
Mousey says
Joanne Whalley? “I’m going to move your penis sir” ir words to that effect in The Singing Detective. Whoar…
Diddley Farquar says
Perhaps that’s the answer to the ball hair trimming conundrum (3MFTL). Get Joanne Whalley on the task. She could liberally apply some hair removal cream. Who knew intimate grooming could be so much fun?
mikethep says
Crikey yes…a nation held its breath. Or half of it, anyway.
deramdaze says
Lucien was the one who liked rabbits.
Everyone remembers Yosser Hughes, but for me the standout episode in Blackstuff was the one that focussed on Michael and Julie Walters.
duco01 says
Yes, absolutely. Episode 3: “Chrissie’s Story” – Angelis and Walters acting as if their lives depended on it.
Rigid Digit says
Steve Priest – Sweet Bassist, 72
Of the band, he was the one who went for the most outrageous, dragged up, glam look. Despite the Chinnichap bubblegum, that band knew how to rock (Ballroom Blitz came about after they caused a riot at one of their gigs)
https://www.loudersound.com/news/sweet-bassist-steve-priest-dead-at-72
John Walters says
“We just haven’t got a clue what to do “ RIP.
fentonsteve says
Rupert Hine, 72
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rupert-hine-dead/
Sniffity says
Bonnie Pointer jumped ship from her sisters before they started jumping for love, or going automatic.
She was on board and co-wrote this terrific early 70s hit….alas, expired at 69.
Beezer says
Paul Chapman, guitarist with UFO from 1978 to 1983, aged 66.
Sniffity says
Time to lighten up things around here – let’s talk about dead people!
Johnny Mandel has just expired at the age of 94 – every time you hum the theme from MASH, that’s his work you’re invoking. He also won an Oscar (1965) and Grammy (1966) for co-writing “The Shadow Of Your Smile.”
Benny Mardones, a singer-songwriter who hit it with “Into The Night” in 1980, has written his last at the age of 73.
Pete Carr was a guitarist with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (among other things). You could hear his twanging on the melody line of Bob Seger’s “Main Street” or Rod’s “Tonight’s The Night”…..alas, gone at 70.
Tom Finn was a founder member of The Left Banke – 71 is too young to be shuffling off.
Arnie “Woo Woo” Ginsburg was an American radio DJ from the days when you might tune in more to hear the talk between songs than the music itself. If you’re a fan of the “Cruisin'” series, his recreation of his work is on the “Cruisin’ ’61” LP….93, over and out.
Milton Glaser – designer par excellence – is no longer among us at the age of 91, but his work will long survive him. To say he was prolific is an understatement, we’ve probably all seen examples here and there without knowing it was him. Mentioned in the media for his “I (heart) NY” design, he also did a stack of graphics for the music industry, best known probably being his Dylan poster from 1966.
count jim moriarty says
The great Carl Reiner gone at 98. One of the greatest comedy writers and performers – The 2000 Year Old Man with Mel Brooks, originated the Dick Van Dyke Show and directed Steve Martin’s 3 best films (The Jerk, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid and The Man With Two Brains).
count jim moriarty says
Pub rock stalwart Sean Tyla, of Help Yourself, Ducks Deluxe and the Tyla Gang has died, reported by his old colleague and Rumour guitarist Martin Belmont.
Mousey says
RIP Ennio Morricone
https://variety.com/2020/film/global/ennio-morricone-oscar-winning-hateful-eight-composer-dies-at-91-1234698707/?fbclid=IwAR2LiZtwFjDL4eiZx8mUD0INCclhl6PxZTLR_p1xBZDPaJgjb92U2PVAa_k
Junior Wells says
Oops, I’ve done a Gerry Rafferty.
Vince Black says
Charlie Daniels, the Devil Went Down To Georgia hitmaker has died, aged 83, following a stroke
Slug says
Also played on Dylan’s New Morning, plus a few Leonard Cohen albums. He was probably my entry point to country music.
dai says
And was a raging right wing fanatic.
Black Celebration says
Jack Charlton has died. I recently saw some footage of him and Bobby talking about winning the World Cup together and reflecting on their days as children kicking a ball about and going fishing. It was a very stoic but tender exchange.
Apparently he woke up in a flat in Dagenham on the morning after winning the World Cup. He had no recollection of how he got there but he had his winners medal in his jacket pocket.
count jim moriarty says
I’ll remember him best as Boro manager. Took an underperforming bunch of players and forged a formidable promotion winning side in his first season (working without a contract on £10,000 per annum) without spending a penny. His only recruit was the ageing Bobby Murdoch from Celtic on a free. Murdoch simply stood in the centre circle and sprayed precision passes while the young Graeme Souness did the running about for him. Jack was entirely responsible for turning Souness from a headstrong headless chicken into the formidable midfielder he became.
Won Division 2 by 15 points (in the days of 2 points for a win), secured promotion on the last Saturday in March and won the title the following weekend. If he’d spent a few quid on a striker, we might have won the Division 1 title in the next couple of years (as Jack himself admitted a few years later).
A great man and a good bloke who will always be a legend on Teesside. He’d certainly have taken the current shower in hand.
hubert rawlinson says
Just read that Judy Dyble has died.
I knew she was ill and having treatment but it’s still a shock.
pencilsqueezer says
Sadly all but true. Judy was a very gracious person. She liked my paintings, I liked her voice.
Another loss.
hubert rawlinson says
Aged 96 Zizi Jeanmaire
Mentioned in the Peter Sarstedt song of course. Where do you go to…
“You talk like Marlene Dietrich
And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire”
also mentioned in the lyrics of the song by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, “Nothing is Sacred”,
mikethep says
You beat me to it, Hubes. I’ve just been watching her dancing with Rudolf Nureyev. Not much of a one for yer ballet meself, but this is pretty extraordinary, erotic and athletic…nice smoking, too.
hubert rawlinson says
C P Lee now. Leader of Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranois and much more, author, lecturer, etc.
https://cplee.co.uk/
hubert rawlinson says
From that golden age of Hollywood Olivia de Havilland 104.
Hopefully it was as she wanted.
“I would prefer to live forever in perfect health, but if I must at some time leave this life, I would like to do so ensconced on a chaise longue, perfumed, wearing a velvet robe and pearl earrings, with a flute of champagne beside me and having just discovered the answer to the last problem in a British cryptic crossword”
Mrbellows says
Definitely a Babe in her day. Lucky old Errol.
dai says
Dan Martin, music journalist. Only 41.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/26/dan-martin-music-journalist-of-passionate-enthusiasms-dies-aged-41
Kid Dynamite says
Denise Johnson, who sang with Primal Scream, Electronic, and ACR, as well as many others. Only 53.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/tributes-paid-manchester-singer-denise-18672455
fentonsteve says
I saw Denise twice with Primal Scream on the Screamadelica tour back in 1991, and with ACR twice last year. My daughter had her photo taken with her in December.
Sniffity says
Another case of just one single gaining you a place in the long and winding road of pop music history.
Danish pianist Bent Fabric had a hit in 1961 with his instrumental “Alley Cat”…it was one of those tunes that, having appeared, seemed like it’d always been there.
Expired at 94 (19 in cat years).
Junior Wells says
Springer Bell (does he still post on the blog) tweeted how disingenuous it was for the Primal Scream mob to belatedly tweet their condolences given this:
Junior Wells says
I should have added – The Wank Stains TMFTL
Gatz says
It’s safe travels to Alan Parker, whose music films alone include The Wall, Evita, Bugsy Malone and more.
Bargepole says
Martin Birch, producer of albums for the likes of Sabbath, Whitesnake and, perhaps most notably, ten Iron Maiden albums.
RobC says
Sad news. I saw him being interviewed in an Iron Maiden documentary. Not only did he produce some great work with them, but he also came across as a genuinely nice bloke, as indeed they all did.
Freddy Steady says
Re Martin Birch. “Dave” Coverdale has just paid tribute…Yes indeed.
RobC says
In the doc I saw he said how he was surprised/disappointed that Maiden hadn’t approached him to produce them earlier on. The hadn’t because they admired him so much and thought he wouldn’t be interested in them. That’s when it really took off. Martin Birch, Bruce Dickinson, and ‘The Number Of The Beast’ album. Birch nearly drove Dickinson bonkers to get exactly the right opening vocal. A very funny story in itself.
Rigid Digit says
The story goes:
Whilst producing Number Of The Beast, he was involved in a car accident with some Nuns.
The repair bill for his Range Rover came to £666.
(It was probably £665, but they added a quid for a new bulb and a better anecdote)
RobC says
I think it was £666. 59 pence, if I remember correctly. Anyway, great story regardless, like when they nervously rang up Patrick McGoohan, being big fans of The Prisoner, to get his permission re. the song on the album. Apparently, he his response was pure McGoohan.
PM: What are you called?
Band: Iron Maiden.
PM: Do it. (hangs up).
Wonderful!
Jaygee says
Iron Maiden also inspired the best tribute band name ever in the form of Australia’s mighty 668 The Neighbour of the Beast
Sniffity says
Can’t go without noting that Covid-19 has snagged another victim, the very wonderful Trini Lopez. His LPs recorded live at PJ’s in Los Angeles were toe tappin’, finger snappin’ delights indeed.
And Mark Wirtz, who devised the oddball “Excerpt From A Teenage Opera” in 1967…he won’t come back, oh no-whoa.
And a quick glance on Wikipedia reminds one that Wayne Fontana, erstwhile Mindbender vocalist, as well as solo hits with “Pamela Pamela” and “24 Sycamore” has succumbed to cancer.
fentonsteve says
Julian Bream, 87.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53777949
Colin H says
A genius.
fentonsteve says
This was one of the first LPs I owned. Simply magnificent.
https://www.discogs.com/Julian-Bream-John-Williams-Together/master/268804
Max the Dog says
Oh no. I was only listening to him on the drive to work this morning…
Rigid Digit says
Pete Way – UFO Bass Bloke
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pete-way-ufo-dead/
Freddy Steady says
@rigid-digit that’s another one gone. UFO were pretty decent weren’t they?
Rigid Digit says
Strangers In The Night must surely be in the list of Best Live Albums, if only for the version of Doctor Doctor.
Note: there is so much more to this album than one track. If you haven’t heard it, please give it a listen. Superb.
Bargepole says
Great live album (even if two tracks were actually studio recordings with crowd noise dubbed on) – the reissue is the one to have, two extra songs and the correct running order reinstated.
Sniffity says
Since no-one else has mentioned him, let it be noted that one-time bass player for the Bay City Rollers, Ian Mitchell, expired last week at the relatively young age of 62.
Slug says
Ronald Bell, one of the original members of perennial good time band Kool & The Gang has gone to meet his maker at 68. Celebration seems somewhat inappropriate, so lets have this banger instead.
Carolina says
This was always my fave Kool and the Gang Track, v uplifting. Straight Ahead.
Moose the Mooche says
No Title. No, I mean really, that’s what it’s called.
“Have you got the new Kool and the Gang record?”
“What’s it called?”
“No Title”
“OK I’ll find out for you… (disappears into basement for three years)”
“Who’s on third?”
etc
Moose the Mooche says
Kooool funk from ’69.
Moose the Mooche says
PS. Epic trouserage on that Straight Ahead video. Kudos….
fentonsteve says
Guy Garvey’s mother in law, Diana Rigg, 82:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54106509
Slug says
Alan Minter , British boxer who was the undisputed World Middleweight Champion in 1980 (for a few months at least, until Marvin Hagler rightly re-arranged his face for him) – has failed to beat the count at 69.
hubert rawlinson says
Toots Hibbert from Covid.
fentonsteve says
Oh **ck. His pretty good new album only came out a couple of weeks ago.
dai says
Cancer I think. RIP
Bargepole says
Lee Kerslake, drummer with Uriah Heep, also worked with Ozzy – prostate cancer, aged 73.
Sniffity says
Kind of late to the party, but I just found out Kenny Young died last April on his 79th birthday. Quite a varied number of hits written, possibly not to everyone’s taste (don’t imagine anyone here’s likely to hum any Clodagh Rodgers tunes too soon), but a fairly solid body of work all things considered.
deramdaze says
Co-wrote “Under the Boardwalk,” I’d have thought a pension plan on its own, and a no. 1 single for the Rolling Stones in Australia.
Erm … I hum Clodagh Rodgers’ songs … oh, yes … “Biljo,” by Kenny Young, is catchier than just about any pop song ever written!
Sniffity says
Ron Cobb – political cartoonist, film production designer (you’ll have seen his work in Dark Star, Star Wars, Alien, Total Recall among others)…taken by Lewy body dementia at age 83.
And Roy Head, another case of one-song-entry-into-immortality thanks to “Treat Her Right” expired at 79 from a heart attack.
Gatz says
When I was growing up Juliette Gréco was a symbol of a beautiful, cool, glamorous world which I knew, even then, I could only gaze through the windows of.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44230634
Mrbellows says
I mourn with you, Gatz.
Slug says
Cricketer Dean Jones, ace Aussie batsman during the late 80s and early 90s and more recently a commentator, has been dismissed by a sudden heart attack while working in India, at a mere 59.
Junior Wells says
To elaborate, one of the original greats of ODIs. An excitement machine for a generation of cricket fans. Had guts too – scored 210 in appallingly oppressive conditions at Madras to draw a test:
Day two temperatures reached unfathomable heights as Bright holed out for 30 and Jones charged towards his maiden Test century.
Jones was joined by the man who placed his faith in him, skipper Border, and the pair set about building a commanding lead for the visitors.
As Jones’ total continued to climb, crippling cramp set in, first in his hands, then in both his legs and finally in his back.
The fact he could even stay on the field was becoming a miracle.
The temperatures soared in the 40s, and humidity climbed beyond 80% in furnace like conditions that defied logic.
Jones admitted later that he scored his last hundred off just 66 balls because he couldn’t run at all.
As dehydration overtook his weary body Jones had a simple method of blocking, slogging and spewing. Then he would repeat the dose.
By the time he got to within 30 of a double century Jones admitted he started to lose control of his bodily functions.
Jones decided he had to ask his skipper if he could go off and the notoriously tough Border not realising the seriousness of the dehydration that was affecting Jones famously said: “Well go on, off you go then. We’ll get someone tough out here. We’ll get a Queenslander.”
Jones’ total continued to climb, crippling cramp set in, first in his hands, then in both his legs and finally in his back.
Jones decided he had to ask his skipper if he could go off and the notoriously tough Border not realising the seriousness of the dehydration that was affecting Jones famously said: “Well go on, off you go then. We’ll get someone tough out here. We’ll get a Queenslander.”
Jones stayed in a desperate bid to please his skipper and blasted his way to 202 at tea, before retiring to the dressing rooms.
Simpson had assigned members of the team to each help Jones out of his gear and shower and hydrate him in an attempt to get him back on the field.
Jones was finally undone on 210 just after tea, but not before etching himself in Australian cricket folklore in arguably the toughest cricket innings ever.
Black Celebration says
Helen Reddy has left us. A very dignified and confident singer.
I really liked Angie Baby when it was in the charts all those years ago.
mikethep says
“The I Am Woman hitmaker” – Brisbane Times. I didn’t know she was Australian.
Black Celebration says
I didn’t know that either. She was on Morecambe and Wise once though, which indicates non-Americanness.
dai says
Were Americans banned from the M & W show? Actually she lived in US for more than 50 years and had dual nationality.
Junior Wells says
Is Rupert Murdoch an American?
dai says
Am I a Canadian?
Junior Wells says
Dunno?
dai says
I have a passport (one of 2 that I have)..
Black Celebration says
I said “indicates”. Of course Americans weren’t banned – but as M&W never made it over there – the US equivalents of Glenda Jackson or Des O’Connor would not be falling over themselves to be on the show.
count jim moriarty says
M&W did have a serious attempt at the US in the early/mid sixties – they certainly made multiple appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, and their (exceeding average) movies were partly made as a bridge to the US.
Junior Wells says
Fuck me dead Thep. Citizenship revoked.
The biopic on Netflix is ok.
mikethep says
If only I had a citizenship to be revoked…
Junior Wells says
@mikethep
Ok let me know when you get it and I will see that it is revoked.
Mrbellows says
Sorry for your loss.
Vince Black says
I just found out that Chrissy Stewart, bass player with Eire Apparent, Spooky Tooth, Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance, Frankie Miller band passed away in May of this year aged 73. For a while he was part of a session duo with drummer Stu Perry. As a young twenty-something in Belfast I played in a band with his younger brother Dennis who always kept me up to date with Chrissy’s roster. It was a kind of standing joke that anytime I told Dennis about a band I liked he’s say “Oh Chrissy done an album with them”. He once said this about the Grateful Dead, and I really thought “I don’t think so!” but it turned out to be close enough. He played on an album by Keith & Donna Godcheaux
Due to the family connection we played support to the Frankie Miller Band for 2 years running on their Irish tours. I met Chrissy a few times and he was absolutely lovely to me and the other guys in the band. He was rock’n’roll to the max but my God he could play! He was the only constant member of the band over those 2 years and was an absolute rock on stage, driving the band loud and hard. One time when he was back in Belfast visiting his Mum he came out to see our band and sat in on a few songs. He borrowed our bassist’s Fender Precision and was instantly twice as loud. He just played incredibly hard. You can see him in action here
Gary says
Actor Clark Middleton passed away on Sunday. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with his work. @moose-the-mooche, perhaps you would care to say a few words.
Moose the Mooche says
Banjo, hamsterphone, scroot scroot scroot.
Will that do?
Gary says
I was thinking of something more along the lines of “He was excellent in… “. But “banjo, hamsterphone, scroot scroot scroot” seems perfectly appropriate, if somewhat oblique. Rather touching, in fact.
fentonsteve says
Johnny Nash, 80.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54444297
Leicester Bangs says
Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee, who invented the ‘flying cymbal’ sound and gave King Tubby the nudge that produced dub.
duco01 says
Blimey. I hadn’t seen that, Leicester.
A major tip of the hat to one of the greatest producers in the history of Jamaican music.
retropath2 says
Dyan Birch, Arrival and Kokomo, zillions of sessions including Dylan, died, earlier this month. Ill for some time and unable to feature in recent Kokomo reunions, I only learnt this by chance, in a tweet from Richard Williams.
Vince Black says
How sad. She was wonderful. If you listen to her entry on “Anytime” from their first album, just after Tony O’Malley sets her up, has any UK female singer ever sung better than that? I doubt it
Morrison says
Sad to hear – she had a beautifully pure voice. Another wonderful track from that great Kokomo first album with Dyan taking the lead.
hubert rawlinson says
Drummer Viola Smith age 107.
American drummer best known for her work in orchestras, swing bands, and popular music from the 1920s until 1975. She was one of the first professional female drummers.
Colin H says
Terrific – thanks for posting, Hubes.
Colin H says
Somebody ought to mention Jerry Jeff Walker. Last week.
fatima Xberg says
Jerry Jeff Walker. He’s always reduced to having written “Mr. Bojangles”, but he was one of the finest personalities in Country music – witty, thoughtful, full of energy and ideas, and always sincere. His double album »A Man Must Carry On« is a true masterpiece of Outlaw country: brilliant songs, a great band, and Hondo’s spoken word poetry about the town of Luckenbach.
Best of his later albums are “Navajo Rug” and the “Live At Gruene Hall” LP, the highlight of which is his interpretation of Chris Wall’s “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” – probably the best country song of all time:
Kaisfatdad says
That was a lovely tribute, Fatima.
It made me want to go and give him a good listen.
Black Celebration says
It’s all over for Frank Bough, sadly. By all accounts a very nice man.
Almost certainly mentioned by Half Man Half Biscuit.
dai says
A nice man, who’s career was ruined by scandal. Bit of a dark horse, old Frank. I will never forget him exclaiming on Grandstand through gritted teeth year after year in the 70s that “Wales have done it again”
Moose the Mooche says
I don’t understand why he had to be fired.
Jimmy Savile carried on working for another ten years. Good old Auntie Beeb eh?
dai says
10 years after what? Frank? Was Savile implicated in same scandal?
Rigid Digit says
Maybe the idea of an extra from the Rocky Horror Picture Show * announcing a late goal from Highbury was not the image Auntie wanted to convey
(* snorting coke of a hookers chest may also be involved)
Black Celebration says
Bobby Ball has been done over by the Coronavirus. I am very sad about this because I was such a fan of his when I was a nipper. A few years ago he unexpectedly chatted with me on Twitter and his daughter got involved too – a lovely man and I hope there’s lots of tributes.
Moose the Mooche says
Same here – rock on, Bobby.
dai says
Welsh rugby legend JJ Williams has passed away
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54571230
Rigid Digit says
Nobby Stiles.
Toothless, tenacious, and World Cup Winner.
Nobby wandered along Wembley High Road on the morning of the Final to find a Catholic Church.
Who says the game has changed.
thecheshirecat says
And he picked up this hitchhiker some time in the early 80s. It was only when he dropped me off (‘This is as far as I go, mate’) outside Bobby Charlton’s house in the next village.
Rigid Digit says
Sean Connery.
The besht Bond?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13087132
Slug says
Unquestionably the best Bond, but his best movie was The Hill:
Mrbellows says
There was another one I half remember where he played the part of a lorry driver?
Moose the Mooche says
Hell Drivers, starring Stanley Baker.
Sniffity says
Great in Zardoz, too.
Martin Hairnet says
The Offence is the one that stands out for me.
Gary says
The Man Who Would Be King for me.
Sniffity says
And since nobody mentioned him at the time of his demise, spare a minute for Brian “Licorice” Locking…among other things, he was bass player for the Shadows for only 18 months, but played on hits like “Dance On”, “Atlantis”, and “Foot Tapper”, and appeared in “Summer Holiday.”
Gatz says
John Sessions has died from a heart condition at the age of 67. He was revered by by the first generation of UK improv comics, but never made the leap to wider recognition outside of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Martin Hairnet says
Wow. That is a bit of a shock. Didn’t think he was 67. He was great in Porterhouse Blue.
dai says
RIP, did not realise he was a UKIP supporter.
nickduvet says
Ken Hensley, keyboardist and band leader of Uriah Heep. Very ‘umble, very dead
Vincent says
a tragic loss. The Byron years are rather magnificent in their awfulness
no cliche omitted here, and all the better for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuBoZp5fPOs
Rigid Digit says
But without Byron and Hensley, their awfulness wasn’t quite so magnificent. Although Abominog is one of their best albums.
Many bands are suggested as the model for Spinal Tap – Uriah Heep must be one of them, and Mick Box is a combination of Nigel Tufnell and David St Hubbins
Gatz says
Like luke warm water.
nickduvet says
Gotta feel for John Wetton in that clip. He went from the prog majesty of Red-era King Crimson to the lumpen mediocrity of the mighty Heep
fentonsteve says
We were almost bandmates.
One of the mighty Heep and I have a mutual friend. I once went to a wedding reception where he asked if I’d dep on bass on their upcoming tour of Japan. I politely declined.
Vincent says
I think it would be worth it for bragging rights. Definitely a 3-pint story.
Freddy Steady says
@fentonsteve
Wot! Why on Earth did you decline?
fentonsteve says
I don’t prog, so would not have been able to keep a straight face. The first proper gig I ever saw was The Enid, with my secondary school music teacher. I was bored witless.
Freddy Steady says
@fentonsteve
Bet it would have been fun though.
Junior Wells says
Surprised to just read of the death of Billy Joe Shaver
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/billy-joe-shaver-funeral-arrangements-announced-w-streaming/
Junior Wells says
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/10-badass-billy-joe-shaver-moments/
fentonsteve says
Steve Spring, touring drummer for Curve in the 90s and The Mission in this century.
This from Dean-from-Curve: “He was a brilliantly gifted musician and I loved him dearly. He was a mixture of Keith Moon, the Muppets drummer and John Bonham.”
Slug says
Geoffrey Palmer, lugubrious mainstay of many comedy shows in the 70s and early 80s, as well as a fine character actor, has passed away at 93. First entered my consciousness as Wendy Craig’s husband in ‘Butterflies’ but surely his high water mark was as Jimmy, Reggie Perrin’s brother-in-law.
Watching this, I am reminded of America right now:
Gary says
I only discovered recently that the theme to Butterflies was sung by Clare Torry of Pink Floyd fame.
I liked Geoffrey Palmer a lot. As a big Alan Ackbourn fan I thought he was superb in Seasons Greetings.
Rigid Digit says
He was a Doctor and he wanted his sausages.
Which makes me think … he would’ve done a grand job as Doctor Who
mikethep says
Never seen that – downloaded in case it disappears. Bit of a fan of Barbara Flynn too, as it happens…
Arthur Cowslip says
No! Oh what a shame. What a thoroughly nice guy.
I love him in that Fawlty Towers episode.
mikethep says
“…rapists, Papists, rapist Papists…”
“…Rear Admirals, queer Admirals, queer Rear Admirals…”
Genius.
Moose the Mooche says
Look at this… what a great man.
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/gallery/2020/nov/06/geoffrey-palmer-a-life-in-pictures
dai says
Bit of a cock-up on the catering front. RIP.
Freddy Steady says
Reggie Perrin, 1976. 1976!!
Sniffity says
Len Barry, the 1-2-3-H has expired at 78…a one-hit wonder in these parts, but I believe had more elsewhere.
Vince Black says
He had 2 top-10 UK hits. As was very much the fashion in those days, the second one (Like a Baby) sounded remarkably like the first one
Vince Black says
Sad to read of the passing of Bones Hillman (aka Wayne Stevens) who was long time bassist with Ozzy stalwarts Midnight Oil. I saw him in front of a tiny crowd at CHADS theatre in Cheadle Hulme, Manchester in July 2010. He was playing with Elizabeth Cook and her husband, and they were great. There were little over 20 punters there and the gig was in the bar rather than the theatre. To be fair, I went to that venue several times to see Americana acts and never once got to see inside the theatre, the gig was relegated to the bar every time and after about 2 years the promoter cut his losses and gave up. I was accompanied on this occasion by my sister in law who is an Australian citizen and was over on a visit. She assured me he’d be used to bigger gigs back home. We had a brief chat with him after he gig. He was pleased to be recognised and seemed to be enjoying the tour. They had no roadie and were sharing the driving in a touring van. RIP Bones
John Walters says
Gretchen Peters played in the bar area at Chads Theatre.
Also saw Gulf Morlix there playing in front of about 15/20 people.
fentonsteve says
Des O’Connor
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54950051
Slug says
Liverpool, Spurs and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, at 72
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54953093
Smudger says
Great tribute from Liverpool, the video tribute is definitely worth a watch.
https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/416045-liverpool-fc-deeply-saddened-by-ray-clemence-passing
There were some great keepers in English football in the 70s and 80s. Clemence, Shilton, Corrigan and Parkes to name just a few.
duco01 says
Re: Phil Parkes:
Yes, his 688 games for QPR and West Ham divided neatly into 344 appearances for each club.
Now there’s symmetry for you!
deramdaze says
I love that.
Also, and I still haven’t quite got my head around this, but at exactly the same time and in the same division, the Wolves’ goalkeeper was named Phil Parkes.
What are the chances?
I mean, it’s not as if the shared name was John Smith or Paul Jones.
Rigid Digit says
And they were the same height (6′ 3”).
And for a couple of years played no more than 10 miles from each other (Phil at Wolves, and Phil at Walsall).
Not sure the Wolves Phil was a big Heavy Rock fan though – looks more like a Carpenters or New Seekers man when I’ve seen him on The Big Match re-runs
Gatz says
Eric ‘Monster Monster’ Hall has died at the age of 73. He will be best remembered as a football agent of course, and one of the men who shaped the commercial side of the modern game for better or worse. I didn’t know that he used to be a music agent too, and claimed to be the man who secured the Sex Pistols infamous slot on Bill Grundy’s show.
fentonsteve says
I read his book. He was ‘monster’ funny.
fentonsteve says
Dave Prowse, 85. Green Cross Man and Darth Vader.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55117704
Sniffity says
It’s the Star Wars Curse, I tell you!
davebigpicture says
Funeral at the family home on Tattooine, buffet after, main course penne all arrabbiata*
* you’ll need a tray
Black Celebration says
“I won’t be there when YOU cross the road”
Always felt a bit short-changed by that.
fentonsteve says
“Louk… oi yam yer farzer”
Rigid Digit says
Yooz ther forze
(I can’t do the accent)
Junior Wells says
This passing will mean nothing to the mass of the Massive but for Australasians of a certain age this bloke was a big part of our lives as a music journo and editor of the main music mags in Australia. Later in life he did a lot of liner note work for reissues.
https://www.beat.com.au/pioneering-music-journalist-and-author-ed-nimmervoll-passes/
Sniffity says
Something iffy going on, Inspector…this man died in 2014.
Junior Wells says
Hmmm, that’s odd. Not him having died 6 years ago but that this article has popped up now in various places I frequent.
Sniffity says
Same here – let that not diminish his achievements, though (apart from being responsible for me signing on for this site).
Colin H says
I’m familiar with the Vollmeister – from CD notes, Daddy Cool DVD doc, etc.. I communicated with him in 2013/14 to try and confirm if he did a John McL interview during Mahavishnu’s 1974 tour of Australia. He thought he had… but the emails petered out.
Bargepole says
Legendary golf commentator Peter Alliss, aged 89.
fentonsteve says
Just hearing his voice on the lunchtime news made me miss my stepdad (who was always watching golf).
dai says
Still commentating last month on the Masters. Was the epitome of the right wing, “no women allowed, wear a tie” golf club mentality, but I admit he could be a brilliant commentator at times. Will never forget his commentary as Jean Van de Velde blew a 3 shot lead at the 72nd hole at Carnoustie in 99.
pencilsqueezer says
R. I. P. Harold Budd.
Kaisfatdad says
That is sad.A very talented guy.
This Guardian obituary filled in the many gaps in my knowledge about him.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/08/harold-budd-death-age-84-brian-eno-cocteau-twins
Mrbellows says
I think he started out as a be-bop drummer but switched to trumpet. His playing on the song I’m about to link to is just sublime. Sylvian has to be given credit for even knowing who he was and employing him. See also Danny Thompson. (Not Dead I hope.)
Lando Cakes says
Sad to hear of the death of LD Beghtol, musician and writer. He contributed vocals to the Magnetic Fields’ classic 69 Love Songs album (and designed the cover). He continued to collaborate with Stephin Merritt over the years and wrote an excellent book on 69 Love Songs, as part of the 33 1/3 series. Here’s an example of his 69 Love Songs contributions, All My Little Words – one of the highlights of the album:
Kaisfatdad says
All these interesting people that I only hear about too late.
https://pitchfork.com/news/ld-beghtol-singer-songwriter-and-magnetic-fields-collaborator-dead-at-55/
Rigid Digit says
Paolo Rossi
World Cup Winner and top scorer at 82 world cup
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-55255240
Mrbellows says
Hello quartermasters of this site. This thread is so long with the number of people dying that it takes so long to load. Can you split it up somehow?
mikethep says
There’ll be another year along in a minute.
mikethep says
Barbara Windsor…alzheimer’s. 🙁
Can’t not.
mikethep says
Sigh…
Sniffity says
Written by Stephen “Blakey from On The Buses” Lewis.
mikethep says
So it was! I had no idea. I would have said Wolf Mankowitz, but that was A Kid for Two Farthings.
dai says
Carry on Camping had a big effect on me when I was 12 or 13, I didn’t quite understand what was happening to me. RIP Barbara
Black Celebration says
Worth seeking out Cor Blimey – the film made about 10ish years ago about her Carry On films and particularly her affair with Sid James.
This short clip is wonderful.
Mrbellows says
❤️
mikethep says
And now John le Carre FFS. This is turning into a wholesale clearout.
Mrbellows says
Is there a ‘Toke’ emoji? ‘cause I’m spliffing up now.
Gatz says
Get away
Kjwilly says
Isn’t that assumed with all your entries?
dai says
Gerard Houllier – former Liverpool manager at 73
https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/55302366
Sniffity says
Jeremy Bulloch – UK actor whose career went from being one of Cliff’s gang in Summer Holiday to Boba Fett in the Star Wars farrago, via a few roles in Lindsay Anderson’s films…
Sniffity says
Also Rich Corben, idiosyncratic comics artist who shunned the mainstream (ie Marvel and DC) and forged his own path via not-quite-so-mainstream (ie Warren and Heavy Metal) and the underground press.
Sniffity says
Chad Stuart, half of UK duo Chad and Jeremy, has shuffled off at the age of 79. They’re probably best remembered for appearing as themselves in the 1966 “Batman” TV show, despite hits like “Yesterday’s Gone’ and “A Summer Song”. Have a listen to their “psychedelic” 1967 LP “Of Cabbages And Kings”…it’s pretty groovy!
Vince Black says
I woke this morning to the Twitter news that bluegrass guitar maestro Tony Rice left us on Christmas Day, aged 69. I saw him a few times over the years at Merlefest. He had by then lost the ability to sing but I can see from YouTube that he was a fine bluegrass lead and harmony singer in his younger days. He was an absolute monster bluegrass picker in his heyday and could hold his own in any company. Later on he became more jazz influenced and as Chris Thile put in his twitter tribute his skills “will eternally attest to the fact that music can take you anywhere, from anywhere”. His fretwork was incredibly clean; just check out this clip from his tutorial video, particularly when he moved into the jazzy Shenandoah melody
yorkio says
And farewell too to virtuoso violinist Ivry Gitlis, best known to most of us here, I suspect, for his appearance in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, performing Whole Lotta Yoko with Yoko Ono and The Dirty Mac.
count jim moriarty says
2 old S****y cricketers shuffled off – John Edrich, Geoffrey Boycott’s favourite opening partner, and apartheid apologist Robin Jackman.
dai says
1.7 million from Covid-19 in 2020. Let’s hope for a shorter thread in 2021.
Rigid Digit says
Tommy Docherty
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12017/12176453/tommy-docherty-former-manchester-united-and-scotland-manager-dies-aged-92