This just in from Red Grape. I know the “Wonderful Life” Hit Maker and his manager Kerry (she married a MacColl) through Boo Hewerdine and he’s a lovely chap. I once drove Colin and Boo back from a London gig to Cambridge at 3am and they kept me awake by singing folk songs and cracking terrible jokes.
My thoughts are with him and his. There appears to be something in my eye. Here’s hoping for a swift and thorough recovery.
“Red Grape Records Press Release
BLACK (Aka Colin Vearncombe).
We’re very sorry to have to tell you that Colin Vearncombe been involved in a serious car accident and is currently in a stable but critical condition in Cork University hospital. We will keep you updated as soon as we have any significant news but in the meantime would ask you to respect his and his family’s privacy. We know they will appreciate any messages of support you’d like to post on https://www.facebook.com/blackakacolinvearncombe/ and we will of course pass them on.”
Wonderful Life is one of my favourite songs of all time – sadly the rest of the album it was from didn’t match it’s brilliance. However just to have made something as good as that earns him a place in the annals of fame. Hope he makes a full recovery.
First album issued under his real name after a few years off, The Accused, is a cracker.
Ian McNabb on his Facebook page has said Colin is in a coma. Very sad.
Sad news in a week of sad news. I loved the Black album – Wonderful Life, Everything’s Coming Up Roses and The Sweetest Smile are brilliant pop songs that remind me of my youth.
I hope he recovers fully and my thoughts and best wishes go out to him and his family.
Don`t know what to say that hasn`t been said, I just hope Colin pulls through, love and peace.
Aah crap. He’s a lovely guy. I had a few great nights out with him in a pub in either Ballydehob or Schull IIRC. He did indeed have a tremendous fund of terrible jokes. He seemed to love living out there.
I hope he gets through it. Awful news.
UPDATE as of 14/1/16:
Colin remains in a critical condition in hospital in Ireland. He has suffered a serious head injury and has been placed in an induced coma to allow him the best possible chance of recovery. He is likely to remain like this for several days but we will post an update as soon as there is any significant change in his condition. He is receiving the best possible care from the Intensive care unit team.
Thank you to everyone who has posted, messaged, emailed and texted. Please keep doing it as his family are deeply moved and helped by your support and love. Please feel free to share this message and pass on to anyone not on social media.
Gulp…
UPDATE as of 20/1/16
We promised to keep you updated with news about Colin. Until yesterday we had very little firm information other than that he was in a coma following a road traffic accident on the morning of 10th, not far from Cork airport, and that he was in a critical condition.
However scans have revealed that the injuries to his brain are worse than we feared and that he has only a slim chance of pulling through. He is in a stable condition, which is being managed by the amazing staff of the Intensive Treatment Unit, with his family by his side. More scans are scheduled for Friday morning, however it is clear that if we are going to see an improvement, we will need a miracle.
Colin’s wife Camilla has asked that anyone who wants to, to send collective healing and positive energy to Colin particularly 12:00 and 14:00 GMT today, Wednesday 20th in the hope of the miracle we need. If you miss this time, no matter – your thoughts are still very welcome.
We understand that you may wish to send some token of your love, however, the hospital is unable to accept flowers or gifts. Please leave any messages here or send more private thoughts via email to blacklist@colinvearncombe.com
We will pass them on to Colin and the family as soon as it’s appropriate.
We would ask that the family are given space to deal with these difficult times in private.
Ah Jesus. That’s horrible news.
That’s grim. Thanks for keeping us posted; I’m hoping for the best but it sounds realistically as if there’s not going to be good news. How horrendous for his family.
Terribly sad.
….
Following Colin’s scan on Friday, the news is not encouraging. His condition has seriously deteriorated.
We acknowledge the grief among all those who love him and are deeply grateful for the thousands of messages of love and support however there will be no more news updates while his family remain at his bedside.
As before, we request that they are given space to deal with this most difficult of situations.
I’ve just read the awful news that Colin sadly passed away today, just confirmed on his Facebook account…
Dear God, that’s very sad.
Sincere condolences to all family and friends.
Sending Love and Light
_/\_ X
I know it’s an obvious clip but it’s a great song and video. Why not.
http://youtu.be/7kE3my5h74I
I’ve always loved his version of this Michael McDonald song.
There will be a private funeral, as well as a memorial service for him in Liverpool “as we know there are many, many people who will want to celebrate Colin’s life and work”.
If I’m honest, this has hit me harder than DB. Was is it they say about not meeting your heroes?
One of my favourites, tucked away on a B-side, Black’s take on Wreckless Eric.
Very sorry to hear that. He was a lovely, friendly, funny guy.
My condolences to his family.