Johnnie Walker dies aged 79

photo © https://peel.fandom.com/wiki/Johnnie_Walker

more informationhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce9051nljd3o

Colin Bell… He was an inspiration to so many of us DJ’s, he’ll be very much missed. RIP Johnnie.

Steve Cooke… So saddened to read this, and so soon after his retirement. He was a great supporter of new bands a la Mr Peel and will be greatly missed.

Mace Sinden… Great radio host, one of the best

Jacquie Hinves… There are no words that can express my sadness with the loss of a gentleman and brilliant DJ.

Peter Fairless… Proper hero – for all the right reasons

John Wilde… Johnny was a class act and the voice of an era.

Pete Prescott… So sad. He was my favourite D.J

Alan Esdaile… We all knew it was coming but very sad news. One of the best.

Mike Haddock… RIP Johnnie – met him at Chiselhurst Caves back in the 60’s. He loved his music.

Lyn Humphrey… The true end of an era. Although we knew it was likely, it doesn’t lessen the sadness or the significance.

Malcolm McDonald… Brave chap, he knew he didn’t have long. Did you listen to him and his wife’s thoughts on him passing away, very interesting their beliefs…couple of months ago it was on radio 2, so touching…he said, he didn’t think he’d make Christmas but he just made it. I’m sure he’s gone on to his place and the wife said she knows she’ll join him one day. Both are total inspirations. bless him…

Kevin White… Very sad, he was a great DJ.

Janet Rennie… Very sad news that we were all expecting but very sad. . He was the sound of my teenage introduction to music . RIP. Will miss his voice his sense of humour. His knowledge. His banter with Sally Traffic.

Neil Partrick… Highly professional and likeable dj whom i first remember doing the Radio 1 chart show in the actual 1970s. Also, going out with Judy Collins’ version of Amazing Grace is pretty impressive

Mick O’Dowd… A perfect voice for radio and a very knowledgeable DJ A fave of mine since Caroline days. Sad loss and another from the “old school” of DJ’s that knew what they are talking about of the music they were playing. RIP Johnnie!

Fred Marsh… Were was it while he was broadcasting he would ask cars parked facing the sea ( shenanigans taking place) to flash their headlights? Wouldn’t it be great if it could be recreated in his memory.

Alan Esdaile… Fed, I think it was Frinton On Sea?

Carol Acott… He played a request for me on Radio Caroline…..lovely voice

Chris Howard… Johnny had been my favourite DJ from Caroline days. His dulcet tones will be missed by all R.I.P Johnny.

Clive Garrard… he was also my favourite DJ and a lovely person as well

Joan Ann Cooper-fenner… So very sad ,miss him so much on radio , great loss to a generation who have grown up with him, R I P

Ian Quinnell… Such sad news. A real professional. Listened to him since 1960’s on Pirate radio stations until this year. RIP

Joanna Marie Mod…

 

 

Phil Gill has sadly passed away 1956 – 2024

Ann Gill… After 68 years filled with music, laughter, love and family, it is our sad duty to let you know that Phil passed away early this morning at St Michael’s hospice with us all alongside him. As some of you may already know, Phil had been on a journey with pancreatic cancer this year which he has now sadly reached the end of. One of his last wishes which he expressed to us over the past few weeks was that no one post or comment ‘RIP’ or ‘Rest in Peace’ in relation to his passing. In his words, “I will not be resting in peace – I will be stomping around, trying to find the entity that thought it would be a good idea to take me away from my children, my wife, my dog and my guitars.” Forever in our hearts ❤️  Ann, Elliot & Miles x

Allyson Breeds…I have always loved this quote from Phil, that was in the pier memories room when it reopened. I hope he has now joined the music wherever it went.  “We stood on the promenade and watched the starlings flying through the twisted shell of what was left of the ballroom… and it just looked to me like all the music that was contained in the ballroom, all the musical notes were flying out of the ballroom trying to find somewhere to go.”  Phil Gill

John Wilde… Allyson, thank you for sharing, it’s a good example of that sharp and gifted mind.

Alan Esdaile… So very sad.

Allyson Breed…I have always loved this quote from Phil, that was in the pier memories room when it reopened. I hope he has now joined the music wherever it went.

“We stood on the promenade and watched the starlings flying through the twisted shell of what was left of the ballroom… and it just looked to me like all the music that was contained in the ballroom, all the musical notes were flying out of the ballroom trying to find somewhere to go.”
Phil Gill

Steve Vollrath… Rock on Phil

Linda Day… Such sad news he was such a lovely man I told him he reminded us of Gary Moore he’s was the mod of the band bless him

Peter Fairless… As instructed, then, let’s remember Phil as the gifted and talented, true gentleman we were fortunate to have known.

Pete Prescott… When I put Highway together there was only one guitarist for it. Phil was the only player that could play the songs the way they should be played. No one else. I’m playing in Stealer at the moment with Neil Roberts on guitar (I didn’t know him then). He’s from the same stable as Phil. Same style. We have talked about Phil sometimes as Neil liked and admired his playing. I remember Phil’s solo on Stormy Monday. Wonderful. If there a heaven he’s flying through his favourite songs and giving the singer hell about using a music stand.

Ricky Adelaide…Pete, so sad he was a great guitarist, but he was spot on about the music stands and these awful ipads learn the words or make them up x

Pete Fisher… Good old Phil! I’ve wanted to comment on the music stand plague so often Pete  but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m afraid as soon as I see someone using one it says “amateur”..

Dave Weeks… That’s sad news . RIP Phil and love and condolences to all your family x

Jacquie Hinves… I am so very saddened Ann to hear of Phil’s death. He was without a doubt a brilliant musician and friend of many years. So many happy and memorable days and gigs together with Pete Prescott, Peter Millington, Wesley Magoogan, Andy and Tony Qunta, the late Kevin Hoad and Ray Fenwick, Phil Cordell the list is endless , but never , ever forgotten. The world is now a sadder place without Phil. May he rest in eternal peace. Xx

Earl Grey… One Hell of a Musician. Very generous with his knowledge to me when I started out. The Hastings music scene wouldn’t be what it’s become without Phil. Thoughts for his family and friends tonight x

Jan Warren… R. I. M (rest in music) Phil xx

Ricky Adelaide… So sad such a well respected local guitarist RIP

Bernard Goffredo… Very sad news, condolences to his family. we had known each other from our teenage years

Pete Fisher… I was lucky to know Phil from school and then from the Fiesta/Anchor/Pier scene when we were both teenagers in the early 70s and remember thinking I’d better watch out because this guy is seriously good – he was a whole year younger than me!! We actually did two gigs together in the latter stage of Pueblo, the band I had with Bern and Rog 73-74. Paul Waite came in as second drummer, then he did one gig on his own.

Sandra Francis… You will be missed Phil. Make as much noise as you can!

Iain Cobby… Oh Phil , you were such a snappy dresser, I remember your winklepicker boots back in the 70’s and wished I had a pair! A true muso from Hastings, rock on you crazy diamond!

Wesley Magoogan… That is very sad news

Brendan Bourne… Shocked and saddened to see this. Phil leaves a huge legacy to the Hastings music scene forged over the past five decades. His memory will not fade away. Condolences to his family and friends

Deb Hoad… I am so sorry Ann to hear about Phils passing.. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care , Debs xx

Steve Holland… Very Sad. Phil was an inspiration

Andy Bannister… Very saddened by the death of Phil Gill. For a long time spent warbling away at the front of the Jukes I relied on the rhythm section- Andy Knight and Phil – not really knowing that Phil was an absolute lead guitar wizard as well! ( I was often away playing in other towns at weekends and not hearing local bands). He once played me some home recordings- composing and playing everything- a very modest star.
He was also a friend, kind, thoughtful and very funny. His music goes on.

Peter Houghton… So very Sad to hear this

Wendy Weaver… Such sad news. Phil’s talent and presence will be greatly missed by so many. Condolences to Ann and family. Make some noise Phil.

Barry French… Such sad news. Phil was a brilliant guitarist. who could play anything from hard rock to soul ballads. His passing will leave a massive hole in the Hastings music family.

Michael Park… oh Phil , you were a shining star in our little class of 72, showed us all we did not have to be the numbskulls we were made out to be, a genuine inspiration and truly wonderful guy, thank you for being you

Pauline Richards… So sorry he had to suffer so long Ann

Ann, Elliot & Miles… We would just like to let you all know of Phil’s funeral arrangements.

Phil’s funeral will be 11:15am on Thursday the 3rd of October at Hastings Crematorium. Followed immediately afterwards with a celebration of his contribution to the world (venue details to follow) everyone welcome. Family flowers only, if you would like to, donations to St Michael’s hospice (link to follow). As a family we would like to thank each and every one of you for all of the kind words and tributes you have taken the time to make. Ann, Elliot & Miles x

Cliff Wootton… So sorry to hear this sad news.

Ann Gill… Hi all, just to let you all know. Link to tribute page with funeral details etc… below.

https://philipjamespaulgill.muchloved.com

Ann, Elliot & Miles x

Digger… Phil, one of the good guys. Remembered in the music and our memories.

 

Dame Maggie Smith has died

More information... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk7375ngkxo

Karen Sweatman… They don’t make many like her now. So talented and such a loss to her field. RIP Maggie. Will miss you

Peter Houghton… Sorry to hear this RIP Maggie you will be very missed You was a great Actress

Leigh Mitchell… Such sad news, loved her style of acting, she will be greatly missed

Pete Prescott… Sad news. But what a life !

Carole Prescott… So sad. One of my most favourite actresses.

Andy Qunta… What a wonderful character & brilliant actress!

Alan Esdaile… Amazing talented performer. Very sad.

Julie Findlay-Jones… Heartbreaking we’ve lost one of our greatest actors and a wonderful women.

Marilyn Spence… So sad to hear. I went to the back stage entrance of a show she was performing in in the West End back in 1979 while I was visiting from Australia, having moved there from Hastings in 1963 and had a lovely chat to her. Will never forget she was delightful

Carol Anne… True legend, so sad RIP

 

 

 

Zoot Money 17th July 1942 – 8th September 2024

Stephen Moran… Very sad, we saw him playing at the Bull Head in Barnes, London in January this year supporting Alan Price. He seemed very frail but played magnificently.

Colin Norton… RIP Zoot.

Gerry Fortsch… I hope he is still spitting out his chewing gum and singing bare footing up there with his mates. Peace & Love Zoot.

Mick O’Dowd… He was one of my heroes from the 60’s on. Saw him at the Witchdoctor and Pier. The Big Roll Band at the time contained Andy Summers of The Police. Always good live performances filled with humour. Who could forget his rendition of Robert Parker’s Barefootin’? His best album was Live At Klooks Kleek. Unfortunately he couldn’t transfer the excitement of his shows to studio recorded vinyl much the same way as Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band. Last saw him at The De La Warr Bexhill it must have been in the 90’s! Time to take of your shoes and give them some Barefootin’ up there! Thanks for the music and the memories Zoot !

Richard Burks… RIP zoot

Jacqueline Marsh… I’m going to miss his quirky ways and humour

Jacquie Hinves… A sad loss. May he rest in eternal peace.

 

Herbie Flowers 19th May 1938 – 5th September 2024

photo Lorraine Bowen

Pete Prescott… I loved watching him at St Mary in the Castle when he did the Jazz Breakfast’s with Mike Hatchard. A wonderful player and funny guy.

Jacquie Hinves… Such a sad week for music.  Herbie may you rest in eternal peace.

Colin Norton… RIP Herbie Flowers.

Jeremy Peter Harrison… He played the bass on ‘walk on the wild side’ epic!

Claire Melhuish-Durkin… RIP Herbie. I remember take a walk on the wild side.

Sharon Sellens… Oh dear, Herbie was such a talented musician, great performer, funny man and all round lovely bloke. His musical legacy will last forever

Susie Prescott… Sorry to hear this.

Ralph Town… I’ve shared a few videos of Herbie’s playing. The bass players Bassist.  Genius. Did you know he only ever owned one electric bass guitar? The blue Fender P bass.

Iain Cobby… What a sad week for musicians, Mr Bass will be sadly missed. The bassists bassist, gone but what a legacy.

Martin Stringer passed away (May 2022)

Martins son has just posted this on Martins facebook page … Dear Friends and Family, As you may know Martin was recently diagnosed with cancer. It is with huge sadness that Vicki and Jonathan are sharing with you that Martin passed away peacefully this morning after a short but brave fight. So proud of him and all the fun he created! Martin will be hugely missed by us all and we will keep you posted on how we will celebrate his life of music, magic and laughter. Sleep tight. x

Huggy Leaver… So sad one of the good guys, RIP x

Alan Esdaile… Very sad news. I probably knew Martin from when I was 16 and our paths would cross over the years. I would bump into him at the NEC in Birmingham, Earls Court, Business Design Centre and all sorts of places. He did come to the SMART meeting awhile ago and did some amazing tricks from his magic show. He always seemed to have a happy smile on his face.  One of the good guys. R.I.P. Martin x

Dave Nattress… Oh my God.  What shocking news! RIP Martin.

Reg Wood… What a shock. So sorry to hear this.

Colin Bell… RIP Martin, God bless

Andy Qunta… Very sad! Lovely guy!

Bernard Goffredo… Sad news! a lovely man

Andrew Clifton… Very sad news. RIP Martin.

John Wilde… Extremely sad news, soar high good Soul.

Margaret Trowell… RIP

Yvonne Cleland… Oh Martin. A sad goodbye my dear xxx

Marilyn Spence… RIP Martin

Alan Matthewsk… Just read this and it has made me so sad. Martin and I were each other’s “best man” when we both got married but we lost touch and I hadn’t seen him for more than 40 years.

John Mayall R.I.P.

more informationhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c80ej3j9j72o

Chris Meachen… That’s a damned shame, went to see him in London a few years ago and he was still in great form & was very pleasant to chat with.

Patrick Lewis… Saw him a couple of times 20 or so years ago with his then Bluesbreakers. A very talented and pioneering blues man. A genuine great of the UK blues/rock scene.

Jan Warren… Aaahhhhh nooooo xx

Colin Norton… RIP John.

John Wilde… Thank you John for your great Spirit. Rest in Peace

Alan Esdaile… sad news

Gerry Fortsch… Another pioneer of British blues has left the building and will be sadly missed but he certainly left his mark.

Joan Ann Cooper-fenner… Legend

David Jenkins… So sad to hear.

Ricky Adelaide… He had a great life, sad

Rick Baldwin… Very sad. Such an important and influential figure

Steve Glover… Yes very sad, saw John at the Brighton Dome several times in the sixties when the likes of Eric Clapton and John McVie were with him, the Stones and Fleetwood Mac owe him so much, will have to get all my vinyl out and reminisce.

Tony Davis… That’s sad

 

 

Abdul “Duke” Fakir R.I.P.

photo © Jay Godwin

more information... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4ng8015n2wo

John Gale… Sad news. The Four Tops…you can’t get more Motown than them,,,, RiP Duke

Jacquie Hinves… A wonderful group and my goodness we loved them. Together at last.

Bob Searle… RIP Duke

Graham Sherrington… Saw then in Cardiff in the 1970’s great band so sad

Colin Norton… I worked on a couple of concerts with the Four Tops back in 1971/2. They were really nice guys and absolutely polished and professional. RIP Duke.

Jan Warren… Love the Four Tops, sad they’ve all gone now R. I. P

Peter Houghton… Just loved the Four Tops remember seeing them in the 80s

Nicholas Ball R.I.P.

Malcolm McDonald… His drama teacher was the same as mine, she really tried to get me into acting but mum couldn’t afford it. She was really proud of Nicholas Ball. Mrs Curtis was her name. Lovely teacher and lady.

Matt Thomas… Malcolm, Mrs Curtis was my neighbour in Hughenden Rd for my first 6 years in life. She really was a lovely lady

Chris Fitzgerald… Malcolm, I remember Mrs Curtis. Lived in Hughenden Rd. She was lovely.

Alan Esdaile… Will always remember him from Hazell.

Peter Brazier… wasn’t he a Grove School pupil like me?

Rosana Maria… Was he a local lad ? Seem to remember his mum living near me somewhere??

Angie Pilbeam… Rosana, I’m sure he lived near me & family on Hollington estate.

Peter Fairless.. Local, too, if I remember correctly?

Diane Leigh… Peter, sat in my mum’s sitting room way back ,say 60s

Lloyd Johnson… He was from Hastings wasn’t he?

Jacqui Gibson… Yes local…..he used to frequent the Pamdor

Stuart Moir… Far too young

Linda Boiling… I have a photo of a panto he was in. It was Dick Whittington taken around 1963. The St Johns Players put on the production in the small church hall at St John the Evangelist Upper Church Road, St Leonards. My sister Carol and I were Fairies in it. A lot of the cast signed the back of the photo and he wrote Best Wishes Nick. His mum was my first ever teacher at Dudley Infants School in 1961. I hope to be at the next Smart meet so will bring it along.

 

 

Terry James R.I.P. (Feb 2022)

Alan Esdaile… Very sad news, our thoughts go out to Mo and her family x

Malcolm Sharp… Lovely guy, remember terry in the havelock in the 80s, and doing town crier judge, rip my friend, condolences to all

Tim Moose Bruce… I remember Terry and Mo at the social club events.

Linda O’leary… Terry. Used to work in a petrol station near me years ago lovely chats we use to have sorry to hear this sad news

Merv Kennard… First met terry when he first started at c&h early 1970s. Ended up djing with him early 1980s.

Alan Pepper… So sorry to hear this sad news. Our hearts go out to Mo and all the family. Terry was such a great man and a good friend. Will be sadly missed.

Kevin Linstead… I knew Terry when he used to DJ for the kids at the community centre up Harrow Lane. Best Friday nights ever, used to give away records if you answered a pop question or you were the best dancer, what a DJ!

Pete Prescott… A Lovely guy !