John Challis gone too. A lovely, lovely man who I had the good fortune to meet a few years ago. RIP Boycie
RIP Paddy Moloney, leader and founder of the Chieftains. I've seen them at Dartford, he was a fantastic musician and a wonderful character. A huge loss to anyone who, like me, loves Irish music.
I used to have a workmate whose nickname was Pengy because when he came in from the rain he flapped his arms like a penguin. Always stuck in my mind for some reason.
RIP Lionel Blair A good, old fashioned entertainer who had the talent not to have to stoop to vulgarity and a loud voice.
RIP Barry Coope, of the a capello trio Coope Boyes and Simpson. They did many songs from and about WW1, and Hill of Little Shoes, lyrics by Clive James about the holocaust, would bring a tear to the most cynical eye.
RIP Dave Roberts, who wrote my favourite football book The Bromley Boys. It was made into a film, but the book is better.
RIP Desmond Tutu. A brave man, and a man of Peace How many lives he saved while standing up for justice and freedom, will never be known.
Fantastic voice and a unique personality in the world of rock. I saw him at Hammersmith Odeon in 1984 and his onstage performance with a very scantily clad young lady during Paradise by the Dashboard Light still lingers in my memory. His partnership with Jim Steinman will ensure that their music lives on long after they have left us.