This post is to say a sad goodbye to my talented bass-playing friend Ian, who passed away unexpectedly. He was one of the finest bass players I ever worked with.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, we were in a kick-ass, 5-piece band together, called Some Like It Hot. No gig was too big or small: from humble pubs to universities and massive sci-fi conventions – weirder venues included a prison, a masonic lodge (boy, did we play the huge security guard up there!) and a millionaire's back garden – you never knew what type of gig would crop up next!
And through it all, as I'm sure all the other ex-members (singer Gary, guitarist Tony and drummer Graham) would agree, Ian was the backbone of the band. His pounding finger-style bass rhythms cemented everything together, helping to create the rock-solid musical platform that drove the songs along, and from which I could unleash the wild guitar solos that became the hallmark of the band's live shows.
Ian was never one to seek the front of the stage and the limelight. He put all his energies into his playing. Also, no matter how complex the musical arrangements I'd dream up for the band – arrangements that sometimes raised beads of terror-sweat upon on the foreheads of the fine but (until I'd corrupted them ;) more conservative band members – Ian would dive right in with genuine enthusiasm where lesser mortals might fear to tread! Truly a musician's musician.
Here's a couple of photos of Ian, playing with the band (including me on lead guitar). I think this particular gig was at Birmingham University circa 1993 – though I'm not 100% certain that I have the correct year or venue. We played so many gigs together in Some Like It Hot that it's hard to remember all the exact details -lol!
My condolences to Ian's family. Unfortunately, I hadn't seen much of Ian (or the rest of the band, with the exception of Graham, the drummer) in recent times. But from our time together in some Like It Hot, I'd just like to say that Ian was great company, possessed a fine musical talent and had a wonderfully dry sense of humour – all of which I shall fondly remember him for!
Anyway here's a close-up of the great man in action, followed by a full band shot with Ian at the back-left of the shot and a very young me, on the right!
+Brett+right.jpg)
PS As a possible future project: if I happen upon any of the excellent old live or studio recordings of the band (some of which might possibly be in my archive), then, time allowing, I'll see about re-mastering them digitally to release as a tribute to Ian.
Rock in peace, old friend!
Posts
