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| Name: | Allan Norton |
| E-mail address: | allanshirt@aol.com |
| Comments: | I used to work on Hampstead Heath on the tennis courts where Tony used to play Tennis with Mel Galley who passed away this week .
These guys were just great as i was too young to remember Tony in his time , i had told my mother about him so next time i saw him i would say my mum remembers you and everytime i would see him he would say give mum my love it was a real pleasure to meet him and i hope he and Mel are playing Tennis upstairs together. |
| Name: | druki biurowe |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.net-biuro.pl |
| Comments: | This site is interesting and professional. Keep up the good work. Greetings. Zobacz artyku³y biurowe, druki akcydensowe i materialy biurowe dla twojego biura. |
| Name: | Dave Mortimer |
| E-mail address: | mortimerbthm@aol.com |
| Comments: | Never had the pleasure of meeting Tony but did see him live with PAL at the Liverpool Empire in (I think)March 1977.
I was around 16 at the time and probably expecting a Deep Purple type gig - it wasn't! But it has stayed with me all these years primarily because of Tony's on stage persona. A wonderful performer.. |
| Name: | sa |
| E-mail address: | as@sa.sa |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.erex.pl/ |
| Comments: | http://www.erex.pl/ |
| Name: | grin & berrit |
| E-mail address: | david.evans83@virgin.net |
| Comments: | we will see you one day, we miss you. love gwyn & liz |
| Name: | Howard Patrick |
| E-mail address: | patrickhoward42@yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | In 1962 Tony was working for Leonard Dews jewellers on Bank Hey Street in Blackpool. He was studying Gemology, he told me. We were the 'Beat Generation', Blackpool 1962 style. A bunch of us went to hear The MJQ at The Philarmonic in Liverpool. It was terrific jazz but Tony said or did something, which I can't remember and we were all falling about, spluttering, trying to contain the laughter; admist the reverational atmosphere of an MJQ Concert!
My favourite memory of Tony's magic was one out of season day in Blackpool. We met up at Leslie's Bar, a thirties style bar in The Metropole Hotel, at lunch time for some pints. I was working at a photographer's, him at a jeweller's, he was sixteen I guess. There were three waiters in short white jackets and a solitary old whore on a barstool. Behind us was a piano, a grand piano. Tony said, "I'd love to play that", looking sidelong at it. I said "Go and ask 'em man", (yes, we did call each other 'Man' in those days). I was twenty and a bit more confident. i went up to the bar and asked if my mate could play the piano? "Yeah Man", the barman said. No, it was 1962 and he probably said, "Go ahead". Gave Tony the nod and he moved over to the the piano, sat down and went to that 'other place'. He played 'Autumn Leaves'; better than Erroll Garner. As the last note died, the whore began clapping and then the barstaff. It was free pints for a coupla weeks and then he began gigging at The Picador. Blackpool's first strip/blues/roadhouse/after hours/teenage/druggie/rock/blues club. He said after the first gig, "Eh! Howard, for the first time I'm knocking back the birds instead of the other way round". Tony was a good lad, in every sense of that phrase. Warm hearted, without malice, a solid friend and since I never saw him again after 1968 when he hailed me across Shaftesbury Avenue with an unmistakeable northen gusto, I can only imagine him to be a good husband and father as well. |
| Name: | Anette Viagra |
| E-mail address: | didagdynia@o2.pl |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.erect.pl |
| Comments: | My friend told me to visit your site because she said its beautiful. She really was telling that truth. Indeed, your site is amazing. Ill surely go visit here again. Keep up the good work! :D |
| Name: | Mike Koessler |
| E-mail address: | mike@koesslers.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.koesslers.net |
| Comments: | I bought Tony's "Live in the Studio" album back in the mid-eighties or so and i had lots of great times with it. About 2 years later he gave a concert in neighbouring Lichtenstein and my best friend and i drove hours just to go and see him performing on the piano and stemming down one beer after the other. It was a great concert and his music engraved into my memory. I especially loved the song "match in a gastank".
Unfortunately i lent the LP to a private DJ and he never gave it back to me. I am still searching for that album! Maybe one day i will find another copy so it won't only play in my memory. Cheers Tony, may there be amplifiers and barrels of beers stashed with you forever! |
| Name: | Marty Horn |
| E-mail address: | hornmj@insightbb.com |
| Comments: | An old friend and I were talking the other day about the sad state of music these days and about some of music we used to listen to. The album "Malice in Wonderland" came up. Man, I wore that album out! |
| Name: | Chris Poustie |
| E-mail address: | chris@fawcettpoustie.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.fawcettpoustie.com |
| Comments: | A couple of great Ashton related videos from youtube.com
Blackpool's First Twist Victim (several more clips from gastank there too); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McMTTngpiJY Tom Jones performing the Shuffle in front of an enormous crowd in Chile, March 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ82-OnHxA0 |
| Name: | Fabian Gastellier |
| E-mail address: | fabianhathorn@compuserve.com |
| Comments: | I've met Tony in the 70's in Zermatt, Switzerland. During almost one decade, he was always there with Jon Lord and Ian Paice, from the Deep Purple. He even tried to ski! In 1990, they all came back for a six-days jam. I've loved Tony since the very first minute I saw him. Too many drinks, but so generous and talented. I was not reachable when he passed away, so I just learned about it some weeks ago. I feel like someone who has lost her uncle. The true music world will miss him. Miss his voice. Miss his sense of humor.
In loving memory, Fabian --the French little girl from Zermatt |
| Name: | David Walker |
| E-mail address: | dbjwalk@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I met Tony about 25 years ago in the Washington Pub in Belsize Park, London NW3. He played a few games of cricket for the pub side but his heart was in his music and what a musician he was !! He was a dear friend of mine until he passed away and he is sorely missed.
Love you Tony and of course bollocks. |
| Name: | Tony Broomfield |
| E-mail address: | broomfield2@hotmail.com |
| Comments: |
Sad Strange Coincidences I am working in the Sahara desert, all very straight, and a 1st time colleague here is Phil Smart. He wrote a book about Van der Graaf Generator. Its called THE BOOK, and in it Tony Ashtons name appears frequently. It took me back to when I have lived in Dartmouth Park. The Steeles and the Washington were my haunts and I met Tony through John Gunsell, a friend of my then girlfriend Jenny "The Hat" Connell. Many many laughs and an odd sherbert or 3 passed our lips and many happy hours sitting in a variety of Bars around the neighbourhood listening to the REAL thing. There is nothing like a good live band to brighten the soul, and these guys lit me up regularly. In fact they lit me up so much I often felt the need to get up and howl into a mike or shake a tambourine or just DO something.Being pretty smashed has a strange effect on Inhibitions, but my poor timing and shit voice just made them smile. They never once told me to bugger off, and they would have been well within their rights. Last night Phil Smart told me he was sure Tony was no more, so of course I checked on this site, and then with a very heavy heart I looked through the guestbook and see John has left us too. Thanks Phil for putting me straight, but bollox too for telling me! I have lived in Holland since 96, and now have a young family. My kids are going to hear some good music as they grow up, I shall make a point of it. They will hear some good stories too, Including the one about the day their Father had to be poured into a cab by John and Tony after many Hours in the Steeles one sunny afternoon in 94 on the eve of my permanent departure to the Flatlands. Shall be passing through London around 24/25 October06 Shall be climbing Haverstock Hill when I get off the plane And I may well need assistance at some point I will be the guy talking bollox at the bar. Situation normal Tony Broomfield |
| Name: | Graham Sclater |
| E-mail address: | graham@tabithamusic.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.flamebooks.com |
| Comments: | I played at the Star Club in Hamburg many times back in the 60's and more often than not The Remo Four were also playing there.
Tony often played my Hammond organ at the last session on a Saturday night/Sunday morning before we all left for the fischmarkt. I will never forget his soulful version of Georgia and he is certainly a fellow keyboard player that I very much admired and if I close my eyes I can still see him on stage at the Star Club with the rest of the band. I had renal cancer two years ago but after an operation to remove one of my kidneys I am almost back to normal - one of the lucky ones. If you are still interested in the 60's check out my latest novel Ticket to Ride - www.flamebooks.com |
| Name: | David Powers |
| E-mail address: | dpowers@inbox.com |
| Comments: | INtersting site! |
| Name: | Gus Cristicini |
| E-mail address: | sap_basis@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://home.bak.rr.com/cristicini/ |
| Comments: | I am a big fan of his vocals, especially on PAL, Malice in Wonderland, and the work on Butterfly Ball, two of my treasured pieces of vinyl that I just found on MP3 and am now reminded of his amazing tone.
I did not know he died, so I am sort of reacquainting myself with his biography. About me: I grew up in Canada, in a medium sized town of Hamilton, Ontario, and virtually no one new of this music I was listening to, unless of course I tried to turn them on. Now I live in Bakersfield California and still no one knows of this great music. Someday I will move to Europe and meet others that are still into this great music. I mainly listen to Progressive Rock and you may know of the Internet station, Aural Moon. Cheers and thanks for this opportunity |
| Name: | Gus Cristicini |
| E-mail address: | sap_basis@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://home.bak.rr.com/cristicini/ |
| Comments: | I am a big fan of his vocals, especially on PAL, Malice in Wonderland, and the work on Butterfly Ball, two of my treasured pieces of vinyl that I just found on MP3 and am now reminded of his amazing tone.
I did not know he died, so I am sort of reacquainting myself with his biography. About me: I grew up in Canada, in a medium sized town of Hamilton, Ontario, and virtually no one new of this music I was listening to, unless of course I tried to turn them on. Now I live in Bakersfield California and still no one knows of this great music. Someday I will move to Europe and meet others that are still into this great music. I mainly listen to Progressive Rock and you may know of the Internet station, Aural Moon. Cheers and thanks for this opportunity |
| Name: | Elspeth (Little S) |
| Comments: | Knew Tony and Sandra socially in The Washington pub in the early 80's. Looking through old photos made me look up Tony on-line, knowing he had passed away last year. Always a gent, kind, hysterically funny and daft, as well as being a damn fine musician. And also sensible and a thoughtful friend in rough times. Condolences to Sandra and her daughter. |
| Name: | Chris Holden |
| E-mail address: | holdenhouse@tiscali.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.paiceashtonandlord |
| Comments: | Hi
I have set up a web site devoted to that great band that Tony Ashton, Jon Lord and Ian Paice put together and produced that wonderful sound. If you can put a link on your site that would be great or if you have any new pics, that you could send please let me know. Chris www.paiceashtonandlord.co.uk |
| Name: | Chris Holden |
| E-mail address: | holdenhouse@tiscali.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.paiceashtonandlord |
| Comments: | Hi
I have set up a web site devoted to that great band that Tony Ashton, Jon Lord and Ian Paice put together and produced that wonderful sound. If you can put a link on your site that would be great or if you have any new pics, that you could send please let me know. Chris www.paiceashtonandlord.co.uk |
| Name: | Roger Dean |
| E-mail address: | bluesbreaker64@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I just found out about Tony, we played the Star Club Hamburg in the 60's -- I believe you Paul, as for Craig, if you don't have anything intelligent to say --- why bother ? |
| Name: | Jim Davies |
| E-mail address: | mjldavies@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | More sad news, people. For those of you who didn't know, Kim Gardner, the bassist with A.G.& D. passed way in California. He used to have a magical Fenton-Weill bass that I used to give him a pack of Benson and Hedges to use for the night! Kim played with Ron Wood in 'The Birds', then with Creation in Germany, where Tony was with Tommy Quickly and the Remo Four. Tony poured a full beer on my head one night in the Star Club in Hamburg, because he said he thought I was Tommy, in front of the stage chatting up women instead of backstage geting ready to come on for his set! Good memories which will never fade. Jim in Cairns, Far Northern Queensland. |
| Name: | PAUL JACKMAN |
| E-mail address: | pauljackman@picknowl.com.au |
| Comments: | I PLAYED WITH TONY IN BLACKPOOL AT THE PICADOR CLUB ABOUT 43 YEARS AGO |
| Name: | bert thomson |
| E-mail address: | bert_thomson@yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | After hearing "I'll send you a postcard" on Jon Lord's new album, I dug out all the Ashton stuff I've got, The Remo Four, AG&D, The Gastank Sessions, Live in the Studio, PAL, the work with Jon Lord, the German session with Roy Dyke, all wonderful stuff. Always brings a smile to your face. I even recently bought some Cds to preserve my old LPs since the release of Lords album stirred up such great memories. Tony Ashton may be sadly missed, but in my house, hardly a day goes by without a bit of Ted. |
| Name: | Paul Carolan |
| E-mail address: | .wanadoo.co.ukpaul@carolan |
| Comments: | Just watched footage of Gastank,Where Steve Harley,Tony,Rick Wakeman,John Entwitle of The Who,all jammed on Harley's Mr.Soft,They all banged a song out at the end of the show,with someone from The Strawbs,I also have the interview with Harley,by Tony and Wakeman,brilliant stuff. |
| Name: | David Stock |
| E-mail address: | stockduplication@on.aibn.com |
| Comments: | A great guy to work with and play with
and somebody who liked a pint or two.... |
| Name: | Norman Bates |
| E-mail address: | norman_batesmotel@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Great site! Thanks! |
| Name: | Bill Bell |
| E-mail address: | billbell@goosemoor.plus.com |
| Comments: | I was about 10 years old when I first heard The Resurrection Shuffle, what great energy, what an anthem for us to strut to an what a thing to leave to the world. Thankyou Tony & god bless XXX |
| Name: | neil |
| E-mail address: | dazglobie@blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | former school pal former football pal at stanley boys & blackpool boys football team well remembered for piano playing school lessons god loved agood one |
| Name: | James Ashton |
| Comments: | I WAZ HERE 18/03/04 |
| Name: | Deb (Shawnne) Tessman-Mc Kenna |
| E-mail address: | Shawnne@att.net |
| Comments: | I have a very special memory of Tony Ashton. In 1965, he came to Minneapolis MN with his band "The Remo 4." He was about 19 years of age at the time. I was 14. I fell in love with this band and got to see them perform every day for a week during that summer. I never forgot them. A few months ago I was searching the web for any information on Tony and the Remo 4. I was so sad to hear he had passed away at such a young age. Now I wish I could have seen him in his later successes.
In fond memory, Shawnne Mc Kenna |
| Name: | peter temple |
| E-mail address: | pt001g1956@blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | i feel sad to have just found that my old school pal has passed on.
god bless tony. |
| Name: | peter temple |
| E-mail address: | pt001g1956@blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | i feel sad to have just found that my old school pal has passed on.
god bless tony. |
| Name: | Rasmus Heide |
| E-mail address: | rasmus@thehighwaystar.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.thehighwaystar.com/specials/ashton/ |
| Comments: | Just a quick note to say I've been thinking about Tony today. I miss him, but fortunately his music will always be here.
Bollox! :-) |
| Name: | GUYMEN |
| E-mail address: | MUGO@MUGU.COM |
| Comments: | i de oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo |
| Name: | Jill Gunsell |
| E-mail address: | maglinders@ntlworld.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.lindenlea.net/John_The_Drum.htm |
| Comments: | I thought you might like to know that John Gunsell, my brother, is now gigging with Tony again.
Best wishes. |
| Name: | annie christopher - Sara of Sinnermen and Sara |
| E-mail address: | anniec64@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://annie-sara.tripod.com |
| Comments: | Hi I remember the Slobs gig in Bournemouth. Have been a close friend of Martin Jenner until his death 3 months ago. For more comments on Graham Jarvis please view Stella Hemmings Musician's survival guide to life on the road ISBN 1- 870775 - 54 -6 Mart Jenners entry (PC Publishing) Will be doing a charity show at Barrington Theatre - Ferndown Bournemouth to raise funds for Martins chosen Cancer charity in October. lease mail me. |
| Name: | Dickie Needham |
| E-mail address: | RJT51@msn.com |
| Comments: | I am so sorry I did not know that Tony had passed away, he was truly a giant, I remember "the shuffle" from my youth as one of my favourite songs, in fact I still sing it, also the album Malice in Wonderland is one of my fav's have transferred it from LP to CD to preserve it. Long may you reign Tony, you will be missed. |
| Name: | Nicole |
| E-mail address: | - |
| Comments: | Tony Ashton is my greatest idol!
May God bless him. Nicole |
| Name: | Big Al |
| E-mail address: | bigaldavies@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | I met Tony in 1982 he was playing with Frank Slob in Bournemouth, anyone else there that night??, he was fantastic, Howie Casey on Sax, Martin Jenner Guitar- a great Rock and Roll band and then those great songs of Tony, he was tired and emotional and very very funny, I was a young lad and Welsh and he was wonderful to me.
Thanks Tony, RIP, you appear have made everyone you met happier about life after meeting you. |
| Name: | Harry Kershaw |
| E-mail address: | harry@kershawh.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Tony and I grew up together in Blackpool,in the 50s/60s such great memories. We started our first band when we were fourteen years old. There is such a lot to tell,I need to write a book to reveal the early years.There are so many interesting and amusing tales to relate.
He was a good friend and I miss him. Till we meet again Tony. Harry Kershaw |
| Name: | Jill Gunsell |
| E-mail address: | maglinders@ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | JOHN GUNSELL, DRUMMER
I thought some of you musos might like to know that my brother, John Gunsell, has cancer. He's in the Royal Free Hospital, London, for a few days and is then going home. Treatment starts soon and we have our fingers crossed. It's not operable but the medics are very hopeful because it does not seem to have spread. Jill (part-time roadie for John about a hundred years ago) |
| Name: | Jim Davies |
| E-mail address: | mjldavies@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://00000 |
| Comments: | I was saddened to hear of the passing of an old friend. Though we lost touch over the years, I can still recall Tony writing "Resurrection Shuffle" in The Railway Arms pub with Kim and Roy and anyone else who was there. I played myself in those days, but went abroad instead of getting more involved . I still see Ron Wood when he tours; he seems to get younger! All the best to you from Far Northern Queensland, Jim(The Pom) Davies. (Ex-West Drayton) |
| Name: | John Paul Allen |
| E-mail address: | absoluteallen@houston.rr.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.giftedtrust.com |
| Comments: | Well, it was either finish cleaning the kitchen or pass the job off to my step-son (who hasn't done a thing all day) and surf the net. I do believe I made the right choice. Anyway, that's why I'm here... just passing through. Nice job, by the way.
JPA |
| Name: | Cris |
| E-mail address: | ektros2001@libero.it |
| Comments: | Thank Tony for all, you'll live forEVER!!
Cris. |
| Name: | John Oswick |
| E-mail address: | jandkoswick@ozemail.com.au |
| Comments: | Hi all, I would just like to say that I did not really no much about Tony's music, & that but, I did have the chance to chat with him on a train journey from Liverpool via Wigan to London.
I did not know who he was,but noticed he was reading Mojo magazine,& asked him if I could have a read of it after he had finished,anyhow we got talking about music & was genuinly touched by his passion for music,& enthralled by some of his stories about Eric Clapton etc. I told him also about my love of music & it was a very short train ride to London.' He gave me a postcard which he had made of him playing keyboards as we went are own way,telling me he was working with damon albern from blur on some project... A real nice bloke, & like George harrison I am sure he will be a great loss not just as a musician but also a good "soul", Love John... |
| Name: | dutch Pete |
| E-mail address: | dutchpete@mdcplus.com |
| Comments: | Cheers... to good memories in the Post. |
| Name: | Peter Shelton |
| E-mail address: | petecrumb@btinternet.com |
| Comments: | Tony was a very good friend of mine in the early 60's in Blackpool. We played together in his Tony Ashton Jazz Trio at the Picador Club Blackpool. He use to visit me at my home in Chicago whenever he passed through. He was a 'good bloke'as he use to call me. I have some very early pix of Tony from the 60's and from when he came to visit me in Chicgao. I'll always remember the 'mad fool'.
Pete Shelton... |
| Name: | Sabina |
| E-mail address: | sabina@alaskan-husky-dogs.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.alaskan-husky-dogs.com |
| Comments: | Keep up your good work! |
| Name: | Rod Harrison |
| E-mail address: | Rodmuse@Yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Sorry to hear about Tony., Saw him at the P AND N HIT HOUSE in Munchen about "67." Even bought the album SMILE.,
Irony is that my ex was working for Bill Reid who handled Jon Lords' finances,(when he was with Rainbow). "Brother where are you" I still include that song in my repertoire to-day. Well I'll treasure that memory of Munich even more now!!!!! |
| Name: | Phil Free |
| E-mail address: | goatman111@msn.com |
| Comments: | My love goes out to Tonys family.
The resurrection shuffle is one of my all time favorite songs and as im a musician in an Irish folk pop band we hope to get permission to record this song with an added Irish twist. Dont mourn his death, celebrate his life. |
| Name: | Chick Willis |
| E-mail address: | stoopdwn@aol.com |
| Comments: | I am very sadden about Tony's passing, he was my friend and a great musician and entertainer and i will miss him very much in 1997 Tony and i had a great tour of Europe and a great show at Ronnie Scotts in Birmingham. Tony will be missed by everybody who loved him.
Chick |
| Name: | Gianni Gherardi |
| E-mail address: | faf5194@iperbole.bologna.it |
| Comments: | I'm very sad. We have lost a great musician. |
| Name: | alf coles |
| E-mail address: | alfcoles@netscape.net |
| Comments: | I was so sorry to hear of tonys early death, my brother and I were at school with tony and were friends until he moved away from blackpool, even then it was obvious that he was a
special person. I well remember his jaz version of swan lake on the piano, it did not matter what key he started in he ended up in "g" but his music was great whatever style he played, he was a great guy and will be missed. please pass my deepest sympathy to his family. Alf Coles |
| Name: | Willi |
| Comments: | the world lost an excellent musician an a very sympatico guy. REST IN PEACE. and thanks for the music!!! |
| Name: | hazel.weston1 |
| E-mail address: | hazel.weston@ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | Just read about Tony's passing please accept my deepest sympathy,one of the oldies of my era(70's)Remember his group Ashton,Gardner and Dyke with Resurrection Shuffle well.
from Hazel. |
| Name: | john gunsell |
| E-mail address: | johnthedrum@blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | good night chuckabutty...Gunsell:-) |
| Name: | mick liber |
| E-mail address: | mickliber@tsn.cc |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.users.tsn.cc/tsn19795/ |
| Comments: | News travels slowly to this part of the world...
Condolences to Sandra and family. 2 years I spent with working AGD was the most memorable ever. Tony was a joy to play with, an avalanche of continuous humor and fun. Cheers to me old mate! |
| Name: | John Blackhurst |
| E-mail address: | blackhurstjon@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I used to work at the Haverstock, South African John and I have just found out the news, Tony you were one of the good guys, you made me laugh and cry (I nearly got arrested thanks to the silly bugger),
Where ever you are Bollox to you too John |
| Name: | SteiG.R. |
| E-mail address: | stein-g@netcom.no |
| Comments: | Thank you very much for beeing who you been and for what you've done for the people with your music.
SteinG. - Norway |
| Name: | Carlo |
| E-mail address: | denonno@libero.it |
| Comments: |
Great Tony, I'm grown up with your songs and your sense of humour and fun. Thanks for all. Peace for you, wherever you are. Ciao from Italy Carlo |
| Name: | Mark James |
| E-mail address: | Rachel@mark60.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | I travelled up overnight from South Wales to see the gig that PAL did at the Rainbow in 1977, when I was 19 years old and it wasn,t until many years later that I realised how lucky I was to have witnessed that concert ( from the front row ).I bought the album primarily because I was and still am a big Deep Purple fan, but after a couple of plays was completely hooked on the band's sound and Tony Ashton's voice. |
| Name: | Jessica Lauren |
| E-mail address: | jess@trippysynth.com |
| Comments: | I had the pleasure and honour of seeing Tony play at the first of his two last performances at the Pizza on the Park in London. His playing and that of the band was so consummately brilliant, soulful, simple and true that I will be proud to consider him an influence on my playing for the rest of my life. The band were wonderful also, and I'm very glad to say that Tony noticed me and my keyboard-playing friend Dan gasping and grinning at the fabulous blues/jazz being played, and afterwards came over, thanked us and shook our hands. My most heartfelt condolences and good wishes to Tony's family and friends,
Jessica Lauren |
| Name: | Rob Sharrock |
| E-mail address: | starmist.a@virgin.net |
| Comments: | What memories
|
| Name: | Andrew |
| E-mail address: | andro@andropos.net |
| Comments: | This site is fun. I'll be visitng regularly
|
| Name: | Alfred Gebauer |
| E-mail address: | alfred.gebauer@t-online.de |
| Comments: | Es war mein erstes Konzert im Jahr 1970, ich war gerade 14 Jahre alt und durfte mit meiner Schwester in die Düsseldorfer Rheihalle. Es war eigentlich das Konzert von Deep Purple, aber Tony Ashton mit seiner Band im Vorprogramm war für mich das Größte. Seit dieser Zeit pflege ich meine noch einzige "Single" - the resurrection shuffle. Ein Jahr später sah ich Tony on Folkstone, während einer 4-wöchigen Jugendaustauschreise. Nach dem Konzert bekam ich ein Autogramm von Tony auf meine Kordjacke. Sie wurde nie mehr gewaschen.
Lebe wohl, Tony |
| Name: | wolfgang kosch |
| E-mail address: | wkoschNana@t-online.de |
| Comments: | What a loss for rock'n roll!
We love you Tony and we'll never forget your music. .......brother where are you......? Rest in peace. Gangerl and Kinke |
| Name: | mick angus |
| E-mail address: | mick.angus@emicap.com |
| Comments: | I have only just found out about Tony's earthly departure.
God, what a wonderful human being he was! I was lucky enough to be with Purple in the early days, and I got to know and love Tony - as many others did. Just one example of his wonderful humour - How could you not help collapsing in laughter after listening to Tony play a really serious bluesey piece of music ( on GASTANK, the tv show he did with Rick Wakeman )great blues playing and just singing "Why Oh Why" during the song - we were all listening in silence and appreciation - when at the end of the song Tony would stop playing, look straight at the camera and with a quizzical look say. "Y-O-Y spells YOY?!" God bless you Tony - which he will once he takes a breath from laughing with you. I love ya mate. |
| Name: | Flemming Schioedt |
| E-mail address: | schioedt@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Sad Sad Sad !
That's the feeling, more that i only now realise this sad news. I've listened to Tony's marvellous contributions to music for ages and continue to put the discs in the machine. I've also had the pleasure of meeting "The Man" in person several times both here in Denmark and abroad, and had not a few pints and laughs together. Your Art - both painting and music will be missed. In memory I'll go and listen to your classic "Fart Song". Yours Flemming |
| Name: | Dieter Wypior |
| E-mail address: | Dieter.Wypior@t-online.de |
| Comments: | It happened just two days ago when I read in the "Rolling Stone" magazine that Tony had died in May this year. Now where I'm writing this I still feel sad. I had the luck to see Tony 3 times with the Remo Four here in Germany in the "Scala" in Herford (1966/67). That have been three wonderful evenings with such a great music filled with soul and humour - I haven't experienced anything like that before (I was 16 then). If there are a 100 best albums ever made in this world, surely "Smile" is one of them (for me at least) and I'll keep this record until I die. Thank you Tony for the music that you gave to me.
Brother where are you... Good Bye Tony, Dieter Wypior |
| Name: | Aleš from Prague, Czech republic |
| Comments: | I´ve just read about Tony´s death and it really affected me. I´m gonna have a drink for you, Tony. God bless you wherever you are. |
| Name: | Aleš from Prague, Czech republic |
| Comments: | I´ve just read about Tony´s death and it reall affected me. I´m gonna have a drink for you, Tony. God bless you wherever you are. |
| Name: | Jan-Wiggo |
| E-mail address: | janw.haakerud@c2i.net |
| Comments: | Thank You Tony.
R.I.P |
| Name: | Martin A. Walser |
| E-mail address: | maw@martinwalser.ch |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.martinwalser.ch |
| Comments: | Today, I heard about Tony's death. He was a great musician and a wonderful man. I met him several times here in Switzerland, first with the Remo Four, later with Ashton, Gardner & Dyke and I organised also a concert with them. Later, I saw him twice, the last time, when he was on tour with his "Life at the studio"-LP. We had a great time then, singing "Sing Hallelujah" in the streets of Winterthur and talking about the "good old times". I am very sad about his death and wish all his friends and his family all the best.
Martin |
| Name: | Alex Koch |
| E-mail address: | akoch88@home.com |
| Comments: | I have just purchased the cd of Paice,Ashton,Lord Live at Golders Green.Sadly it is the first I've heard of Tony Ashton,but I just wanted to drop a line here saying that I like it,and plan to get Malice in Wonderland soon,so you see Tony does live on, and will for a long time to come.Cheers,Alex Koch. |
| Name: | Bryan and Eliane Lower-Hill |
| E-mail address: | bryanhill@mcmail.com. |
| Comments: | Sorry, sorry to have missed you on the big day. Will continue to miss you, my brother in New Guinea misses you but then he can talk to you, remember. He does have a private line to the big music center in the sky.
Keep the music going and always remember that it is better to be up and doing than down and being done. Knowing you brougt and will continue to being happyness. |
| Name: | JIM DEVANS |
| E-mail address: | JIMDEVANS@EVERYDAY.COM |
| Comments: | I had the chance to see you once in my life (2 years ago)
together with Long John Baldry . The show was great. God bless this great musician, who brought so much to the music- scene...JIM |
| Name: | Jaybee |
| Comments: | Truly the world is a poorer place.
Let it Roll Tony. RIP. |
| Name: | Jaybee |
| E-mail address: | Vehrkramp@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Truly the world is a poorer place.
R.I.P. Tony. Gone but never forgotten. |
| Name: | andy glynn |
| E-mail address: | andiroids@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | i drank with tony i rocked with tony i chilled with tony i
cried with tony i never met tony i miss tony R I P |
| Name: | Göran Johnsson |
| E-mail address: | goran.johnsson@kontorsav.se |
| Comments: | It's sad, so sad that a talented person like Tony had to
leave this earth too soon. But I'm sure we will all see him again one day together with Malice and all the others in Wonderland. God bless! |
| Name: | Bruce Anthon |
| E-mail address: | panthon@bigpond.net.au |
| Comments: | Sad News!! I've been listening to & playing people his
recordings for almost 30 years..first heard "the hit",but soon I got the 1st AG&D lp...amazing,then & now!!!! I have, over the years, collected ALL Tony's recordings..never disappointed.The recent release on Purple Recs.is possibly his best ever!!! My mates & I love it!!!!!!! This sad news is a shock.We were possibly playing it when he passed away (as it hasn't left our players for a few weeks!!!)A true R&B/Music inspiration...thanks for ALL the great moments.. out here on the frontier. You'll NEVER be forgotten!!! Our sympathies for the Ashton family. I've tried to contact Mick Liber(ex-AG&D),but his "site-e- mail"service is down...he's on the net....will try again soon. Once again...thank you Tony Now lets turn up the stereo & grab a stubby!!!! |
| Name: | Paulo Rays |
| E-mail address: | paulorays@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I´m from Brazil and a big Deep Purple fan and when I went
to London in 1997 I bought Before I Forget and I discovered Tony Ashton. Since I became a fan of him too.Now my thoughts are with his wife and doughter. God bless you. God bless Tony. Keep on rockin´wherever you are. Paulo. |
| Name: | steve sage |
| E-mail address: | stevesages@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | from australia being isolated as were in the 60s and 70s its hard to remember the name Tony ashton but as i read the Tributes an thoughts of people who were close or friends i remembered the days i lived in london, and the affection people had for each other(76-77) and to see the word BOLLOCKS COME UP,bought back memories, i now have to investigate GEMINI SUITE again and reminisce about a time when rock was really creative and from what iv'e read Tony Ashton was up there with the high flyers of the time, long live his memory,his music,and his influence. |
| Name: | Claus Reibenstein |
| E-mail address: | c.reibenstein@pop-hannover.de |
| Comments: | It's really a pity. The world lost a good musician.
Rest in peace. |
| Name: | stephen slade |
| E-mail address: | stephen.slade@exeter.ox.ac.uk |
| Comments: | I remember Tony as a great and flamboyant charector as well as musicion. I knew him first as a friend of Stan Webb and
secondly when he was part of the Terry Smith blues band. But I do remember a story related to me by the singer J.W.Hodkinson, who said that Terry used to go to Switzerland once a year as a resident player in an hotel and that when he was not working he took to the slopes. This obviously required liquid refreshment. This he took, and instead of calling it skiing and drinking he called it skinking. STEPHEN |
| Name: | Paul Martinez |
| E-mail address: | paulfirstbass@AOL.COM |
| Comments: | Not only have I always been a great fan of Ashton, but also had the immence pleasure of working with him over the years.Tony was a Gentleman, a Talent beyond reproach, and the funniest guy one could ever wish to be around.If God made anyone as beautiful as Ashton then he kept them for himself. God bless Tony, God Bless Sandra and Indira.
Love And respect. Paul Martinez+++++++++ |
| Name: | stefan funk |
| E-mail address: | s.funk@fem-online.de |
| Comments: | rest in peace and thanks for wonderful music |
| Name: | Frode Atle Bye |
| E-mail address: | frodebye@online.no |
| Comments: | Dear Ashton Family!
I am really sorry to see Mr. Tony Ashton (R.I.P.) has passed away. I have seen and met him a couple of times at Hell Blues Festival. A great guy - and funny! I am going to Hell this autumn as well to follow Hell Blues Festival's triubte to him. I am sure the people around him will keep his music alive. Regards Frode Atle Bye - Norway |
| Name: | Arty Davies |
| E-mail address: | kopart@aol.com |
| Comments: | As A member of Merseycats I like to remember Tony as a member of The Remo Four, and saw Tony play and sing at Colin Manleys memorial show, Hope somebody puts on a memorial show for Tony, to remember a great musician.
as Tony now joins the other guys in the Great CaVern in the Sky. Tony say hello to Colin,JohnL,Rory,JohnnyG, |
| Name: | Lyle Upson. |
| E-mail address: | dpman@tpg.com.au |
| Comments: | Very sad news. As typical of musicians Tony Ashton spread happiness and enjoyment and added to the betterment of life.
Cheers. |
| Name: | Dan |
| Comments: | U Da Man
I luv ya, and will always remember ya! |
| Name: | Ivan Uroda |
| E-mail address: | childintime1983@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | If anyone knew to play the game of life it was you. The problem is that good guys don't always win. RIP Tony,we'll remember you. Forever. |
| Name: | Chrigel Burkhard |
| E-mail address: | chrigel.burkhard@schaffhausen.ch |
| Comments: | Dear Sandra, Indira and Valid
I just received the message Tony passed away from Charlie, the Bassman from Tony's Swiss Band. He was the pure soul with his humor and his very special sense of music and storys. For me he was always a great mentor, we never will forget him. I like to express my condolonce to Sandra and Indira, tonight I will have a drink for Tony, Bollox. Chrigel Burkhard |
| Name: | Paul Pavlou |
| E-mail address: | paulpav@ukgateway.net |
| Comments: | 1977. Surely it can't have been so long ago. The Liverpool Empire and a 15 year old kid is there to see his heroes Paice and Lord. "Tony who" the kid wonders and will he sing like Gillan? Ashton steals the show which ends with the audience dancing precariously on the backs of their seats. The kid included. He still talks about that gig with his mates who were there with him. In the end we are left only with our memories, but the precious ones last a lifetime. Thank you. God Bless. And bollox. |
| Name: | Dan Roberts |
| E-mail address: | danrkeys@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.runnerbrothersmusic.com |
| Comments: | Thanks for the music |
| Name: | Julian Woodward |
| E-mail address: | julian@woowar.com |
| Comments: | I first got to know Tony's music from the "Malice in Wonderland" record, and various other appearances ("Before I Forget", JC Superstar, etc). It was with great pleasure that I got to know him before, during and after many performances over the last 10 years or so.
A sad end to my honeymoon: coming home to find a message about his death on the answerphone, and his funeral already happened. Tony: I'll miss you, and will always treasure the memories of your unique talent. Cheers and bollox, Julian. |
| Name: | Ian G |
| E-mail address: | ianwgillan@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | First of all I better say I am not the I. Gillan some people will assume I am. I have fond memories of seeing Tony playing at the Apollo in Glasgow with PAL and vague memories of a gig at the City Hall or Greens with Family. My thoughts are with Tony's family now. My daughter died of cancer a couple of years ago and at the time someone said to me 'the nightmares go away, the memories remain' they did for me, I hope they do for you. |
| Name: | pete fielding |
| E-mail address: | bebopete@supanet.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://robert fieldingandsonsnet.ws |
| Comments: | God bless tony---we`ve had some great laughs---blowing up
mains energised speakers and other things---not forgetting "The guitar case dance!"love Peteand not forgettin Mo xxx. |
| Name: | JOHN |
| E-mail address: | Vanderkiste@btinternet.com |
| Comments: | I've just been listening to Bob Harris on Radio 2 (11 p.m.). It brought a smile to my face when he played 'Resurrection Shuffle', one of THE great records of the 70s, but I was shocked when he announced immediately afterwards that Tony has passed away.
Sandra, Indira, and all the rest of his family and friends, I'm thinking of you. He made and played on some great records, in particular Medicine Head and Deep Purple are forever in his debt. A genuine character, and we won't forget him. Rest in peace, Tony. |
| Name: | Paul Fuller |
| E-mail address: | fullermp@ros.com.au |
| Comments: | To The Ashton Family ,
Tony's Music , with Jon Lord and all the other great musicians he worked with will live with us for ever . Good Luck , Tony Love Paul. , |
| Name: | Dan Wheeler |
| E-mail address: | DWheeler@peoplepc.com |
| Comments: | My condolences over the loss of a great musician. Tony had one of the most distinctive voices in rock. He and the other members of his various bands ( especially PAL ) have served as a great inspiration to me in my musical career. I would like to have thanked him personally for the many hours of listening pleasure he has brought me over the years, but this will have to suffice. His music will live on to challenge and delight future generations of musicians and music lovers. May his family be comforted by the knowledge that what he did touched many, many lives. May God bless you all. Dan Wheeler Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Name: | eric gilmuer |
| Comments: | Thanks for the music Tony.We'll alway's remmeber you |
| Name: | eric gilmuer |
| Name: | Herman |
| E-mail address: | Koerts |
| Name: | Ulf Eriksson |
| E-mail address: | catta.bergh@swipnet.se |
| Comments: | All the best wishes for your next life. May you enjoy your future as much as I have enjoyed your past. |
| Name: | Wim den Boer |
| E-mail address: | wimarja@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Thank you Tony, for all the wonderul things in life you have given me.
Cheers mate ! RIP |
| Name: | Lesley Hotel Post Zermatt |
| E-mail address: | lesleypostzermatt@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Tony was such a special person in so many ways, his musical talent, his wonderful sense of humour and his ability to bring sunshine into everyone's life, he will be greatly missed. It is so hard to imagine not spending time with Tony in the Post but his memory will be with us all forever. Goodbye to a true friend my love and thoughts are with you. Love Lesley
My heartfelt condolonces to Sandra and Indira |
| Name: | jimmy the milk |
| E-mail address: | milligan_jim@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | it was great knowing you mate |
| Name: | jimmy the milk |
| E-mail address: | jim_milligan@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | it was great knowing you mate |
| Name: | Cora |
| E-mail address: | cora_pricop@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I can't believe that I will go to a Deep Purple concert without you. I miss you and I thank you for what you gave me when I was young. In a communist country from Eastern Europe,your music gave me dreams and hope.
Thank you! |
| Name: | John Coletta |
| E-mail address: | sunburst@mercuryin.es |
| Comments: | It was a privelege and an honour to have managed you in your early career. A much respected and well loved friend.
R I P. Regards John |
| Name: | David Blackmore |
| E-mail address: | d.blackmore1@ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | I THOUGHT TONY WAS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN HIS PROFESSION, A REAL PLEASURE TO LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC,
BEING A DEEP PURPLE FANATIC I CAME ACROSS THIS ALBUM "FIRST OF THE BIG BANDS" WITH JON LORD BOUGHT IT AND NEVER LOOKED BACK SINCE, I THINK TONYS FAMILY CAN FEEL VERY PROUD. |
| Name: | Steve Morley |
| E-mail address: | morleys@clsg.org.uk |
| Comments: | PS
When my wife asked where I'd been I answered her this: "Same as usual love, in Hampstead, with Ashton...lowering the tone..." SM |
| Name: | Steve Morley |
| E-mail address: | morleys@clsg.org.uk |
| Comments: | What a mate...what a send off...what a man...bless you all who gave Tony his final standing ovation...nice one God!!!
Love to Sandra & Indira Steve |
| Name: | Mike & Debbie |
| Comments: | God bless tony.
New you and your family from the Haverstock sad to loose such a lovely funny man will always remember your sparky the dog impersonation, your music will as your memory live on. |
| Name: | Mike & Debbie |
| Comments: | God bless tony.
New you and your family from the Haverstock sad to loose such a lovely funny man will always remember your sparky the dog impersonastion |
| Name: | NIGEL GRIFFITHS |
| E-mail address: | nigel.griffiths.01@bbc.co.uk |
| Comments: | I had the great pleasure of drinking with Tony many times in the 'Sir Richard Steele' in Hampstead. A hilarious and lovely man. We are all the poorer for his going. |
| Name: | Trevor Gardiner |
| E-mail address: | teamscoop@aol.com |
| Comments: | Such sad news. I got to Tony when he played with Roger Chapman and Family. Always a good time guy and leaves great music and memories. Please accept my condolences.
Trevor G |
| Name: | Ann Porter |
| E-mail address: | annporter1@one.net.au |
| Comments: | Just want to say how sorry I am about Tonys death & to let his wife & daughter know that it dosent sound like he changed much over the years.I am his cousin Ann ( his mum was my mums sister) ,& Tony used to come over to my house in the school hols ( we were probably about 10 yrs old then)& he couldent wait to do a concert in the back garden, he was an entertainer even then, & I remember he used to make everyone laugh.I knew nothing of his website or that he was sick until I got a phone call from my sister Hilary saying he had passed away. My sympathys to his wife daughter & friends. From Ann --Down Under |
| Name: | Paula Walton |
| E-mail address: | paula@walton96.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Deepest sympathy to Tony's family at this sad time. Although we never met, my mother (Tony's cousin) has always been kept up to date with news through the family.
Paula Walton and Jaci Swales (nee Ashton) |
| Name: | JOSEPH KOVACH |
| E-mail address: | AKJ1198@aol.com |
| Comments: | I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF TONY'S PASSING. THE FIRST TIME I HEARD MALICE I KNEW HE WAS A WINNER, HIS TALENT WILL BE SORELY MISSED. HE'LL BE RIGHT UP THERE JAMMIN' WITH ALL THOSE WHO WENT BEFORE[TOMMY BOLIN,PHIL LYNOTT,KOSSOFF,ETC.]THEIR TIME WAS REALLY DUE!!!!!SINCERE REGRETS TOHIS FAMILY |
| Name: | JBreis |
| E-mail address: | dirtygum@baysat.net |
| Comments: | I have got to say that I am quite saddened at the news of Tony's death, but I am glad to say that I am a fan of him, his music and humour. As soon as I mentioned to people I know (here in the US) that he passed away, most said 'Tony Who?'. That is the unfortunate thing. This man was virtually unknown over here.
I read everything on your webpage (wonderful job!) and I looked at the rememberances of other musicians and fans and thought to myself, Tony will not be forgotten. He laid his imprint on lots of us. I will always enjoy Tony and his piano without, and Tony and his piano with. |
| Name: | Mario |
| E-mail address: | m_dramis@yahoo.com |
| Comments: | Most people know Tony through his work w/the many DP spinoff bands or his earlier work in Ashton, Gardner & Dyke. But Tony was a also a member of Family and appeared on their swansong, It's Only A Movie. If you want to hear a different side of Tony, then you owe it to yourself to get your hands on this album. Its as funny and funky as the Man ever was.
Tony, I love you pal! I'll see you when my number comes in! M |
| Name: | Robert Saetervik |
| E-mail address: | robert.satervik@nrk.no |
| Comments: | It is with great sorrow I received the sad but not surprising news last week. Thanx Tony for the music, the stories, the laughs and your warmth and humanity.
You will always be in our hearts. And to his loved ones, Sandra and Indira, you are in our thoughts. Tonight the piano is silent............. |
| Name: | Christophe |
| E-mail address: | roth-frei@freesurf.ch |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.radiomoi.com |
| Comments: | Thank you for your great music and your wonderful sense of humour.
Skinking in Zermatt will never be the same... God Bless! Monika & Christophe |
| Name: | Brian Connell |
| E-mail address: | brianconnell@runnerbrothersmusic.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.runnerbrothersmusic.com |
| Comments: | Goodbye to our good friend; a superb musician, who will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts are with Sandra and Indira. Brian Connell and The Runner Brothers. |
| Name: | Nick Hannant |
| E-mail address: | nick.hannant@virgin.net |
| Comments: | Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (with DP) Royal Albert Hall, Feb 71, Butterfly Ball same place 1975 (ish) What a priviledge to have seen you live! The talent and humour...
Thanks for the music and memories. What a loss. Rest in peace Nick |
| Name: | john carter |
| E-mail address: | john14@eircom.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.databasedesign.co.uk |
| Comments: | Tony,
From all the accolades you've received, I'm looking forward to meeting you. Recording artists never die. They just get compiled. John |
| Name: | I.G. |
| E-mail address: | gillan66@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.deep-purple.com |
| Comments: | R.I.P. old friend!Only words can tell.....see you... |
| Name: | GIANLUCA T. |
| E-mail address: | TGL@2AINFO.IT |
| Comments: | CIAO TONY, FAI SENTIRE LA TUA GRANDE MUSICA ANCHE LASSU' !!! |
| Name: | jim mcmanus |
| Comments: | The first proper concert I ever went to was Paice Ashton and Lord at the Glasgow Apollo, and rather fine it was. sorry to read of Tony passing away, best wishes to all who knew him
cheers Jim |
| Name: | Thomas Fiore |
| E-mail address: | Headsoundmixer@cs.com |
| Comments: | I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Tony Ashton.
May he rest in peace. Heaven is getting a great man. Thomas Fiore |
| Name: | Judd Lander |
| E-mail address: | judd@fclpr.com |
| Comments: | We shared a lot in common, our wicked sense of humour, our love of music and our passion for the finer things in life ... and f?*k me ... we even shared the same birthday. My first introduction to Tony was early 70's at the Speakeasy, he was carrying a 12 foot flag pole (don't ask). From then on, his northern humour kept us totally insane.
Give em hell up there, you muther f*&?*r! Thanks for the memories. Luv Judd |
| Name: | Sid Sinclair |
| E-mail address: | britcent@tin.it |
| Comments: | Apart from the music, happy memories of Musicland 1997 and just a couple of jars at Belsize Park. Memories to treasure of a lovely lovely man. god bless, Tony. |
| Name: | Gary |
| E-mail address: | florrie28@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I'm sorry I didn't know you very well Ashton.
We met once or twice in the 70's and then again last year. What I knew, I liked alot and people who are very special to me now, think you are very special too. I'll look forward to another 'resurrection shuffle' party in the fullness of time, if that's ok? All the best to you and your family. |
| Name: | florrie palmer |
| E-mail address: | florrie28@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Oh Ashton - how you made me laugh and enriched my life. You taught me so much about music and the best musical time of my life was when we wrote and sang together. God I'll miss you you old one-off genius. I'm just so glad I saw you that last time last year and gave you a hug. I have you singing with me on tape and video and will cherish those tapes forever. I'm so grateful to have known and loved you so well. Have one for me up there (purely medical, you understand), "Product"xxx
All my love and heartfelt wishes to Sandra and Indira . xxx Flozz |
| Name: | David from the Poste |
| E-mail address: | davidjameslester@sypatico.ca |
| Comments: | Some of my most cherished memories in Zermatt are
through the eyes and tunes of Tony. If you're listening it's a deedle deedle dee to you and cheers for the laughs and good times. David's bar and ski hutte sessions. Love you. David. |
| Name: | M Sherratt |
| E-mail address: | anthony@ews60.fsnet.co.uk |
| Comments: | Very sad news |
| Name: | Guido Nafzger |
| E-mail address: | nafzger-butter@wxs.nl |
| Comments: | With respect to all the family and friends of Tony Ashton.
He will go on in a next wonderfull life en I will remember him as a fine musician. Malice in Wonderland was a fine and nice album. Thank you for all the good music you have made. A Deep Purple fan Guido Nafzger (45 years) |
| Name: | DP SPANISH OFFICIAL FAN CLUB - CADP & HUSH MAGAZINE |
| E-mail address: | cadpurple@mixmail.com |
| Comments: | Dear Tony:
You are a great musician You are in our memory forever Carlos Fernandez Editor Hush Magazine & CADP Deep Purple Official Spanish Fan Club |
| Name: | Karl-Heinz Baier |
| E-mail address: | Baier-Flensburg@t-online.de |
| Comments: | A great man and excellent musicians has passed away.
But his music will live forever! I have great memories. I have had the chance to see Tony together with Jon (Lord, who else?), Pete York, Colin Hodgkinson, Miller Andersson and Zoot Money a few years ago in Kiel and Hamburg. These were unforgetable concerts. His Version of "It's Weird" I will never forget. What a fine and funny man. Great musician. Although all above mentioned are fantastic musicians, and all had their soloparts, Tony was everybody's darling these nights. Tony, Pete and Jon allowed me to film both shows. These were the first shows I have ever filmed. With an old VHS-shoulder-camera. I was not allowed to do any copies of it - and I didn't. I made only two copies: One for Jon and one for Pete. These are great memories. Tony is so lively on it! After the concerts I had the chance to go backstage. I ask Tony a lot of Questions about PAL, Butterfly Ball and "First Of the Big Bands", my friend Thomas ask questions about Ashton, Gardner & Dyke and Remo Four. But he told us that this all was about 80 years ago and he can't really remember - I will never forget. I hope Jon has still his copy of the video and has the power to watch Tony on it again. I'm sure Tony has now a great band together with Tommy Bolin, Phil Lynott, Cozy Powell, Darrell Sweet and Gary Driscoll (oops, three drummers? - why not!)- to name only a few. He will always be "A Silly Boy"! My kindest thoughts to his family. Karl-Heinz |
| Name: | Graham Howard |
| E-mail address: | fidomusic@animail.net |
| Comments: | Deeply saddened by shocking news of Tony Aston's death. I have much appreciated and enjoyed over many years Tony's work with "Family" on their "It's Only a Movie" album.
I write this on behalf of all Family fans and especially those on the Family mailing list "Strangeband". Tony has been spoken of fondly on this list. This is indeed a terrible loss. I'm sure my fellow "Strangebanders" will join me in sending our sympathies and condolancies to Tony's wife and daughter. |
| Name: | Paul S Watts |
| E-mail address: | paul.watts5@ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | Another one sadly bites the dust. I saw Tony Ashton only once live, with Family on their farewell tour in Portsmouth...................bloody great evening and have followed, distantly, his activities ever since. A unique character and talent and one never to be replaced. Rest in peace Tony Ashton..........I will certainly have a beer for you.
PSW |
| Name: | Gil, Kay and Craig, |
| E-mail address: | cockneyjock@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Dear Tony, We'll miss you a lot-all the fun and the music- hope you see Sparky up there.
Lots oflove. Us |
| Name: | Gil,Kay and Craig, |
| Name: | Chris Poustie |
| E-mail address: | cpoustie@loxinfo.co.th |
| Comments: | The first Tony album I heard was Malice in Wonderland and the song that immediately hooked me was “Silas and Jerome” and in particular the classic lyric over the super-funky riff “She looked at me just like she came out of school and she said you’re cool - I said that’s true!” And if there were one word to describe how Tony approached life and music it would be the word cool. His vocal style had a laidback groove that was somewhere between the chilled-out tones of a Mississippi Bluesman and the dry wit and warmth of a Northern Englishman telling yarns in his local pub. Tony’s laidback approach to his art and to the music business was refreshingly unique. On the one hand he would wear a flat-cap and put on something of a Blackpool-pier-inspired, music hall performance and on the other hand he used rock, jazz, blues, soul and funk as authentically, passionately and brilliantly as the black forefathers of those genres.
Although Tony always brought a fair dose of pub-humour and a down-to-earth approach to all his projects this in no way detracted or hid the serious talent and soul that this young lad from Lancashire possessed. Having recently heard the first ever live Ashton, Gardner & Dyke CD “Let It Roll” it is quite staggering how accomplished Tony was at such an early age pulling off some seriously innovative hard-rock-jazz with a confidence and maturity far beyond his years. Sadly however Tony’s enormous contribution to the music world seems to have been overlooked by all too many. Perhaps his only failing was in always being true to himself instead of adopting an overblown persona and taking himself too seriously. When Tony did adopt personas in his songs, or did his Cool-thing, it was always done with tongue firmly in cheek and often in a self-effacing manner. Tony could not help but be himself – perhaps a shortfall in the industry of image and ego. Off stage too, on the few occasions I was privileged to meet him he was one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet. It sometimes seemed that he was more nervous and uncomfortable meeting his fans than his fans were meeting him! Thankfully I spent a long afternoon in the pub with Tony back in 1999 and had the chance to tell him how big an impact his music had had on my life. Not many fans have such an opportunity to thank their heroes in this way and I am so glad that I could. Tony’s reaction was typically modest and shy; he was genuinely flattered and touched. We reminisced through Tony’s works - singing, or at least trying to remember - the words to Paper Head Paper Mind in something of a drunken haze. One memory that lingers from that afternoon was asking him had he ever been to Thailand, my adopted homeland. He said that sadly he hadn’t but I jokingly replied that ‘Yes you have!’ and quoted one of his lyrics “I was in Bangkok on Friday, Barcelona on the 6th” and, as quick as a flash he replied with a smile “Why do I dream these crazy dreams” – another line from the song “Tavelin’ Javelin”. An unbeatable sparring partner! I was also lucky on that afternoon to be able to show him Walid’s WWW page, as there was an Internet machine in Tony’s local. It was Tony’s first visit to his website and he was amazed to see it and see some of his old pictures. It was nice too that some of the regulars in the pub were there to see Tony accessing his website for the first time. I am also thankful to Jon Lord and Pete York for coming up with the Endangered Species gig. What a great night of celebration it was – well worth the trip from Thailand. One of the funny memories I retain from that night was being in the Gents toilets when Tony came in and joined the communal urinal. Some joker in line asked Tony “Who are you?” to which Tony replied “Tony Braxton”. When I heard that Tony had passed away, although it was no surprise, I was still very upset. I immediately wanted to play some of his music in memory but for the first couple of days could not bring myself to hear his voice. As a fan of 20 years I will sorely miss him. He was absolutely unique in personality and in his musical style. That is a great loss to me and I’m sure to many others. It is also sad that we have lost one of life’s gentlemen, one of the good guys and a natural character and comedian. Although I tried to tell him back in August 1999 I don’t think I could ever have thanked him enough for the pleasure he has given me over the years. “The Worst of Ashton, Gardner & Dyke”, “Malice in Wonderland”, “Let It Roll” and his other major works stand as testament to his incredible talent. It goes without saying that his music lives on, here in Bangkok, as it does all around the world. It is comforting to think that Tony’s last few years were good ones: his AG&D albums were re-released by Repertoire, he released a couple of new songs in the Big Red EP and the Big Freedom Dance, started performing again more regularly and was celebrated at the Endangered Species Awards – not to mention his budding art career. Moreover, just these last couple of months he was featured on the BBC, had the long-lost second Paice, Ashton, Lord album released and also the first AG&D live CD. Long overdue recognition which hopefully brought some cheer to his final days. My thoughts are with Sandra, Indira and his friends during this time of remembrance. I would like to think it is also a time for celebration - because as a friend reminded me, we should not feel too sad, after all, Tony lived his life to the full, and that’s all any of us can ask for on judgment day. Cheers Mr. Giver! And indeed Bollox. Chris Poustie |
| Name: | Tony Penaluna |
| E-mail address: | tony.penaluna@blueyonder |
| Comments: | A great loss. My condolences to Tony`s family. We`ve lost yet another of the last generation of rock musicians who played from the heart and not the pocket. Wherever you are Tony keep playing. |
| Name: | Terje Craig Furunes |
| E-mail address: | terje-craig.furunes@telenor.com |
| Comments: | I got the message of Tony's death only a few minutes after I learned the news of a friend of mine just had a baby. I was over the moon in joy and and saddened by the loss of a dear friend at the same time. Life's an unpredictable bugger, eh...
I will remember Tony's wit and musical genius as long as I live. Late night discussions of Hammond organs, beerdrinking, parrot droppings and women will be greatly missed. My heartfelt thoughts also go to Sandra and Indira. Hopefully, we'll meet up again before too long. As for you Tony. See you sometime, but keep having a ball wherever you might be. Love from Terje Craig Technical Manager Hell Blues Festival |
| Name: | kathy & peter lauber, zermatt |
| E-mail address: | lakathrina@hotmail.com |
| Comments: | thank you, dear tony, for your true feelings. they've made our lives much richer! |