Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014

Subject: Obit: Rod Felton
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 14 - 08:13 PM

Sad to say that I have just heard that Coventry-based singer/songwriter Rod Felton died Wednesday morning, no more details yet - will post as soon as I know

Subject: RE Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK): 2014
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 12:35 AM

Rod used to play my folk clubs in the 1970's. Hair flying, platform shoes stomping - he was like a character from a fairytale - the pied piper.maybe. he was also one half of the Modern Idiot Grunt Band alongside Rob Armstrong. The songs I remember were Lady Baby Gypsy Queen, and Curly.

He was another victim of the disintegrating folkscene. When I was eighteen, it looked as though the performers on the folkscene had a job for life - by the time I was twenty five - the venues were decimated by the traddie/contemporary conflict.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: SunrayFC
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 02:24 AM

An individual performer back when I started out in folk clubs....

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 03:51 AM

Sorry to hear this news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 05:02 AM

A part of my teenage years - RIP Rob

A listen to the NMIGB is definitely on the agenda.

Elf

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 05:35 AM

Rod was a friend from way back when I lived in Coventry, great talent both as a songwriter and performer. I always thought Rod would make it really big but it was not to be, sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,John James
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 06:30 AM

Almost an understatement to call Rod a character...no well worn cliches for Rod. He did not deal in cliches. The 'tash, the shades..those hairy clothes as if he was off to the arctic..didn't the hat have some leopard skin around it ? The hip chat in a folk club.."man" " dad" "cool" long before it was supposed to be..but he WAS. Forty odd years ago I walked in as the booked guest in a Coventry folk club...to be greeted by..Rod in all his splendour..I stared into his shades..saw the name of his band..Grunt ? Idiot?...thought what have I let myself in for here ? The answer..nothing but joy, which was repeated on many another night.
Remember Rod Felton well everybody...I will.
JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 07:23 AM

Roddy was one of the truly great Singer Song writers. "Curly" could always make me melt whilst "Sun Bathing" would reduce me to a fit of the giggles and what about "Inter Planetary Trucker" it's a work of pure genius. Roddy for me will always be remembered for a little event at a minor Festival. I had done a friends wedding in my old Daimler and naturally had worn a suit and tie. I walked into Roddy's set to be greated with "Fackin' Hell Nic,. What are you doin' coming here dressed like that " Many times I tried to persuade him to make a C D of his material
Certainly one of my favourite performers always certain to light up an evening with his sparkling irreverance ,wit and humour

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 07:29 AM

Sadly missed. I have added Rod to the "In Memoriam" thread. My thoughts are with those who knew and miss him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Russ Smith
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 09:16 AM

I've know Roddy for the entire of my life and I consider myself very lucky to have so many amazing memories of him and others from the folk and bluegrass scene of the late 70's onwards. Last time we bumped in to each other he told me he found a recording of me when I was 4 singing in my dads dinning room studio, we laughed our socks off.

You could feel Roddy a mile away coming towards you, the atmosphere became light and silly then you saw his eyes light up and his cheeky grin rose across his face and you could be there giggling like little kids not knowing what you were laughing about.

I will never forget Roddy and John Neve looking after me at Tex's funeral they told me so many amazing stories of looking for work in cov you know when the dinosaurs were around. Roddy taught me so much about life love belief and just 'being man' let alone song writing and mixing genres that empowered my life I am forever indebted to him.

Roddy will never be forgotten as meeting him burnt an experience into your soul you would be very lucky to experience again. He is the interplanetary trucker and he trucks for MR Big.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: Gurney
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 04:37 PM

Rod did a floor spot at the very first folk club I went into, late 60s? and I can still remember it. We became friends later. Lovely bloke, and pretty harmless, and he should liven them up where he's gone.

Pete Grassby just phoned me to tell me the sad news. Throat cancer, he said. Nice of Pete.
I still play the Grunt Band CD regularly.
Sad news.   Chris Marden.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Mar 14 - 06:23 PM

Your legacy will always live on uncle rod love you so much and miss you always xxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,DickMiles
Date: 28 Mar 14 - 05:16 AM

I remember him well, he was great craic. I played a lot around the midlands in the 80s and 90s and it was always good to see Rod.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Brian crosby-Harris
Date: 28 Mar 14 - 07:01 PM

I have been blessed to have had Roddy as a close friend for many years. We had good times together when I was his roady. I have recorded many hours of his live performances. Roddy, God bless you. You may have gone from us, but your music will endure, I promise you that.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Brian (Bingo)Crosby-Harris
Date: 28 Mar 14 - 07:12 PM

Roddy passed away on Wednesday Morning at about 10 am. He had been ill for some time with throat cancer. I knew he was fading and went to see him that morning, when i found him. He went peacfully. Bless you Rod. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 29 Mar 14 - 04:33 PM

I din't know Rod very well, but he was a highlight of the folk club scene in the 70s, when I lived in Rugby. When he walked into a club the groupies would quickly gather round him - he seemed to have his own entourage wherever he went.

I have vivid memories from two songs he used to sing - I can only remember scraps of them now, sadly. The first one, about smoking pot: "Poggles' Wood" - "have you ever been to Poggle's Wood, ya-ta-ta-tah, ya-ta-ta-ta-ta-tah...". And the second one, which I would have loved to learn went "I'm coming down in flames, girl / you shot me right between the eyes / and I am taking a vacation to get better...". I guess not to be now, as he never made a CD. What a shame...

Later I also remember Rod as one half of "'im 'n 'im" with Dave Bennett, who sadly also went a few years ago. Perhaps they're jamming together now. I'd like to think they are...

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,tricia 'Ma'
Date: 29 Mar 14 - 05:53 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Roger Williamson
Date: 31 Mar 14 - 01:23 PM

So sorry to hear this its the end of an era. I knew Rod in the late 60's from the folk scene and after I moved to London he would come and visit. I also remember his mom who was always so supportive to all of us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 01 Apr 14 - 08:24 AM

Any news on the date of the funeral?

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 14 - 11:36 AM

Knew Rod from City Arms Earlsdon mid 60s A definite one off we wont see his like again sad to say.proud to have been a mate, R I P Roddy. We will miss you Webby

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Tennyson road mafia
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 03:35 PM

Miss u & that famous cream & brown transit that made our road famous rip m8

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Brian (Bingo) Crosby-Harris
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 06:30 AM

Still no news about funeral. Will post it on this site as soon as I know. Bingo

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Minor Meglomaniac
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 12:08 PM

Rod Felton was a talented performer, he would never be accepted by the folk establishment who wish to tun the folk scene into a pop scene, he was the epitome of "doing it my way", the scene will be a duller place without him., touring folk clubs and seeing EXCELLENT performers like Rod doing floor spots,made it enjoyable, thanks Rod,RIP. Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Cliff Hunt
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 11:45 AM

Knew Rod from way back. Any news on the funeral yet?

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Bingo
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 02:48 PM

Not yet. Will try to find out tomorrow

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Jan Felton Rod's Sister
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 03:00 PM

Only had postmortem findings today. Even though Roddy had been battling throat cancer he had bronchial pneumonia and emphysema. He looked very peaceful when I saw him. Thankyou Brian for finding and being with him. We only lost mum in November so now to loose Roddy as you can imagine I am gutted. A few weeks ago he was singing down the phone to me. My darling girl he said the old vocals are getting stronger. Thanks to everyone who has left a message here. He was loved by many. Will be sadly missed. Roddy had a special gift and he shared that in his music.

The funeral arrangements are as follows. Tuesday 29th April at 11.15 am. At Canley Crematorium. Coventry. If you wish to send flowers the. Funeral Directors are. Henry Ison and sons, Binley Road, Coventry. Or you can make a donation to Cancer Research.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 08 Apr 14 - 08:05 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 14 - 06:48 PM

It was once suggested that Rod was a cross between George Formby and Status Quo. That can only be a rough comparison to his genius. He was unique. He could not be fully pigeon holed into any one musical genre. Every time he performed, he never sang the same song quite the same way. He could feel the mood of the audience, and tailor it just for them. When asked to sing another performers song, he would refuse. "After all, if they would not sing my songs," he would say,"then why should I sing theirs?"
When I roadied for him in his later years, I would often set my camcorder up and record him. It was an absolute joy to be in his company, and an honour for him to consider me as his friend. When people asked what I did, I would say I was his manager. Oh are you? they would ask. "Oh yes," I would reply, "I manage to get him to the gig on time, and when he is pissed, manage to get him home."
It is very poignant that I was the one to find him, because on the day my brother died,some years earlier, I was due to pick him up for a gig. At about 2 hours before the time I was due to pick him up,I received a phone call to say my brother had been found dead, and as his next of kin, the ambulance crew needed me there asap. I immediately phoned Roddy, and told him I could not take him to the gig. He told me he would tell the venue he would be late and insisted that he come with me as he could see I was very upset. After organising the undertakers to collect my brother, we went to the gig, and Roddy was a great comfort to me.Trust you Roddy. It was if fate had ordained the it be me to find you at your time of passing. I am unashamedly crying as I write this. God bless you Roddy I will always think of you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: SunrayFC
Date: 09 Apr 14 - 07:17 PM

I am making plans to be there for the funeral. I loved his music, though knew little of the man.
Will try to find a place to spend the night.

Maybe catch up with friends, who knows?

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 14 - 01:40 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,michael scott,in Devon
Date: 26 Apr 14 - 04:14 AM

Oh Rod,
       I had so hoped to see you again but now never.
I am so saddened.Roddy was my dear drinking mate and friend.
He was himself always and this was what drew me and others to both like and love him,worts and all.
I could tell many,many tales of what we got up to and did together in a few short years before I and my family moved to my beloved Westcountry.
Mary and I tried to see him booked at Bedworth but alas he couldn't make it.
I so hope to be at his funeral,he earned my respect for his personality and talent.
His words expressed in song were as honest as the day. The feelings he had were simple but elegant in their simplicity. Much more to Rod than enough for some to grasp;lovely person.I'm glad I knew him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,claire martin
Date: 28 Apr 14 - 06:43 PM

Roddy was a friend of my dad's , I remember hearing his laugh when I was a child and he would stay on our sofa after playing at the ampersand folk club .
When I was older I grew to love his music and went with my dad to the folk club.
When I moved to Coventry I would sometimes bump into him in ball hill and he always stopped to chat.
Sad to hear he is no longer with us, he was one of a kind , a truly unique individual , I'm honoured to have known him x

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Kevin Barfield
Date: 29 Apr 14 - 03:50 AM

I was honoured to call Rod a friend. first saw him at Ampersand in Barwell in the early 70s and he was deff a one off.
Noticed someone called him a cross between Status Quo And George Formby
how right it was. Rod was a big fan of George Formby and his song Tiger Lilly could have been a formby song.
Rod gave me a lot of help and encouragement when i started to perform and was always a good friend.
The world will be a sadder place without him, rest in peace Rod God Bless

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 14 - 10:24 AM

He was also the subject of Shelagh McDonald's "Rod's Song".

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 07:18 PM

Uncle roddy, listen to your music everything night I miss you so much and always. Always was smiling love you lots uncle rod bright star in the sky now your gone xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Michael Scott
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 07:30 PM

Back home in Devon,after making it to Rods funeral,I have never been to a more attended funeral! Managed to find the pub after,glad I did,met some old mutual friends and chatted to many others.Everyone very honest in their appreciation of Rods talents and his company.
At the funeral I was amazed at the recordings played,it seemed as if Rod was with us! Both eerie and lovely.
Well Rod I'll miss you always. Smile down on us. We need it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rod Felton (Coventry, UK) 2014
From: GUEST,Nick Wroughton
Date: 12 May 14 - 03:02 PM

I once,as an extremely nervous/youthful performer,had the very great pleasure of playing five-string banjo at a Coventry pub with Rob and Rod as 'The New Modern Idiot Country Grunt Band'.Along with the late Martin Jenkins disagreeing with me when I stated 'I'm not a musician just a punter',and the opportunity to sing high harmony with Bert Jansch on 'Wild Mountain Thyme',that was a moment to treasure.Those guys soooo generously blooded/coaxed you into performing in front of people.An Everly Bros quote springs to mind--'You couldn't BUY memories like that'.So rarely do such talented if uncompromising individuals as Rod come strolling down that skyway to leave an indelible impression on the rest of us.The world both musical and beyond is a poorer place without them.