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.