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Obit: Diz Disley (1931-2010)

Related threads:
Diz Disley Recordings (19)
Diz Disley Discography (21)
Diz Disley retrospective (25)
Diz Disley - health - died 22 March 2010 (62)


pavane 26 Mar 10 - 05:24 AM
GUEST,Orson Trap 26 Mar 10 - 05:16 AM
cptsnapper 25 Mar 10 - 10:54 PM
GUEST,JOHN JAMES 25 Mar 10 - 08:39 PM
Tig 25 Mar 10 - 06:51 PM
GUEST,David Baxter 25 Mar 10 - 02:20 PM
GUEST,Orson Trap 25 Mar 10 - 11:53 AM
Leadfingers 25 Mar 10 - 11:11 AM
GUEST,Katie Watkins 25 Mar 10 - 09:28 AM
SylviaN 24 Mar 10 - 09:00 PM
GUEST,harvey andrews 24 Mar 10 - 07:38 PM
MoorleyMan 24 Mar 10 - 05:54 PM
Paul Reade 24 Mar 10 - 11:46 AM
GUEST,Simon Prager 24 Mar 10 - 11:27 AM
Leadfingers 24 Mar 10 - 09:59 AM
GUEST,Derek Sarjeant 24 Mar 10 - 09:56 AM
Vic Smith 24 Mar 10 - 08:11 AM
GUEST,Orson Trapp 24 Mar 10 - 07:00 AM
Bryn Pugh 24 Mar 10 - 06:03 AM
dombonito 24 Mar 10 - 05:59 AM
GUEST,Delly 24 Mar 10 - 05:41 AM
pavane 24 Mar 10 - 05:09 AM
GUEST,Gadaffi 24 Mar 10 - 05:04 AM
Wolfhound person 24 Mar 10 - 05:03 AM
Dave Sutherland 24 Mar 10 - 03:41 AM
Mick Tems 24 Mar 10 - 02:44 AM
Gurney 23 Mar 10 - 10:38 PM
Leadfingers 23 Mar 10 - 08:43 PM
GUEST,Chris Newman 23 Mar 10 - 08:33 PM
GUEST,David 'Brillo' Etheridge 23 Mar 10 - 07:37 PM
GUEST,North/South Annie 23 Mar 10 - 04:57 PM
Lanfranc 23 Mar 10 - 02:43 PM
Little Robyn 23 Mar 10 - 02:34 PM
Rusty Dobro 23 Mar 10 - 02:23 PM
Fran 23 Mar 10 - 01:51 PM
billybob 23 Mar 10 - 01:44 PM
Vic Smith 23 Mar 10 - 01:31 PM
fat B****rd 23 Mar 10 - 01:08 PM
Vic Smith 23 Mar 10 - 12:52 PM
Paul Reade 23 Mar 10 - 12:29 PM
Les in Chorlton 23 Mar 10 - 12:17 PM
Paul Reade 23 Mar 10 - 12:14 PM
bubblyrat 23 Mar 10 - 11:45 AM
GUEST,Guest - Jim Younger 23 Mar 10 - 11:44 AM
pavane 23 Mar 10 - 11:30 AM
GUEST,Eddie Gray 23 Mar 10 - 11:12 AM
Seamus Kennedy 23 Mar 10 - 11:11 AM
Roger the Skiffler 23 Mar 10 - 11:03 AM
GUEST,Ron Winkle (Banjoist) 23 Mar 10 - 11:01 AM
Mick Tems 23 Mar 10 - 09:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: pavane
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 05:24 AM

If anyone wants to hear that Pontardawe tape from 1973, PM me and I will tell you how to find it.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Orson Trap
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 05:16 AM

Hi Paul,
I found the cassette of that night in Sale and had a quick listen. The second half consisted of Diz doing mostly George Formby songs, all good entertaining stuff. What a star.
You and Al were on there too.
The sound quality is c**p but listenable.
I also checked out The Stationary Willberries, thanks for that.
Al hasn't changed much has he?


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: cptsnapper
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 10:54 PM

When I was in Magna Carta some local people decided to put us on in concert in Bedford where I lived and I suggested that we have Diz as support. So really it came as no surprise for me to receive a call from him to say that he wouldn't be able to make the gig because he'd missed his flight from Spain!
Can anyone verify the story that one night after a gig Diz had nowhere to stay so decided to park the hearse in a field miles from anywhere and lay down in the back. Apparently a police car drove by, saw the hearse, one of the policemen got out to investigate, woke Diz up who sat up whereupon the policeman fainted!
I realise that this is off of the subject but John are you still in contact with Dave Ward?


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,JOHN JAMES
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 08:39 PM

1968..I started solo gigging thro the Sandy Glennon Agency. Initally doing a lot of depping..stepping in at the last minute, usually ten to six. Who did I do the most deps for Alex Campbell ? Silvo? no..you've guessed it. At least Alex and Johnny usually had a good excuse..Diz didn't bother with such things.
I went with Diz,one night, to the Hop Poles Enfield..we were still in Hilda S's house in Dulwich at ten to eight ! Mick Brown (Hickory Nuts) was driving. We waited ages while the great man preened himself, windsor knot in the tie, trousers knife edge crease, blazer brushed, grecian 2000. He was getting in the car , I said " Diz where's your guitar ?"..He gave me a look...like.."I can see you're going to be trouble"..reluctantly he goes back in the house grabs Dave Ward's guitar and shoves to me in the back seat..with another look.." are you happy now boyio"
He often spoke to me in a welsh accent..he reckoned he had spent his chidhood there.
Along with Derek S,Brillo,Chris Newman, Pete Berryman etc we were truly priviledged..IT MAY BE RUBBISH..BUT ITS BRIISH RUBBISH !!!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Tig
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 06:51 PM

Very sad news - but at least Diz lived a life to be proud of! I doubt he will ever be forgotten, especially by those who, like me, crossed his path.

Thanks for the beautiful words Harvey. I look forward to hearing you sing them.

Love and hugs
Tig
xxx


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,David Baxter
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 02:20 PM

My father managed Stephane Grapelli and it's with great sadness that our family marks the passing of Diz. We all have great memories of his amazing performances and just being in his company was at times so energizing. Personally, I remember listening to him playing in the bars of Mojacar in Southern Spain during my summer holidays and when I was too young to appreciate how good he was and how lucky I was.

Sadly gone but never forgotten!

God bless.

David


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Orson Trap
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 11:53 AM

Hi Paul,
I seem to remember that 'Cellarfull of Folk' (Radio M/c?) were there that night at Sale and recorded it.
They broadcast it later and I recorded it on a mono radio/cassette player/recorder (the dog's then, for me anyway). I will have a root round and see if I still have it.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 11:11 AM

I'll be there !!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Katie Watkins
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 09:28 AM

Dear all,

I have been reading your posts over the last few days and have been so touched by the messages and memories that have been shared. They have made me laugh and cry and it is so wonderful to see the sense of love and loss on this page.

Diz was my Godfather, and a better Education could never have been received, bought or taught!

If any of you would like to attend the funeral please drop me a line and I'll let you know all the details. It will be held on the 7th April in London. My e-mail address is katiewatkins7@hotmail.com

With regards to any footage or recordings of Diz I think the BBC archives would contain some material, I also have a box of audio recordings that I will, eventually, go through. However, they are very old and the quality may have gone.

Katie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: SylviaN
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 09:00 PM

Very sad. He'll be missed.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 07:38 PM

It's been a hard twelve months. Johnny Collins, Fred Wedlock, and now Diz. All unique, all loveable, all missed.


                     FADING VOICES

FADING VOICES ALL AROUND
STILL I HEAR THEIR JOYFUL SOUND
ONCE THEY STOOD BESIDE ME WHEN
WE WERE YOUNG AND SINGING THEN
SONGS THAT CAME LIKE SHOOTING STARS
TO SHINE THEIR LIGHT ON OUR GUITARS
WORDS THAT SET OUR SOULS AFLAME
THINKING ALL OUR LIVES A GAME
FADING VOICES ALL AROUND
STILL I HEAR THEIR JOYFUL SOUND

THE ROAD, THE GIRLS, THE SUN AT DAWN
THE TUNES THAT IN THAT HOUR WERE BORN
SIDE BY SIDE WE TOOK THE STAGE
AND NEVER THOUGHT WE'D REACH THIS AGE
SOME JUST GAVE IT ALL AWAY
AND LET THE BOTTLE WIN THE DAY
SOME JUST WATCHED THEIR SPOTLIGHT DIE
TILL DARKNESS TOOK THEM FROM OUR EYE
FADING VOICES ALL AROUND
STILL I HEAR THEIR JOYFUL SOUND

OLD SOLDIERS NOW AS YOUNG ONES COME
NEW TALES TO TELL NEW CHORDS TO STRUM
NAMES THAT ONCE WE HELD SO DEAR
ARE UNKNOWN TO THE YOUNG ONES HERE
BUT FADING VOICES ALL AROUND
STILL I HEAR THEIR JOYFUL SOUND
ONCE THEY STOOD BESIDE ME WHEN
WE WERE YOUNG AND SINGING THEN
OLD SOLDIERS NOW, OUR TORCHES BURN,
STILL BRIGHT, BUT TAKE THEM IT'S YOUR TURN


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:54 PM

Sad news.
I only saw Diz play live the once, with Grappelli in the mid-70s: a memorable occasion indeed. But I still treasure those criminally few tracks he graced on Swarb & Carthy's '67 album Rags Reels & Airs...
A unique talent, and he'll be missed, sure.
RIP Diz.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Paul Reade
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 11:46 AM

Orson

I'd forgotten the incident about the guitar.

Al Lawrence was originally from the Isle of Man and moved back there in the late 70s. I still see him occasionally when he comes over here - last time was for my wife Kath's 60th birthday party last year.

He's still performing with his band The Stationary Wilberries (love the name!) - See http://manxman.ch/moodle/ and http://www.youtube.com/user/manxli

Paul Reade

His daughters Kirsty and Katie are also excellent musicians - see http://www.myspace.com/kirstyandkatielawrence


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Simon Prager
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 11:27 AM

I saw a fair bit of Diz in the last few years. He had declined a lot but his humour still came out occasionally. Can I please put in a plea if anyone has recorded material especially video of Diz from the folk club days, I'd love to get hold of a copy and share it with Hylda Sims (his oldest friend I think) and Katie Watkins his goddaughter. Katie has looked after him wonderfully in recent years and all though there was no money, she made sure that he was in a good home and visited him daily. We have many memories of him but none of us have much recorded stuff. I've got stuff of Diz with Grappelli but nothing of Diz as the great entertainer that he was.
Cheers
Simon Prager
020 8677 0526
simon.prager@googlemail.com


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 09:59 AM

Vic - I sem to recall the message going out after Diz had been off the scene for a while (USA Perhaps) that if any one HAD got any bootlegs of his act , could he have copies as he had forgatten a lot of the songs he used to do !
I know I didnt see him for about ten years , til we met up , and had a Great Fun half hour set at Caversham Festival . I Think he had been Cartooning in Hollywood !


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Derek Sarjeant
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 09:56 AM

Farewell to my dear old friend Diz. Diz and I joined forces in the early 1960's touring Colleges and Folkclubs and appearing on several TV Diary programmes and Radio. Diz held me responsible for his entry to the Folkscene where he worked successfully for several years prior to teaming up with Grappelli. Diz was a great guy to work with, a superb guitarist and his humour and repartee was unsurpassed. He was almost a resident performer at my Surbiton & Kingston Folkcub where his performances always received tumultuous applause. I have countless recollections of memorable experiences wih Diz both in the UK and in Spain.In 1968 he introduced me to my late wife Hazel and for that I shall be forever grateful.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 08:11 AM

An incident at another Brighton folk club some time around 1970.

Diz was in full flow in one of his hilarious, very involved stories when he stopped dead.... his attention apparently drawn to someone sitting in the front row.

"Is that a cassette recorder that you have got there?
Are you making a recording?"
And then in a louder voice....
"Are you, in fact, bugging us?"

When poor old Noel, his face reddened by all this admitted that this was the case. Disley announced to the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please be very careful. We have a bugger in our midst!"


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Orson Trapp
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 07:00 AM

Sorry to hear about the world's loss.
I was there Paul R at Sale that night when you booked Diz.
He arrived without a guitar saying "it had been liberated by the revolutionary masses and that were probably digging a trench with the bloody thing as we speak". I remember Al Lawrence lending him his Yamaha guitar which prompted various comments similar to those already mentioned.
Paul R whatever happened to Al? I knew he moved to the IOM shortly after.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 06:03 AM

I had the privilege of MCing Diz at MSG on a couple of occasions.

I remember a night at the Wellington - Cavalcade - corner of Barlow Moor Road and Wilmslow Road, where Diz was the main guest.

He cracked a poor (for him !) joke, and I made a raspberry.

To which Diz commented : "That's what I'm here for - audience fart -icipation !".

I don't like to use the well worn cliche, but in his case, it's true -

We shall never see his like again.

Hope there's plenty of brandy at the great Jamboree in the Otherworld.

Sleep in Peace, Dear Boy - if anyone earned it, you have.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: dombonito
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:59 AM

Anyone with a beard was called 'Mattress Face'. He once rounded off the evening at The Enterprise by saying "My grateful thanks to Dom Bonito, the only man in London with a beard composed entirely of pubic hair".


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Delly
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:41 AM

Vivid memories of Diz - Germany 1954/55 - singing 'These Foolish Things'- his version started 'Those dirty nights we spent in Shepherds Market' . Germans had no idea what he was singing about, thought it was great, which it was.   I often sing it to myself even now -(when I've had one or two) !!! Anyone got a tape ?


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: pavane
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:09 AM

Chastity belt is also on that tape I have

"She's married to Sir Oswald, the celtic old (pause) - cunning old Celt" (His name doesn't sound very Celtic to me!).

I have a vague recollection that the Knock Knock on this occasion was

Who's there?
Winston
Winston who?
You mean you've forgotten already?

but I will ahve to check it out later.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:04 AM

Superb entertainer. I saw him many times at folk clubs in Birmingham and the Farnham area. Can't help noticing the fall in Glenfiddich shares!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 05:03 AM

Booked in 1970 at Norwich (UEA) folk cub, I was the nervous first year detailed to collect him from the station - I had a car.
I recognise the "satyr on his way to an orgy" description!
I think we also booked him together with Malcolm Price - but it's a long time ago.

Wonderful performer, I later (early 80s) saw him at Cambridge FF with Stephane Grapelli. By then his music was not really my primary interest, but it was cracking performance.

I heard the "Chastity Belt" variation too, in 1970-ish.

Paws


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 03:41 AM

Booked him twice in the seventies; superb musician and entertainer, total professional, so sorry to hear this sad news.
RIP


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Mick Tems
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 02:44 AM

"In the main tent at the 1972 Laycock folk festival he was singing Chastity Belt and asked for a drink..."


Ah yes, Chastity Belt... "I'm married to Sir Oswald, the celtic old c*nt"

Thanks, Diz!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Gurney
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 10:38 PM

Diz was pretty eccentric about turning up to far-flung bookings, sometimes, although, to be fair, he always telephoned. Sometimes as much as four hours before the gig started.
You had to keep booking him, though, for the fun. Especially if Rod Felton was going to turn up. too.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:43 PM

I have no outrageous stories about Diz , just a HUGE pile of memories
dating back to 1964 and the Ken Colyer Club all nighters , when I was playing BAD Sax and Clarinet and trying to drag the band down to my level! Then , later playng Jazz Penny whistle with him at Folk Clubs and Festivals , and ALWAYS being blown away by his skill as a musician and Entertainer


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Chris Newman
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:33 PM

Just heard the news. What can you say about Diz? I worked with him (and Brillo) for years in all sorts of places and also owe him a huge debt for getting me started on the whole swing style of playing. There are so many stories about Diz - someone should write a book!

He was an extraordinary chap - great musician, brilliant entertainer and an absolute eccentric. I remember driving with him, in an ancient Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire, to his place in Spain in 1976 - the journey took forever as the car refused to do more than 45mph and lost its exhaust in the middle of Barcelona. The volume produced by the car was shocking, and resulted in our being pulled up by the cops in some small town or other. It could have been a difficult situation, but Diz sweet-talked the local police chief and persuaded him to ride in the back of this impressive looking, if not sounding, vehicle. "Quick dear boy, hop in the front and drive" said he as he got in the back with the local cop as we proceeded to tour the town with the local cop waving out of the window to the extremely bemused local populace.

A wonderful bloke - we're all poorer for his passing.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,David 'Brillo' Etheridge
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 07:37 PM

Hi folks,
I've just heard the sad news about Diz. He started me off in jazz when I jammed with him at Hitchin folk club in 1970, and over the years we played a lot of clubs together as well as some storming sessions at the Cambridge Folk Festival including the Grappelli tour in 1973.
In fact it's due to him that I'm still playing jazz and m.d.ing big bands now.
I owe him everything.
Many thanks Diz. RIP and I'll see you in a few years time when its my turn to cross over to the great gig in the sky. I'll be bringing the 5 string wardrobe with me!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,North/South Annie
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 04:57 PM

I remember Diz from the late 60's - 70's, seeing him at gigs in the South. I felt aweful at one where at about 17 years old,I cocked up a song during my floor spot and he was watching but I remember he was very kind speaking to me about it afterwards and I felt much better. I was lucky enough to see him live several times, often with Grapelli and another guitarist whose name I never knew. The sound was great and I've not heard anything like it since.
R.I.P. Diz God Bless!

Annie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Lanfranc
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 02:43 PM

I got to know Diz quite well back in my Troubadour era in the 60s and early 70s of the last century.

Happy memories abound, but a couple stand out...

There he was at the Cambridge Folk Festival car park in his enormous flesh-coloured Cadillac convertible. "I say, dear boy, could you just see me out, some of these buggers have parked a bit close!"

There was that early morning session at the Fiesta in Fulham Road with Diz, Stephane Grappelli and sundry others. I have been known to claim that I "sat in" with them at Diz's invitation - I did, but in truth I managed to play about one chord in four. It was magic, all the same.

He was a talented artist in more ways than one, a fun companion and a great entertainer. We will not see his like again!

If he really did die destitute as mentioned above those of us who knew him really should contribute to his funeral/wake or whatever.

Happy landings, Diz, "Pip, pip"

Alan


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Little Robyn
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 02:34 PM

In the main tent at the 1972 Laycock folk festival he was singing Chastity Belt and asked for a drink. Someone passed one up to him and he said "Ah, the man from Oxthirst!"
Then he did the "Just a drop to steady myself" gag.
In the same song, at the point where they go to the locksmith,
"On his door we will knock." he knocked on the guitar and said,
"Knock, knock"
Audience - "Who's there?"
Diz - "Catch"
Audience - "Catch who?"
Diz - "Bless you!"
Bless you Diz.
Robyn


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 02:23 PM

Happy memories of a night at Ronnies, when he was backing Stephane with Ike Isaacs. After the Japanese tourists and everyone else had left, we had what amounted to a command performance as they played all our requests far into the night. Needless to say we felt very privileged.

Thirty-something years later, I saw him at the Yoxford 'Griffin', and was able to apologise for that late night. I said how wonderful it must have been, backing such a jazz legend - he thought for a moment, and just said 'Grapelli? Dirty old sod!'

The Yoxford evening ended with a skiffle marathon in the company of John Pilgrim, from the 'Vipers'. Happy days.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Fran
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 01:51 PM

From Swarbs website

"Hello folks. Diz died today, Monday 22nd March. Sadly, he was destitute and funds are needed for a fitting send off. If you feel you would like to make a contribution, please make your cheque payable to DIZAID and send it to me at 5 Dronfield Road, Stoke, Coventry, CV2 4BZ. The DizAid Concert mentioned below is still going ahead. Very many thanks, Swarb x"

http://www.folkicons.co.uk/swarbmenu.htm


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: billybob
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 01:44 PM

So very sad, Diz was a wonderful musician and a very lovely person. "pip pip" old friend.
Wendy and Bill Simon


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 01:31 PM

I have posted a photo of the man in his prime at:-

http://froots.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=21737#21737


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: fat B****rd
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 01:08 PM

It was George Melly's 'Owning Up' that featured some great Dizley quotes. RIP Sir.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:52 PM

January 1970.
We had booked Diz at the folk club at the Marlborough Hotel in Brighton. He was in pub before we got there. He greeted me. "Hello, dear boy, allow me to buy you both a drink?" We told him what we wanted to drink and he ordered one for himself and one for the barman before patting his pockets and turning to me and saying, "A sub on my fee, dear boy, I appear to have left home without my wallet!"

He had also apparently left home without his guitar, a fact that he did not mention until I announced him. He got up and said, "I wonder if anyone could lend me a guitar? I appear to have left home without mine." There was a rush from all the guitarists there to have the honour of Diz playing their guitar. He looked at them with a dubious, critical eye and then selected one, examined it carefully and then announced, "Ladies & gentlemen, it is a rare treat for me to be able to play a guitar which appears to be constructed from a Jaffa Orange box!" He put the strap over his shoulder, played a searing, dazzling run on it and then continued, "...and Crapatone strings, I notice."


A story from even earlier than this told to me by Jon Isherwood.

Diz told Jon that he has just been offered a cartoon spot each week in The Observer at a salary that he could easily have lived off, never mind the money he earned from music.

"That's fantastic"! says Jon.

"No. no, no, dear boy. Turned it down."

"You turned it down? Whatever for?

"Routine, dear boy, routine. No, no. Fuck routine!"


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Paul Reade
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:29 PM

"I only drink to steady myself ... sometimes I get so steady I can't move"


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:17 PM

"I always carry brandy incase I am bitten by a snake ............ which I also carry

sad

L in C


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Paul Reade
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:14 PM

I remember Diz doing a great night at the old Sale Folk Club. As a change from his Rolls, he arrived in a white Cadillac which was so wide it nearly blocked the street when he parked it outside.

One of the best descriptions of him is in one of George Melly's books (can't remember which one). It goes something like "... he had a face like a satyr on his way to an orgy ..."


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: bubblyrat
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:45 AM

So ....reunited at last with Pat (Nelson) and Jon ( Isherwood) ; That ought to be a riot (Up ,or most likely down,there !).


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: GUEST,Guest - Jim Younger
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:44 AM

Sorry to hear Diz has 'gone before'. Back in 1971 or thereabouts the outfit I was playing with were doing a show at Nottingham University, and the agent had booked Diz into the show too. Diz turned up without a guitar. "That's okay. I knew you lot would have one," he said, and went on with a borrowed guitar (not a particularly fine instrument, an acoustic with round-wound strings and a two-inch action that my pal had bought for flumpence). Of course, Diz made it sound like a proper musical instrument. He had come up on the train and cadged a lift back to London with us ("I knew you'd be driving") and we dropped him in West Hampstead, where he went home to drink carrot juice - or so he said.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: pavane
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:30 AM

"sausage me a gregory" - I have that quote on tape somewhere - that's probably the same gig that Dr Price remembers. And I am currently living in what he called the "transpontine" area.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: GUEST,Eddie Gray
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:12 AM

Always a pleasure to play with over many years , great timing , will be sadly missed !

A man with always lots idea of things to Do , even though some of them a little crazy !

We will all miss you Diz !!


Eddie


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:11 AM

Saw him live with Stephane Grapelli here in the U.S. in the '70's.

A truly wonderful musician. Another good 'un gone.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:03 AM

Never saw him live but enjoyed his radio and record appearances, with trad bands, Django-type outfits and with Johnny Silvo. Sad news.

RtS


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: GUEST,Ron Winkle (Banjoist)
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 11:01 AM

So sad to hear that Diz has passed away. I had many memorable gigs with Diz back in the 60's and 70's and will always remember his unique style, in both his guitar playing and his wit.

He nearly alwas turned up to gigs (late!) in a well-used vintage Rolls Royce and it would be fitting for him to take his last journey in one of these fine vehicles (preferably one that doesn't break down!}.

Rest in peace dear friend - there'll never be another.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley
From: Mick Tems
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 09:56 AM

One happy memory is seeing Diz Disley at very close quarters in the Valley Folk Club at Pontardawe. Diz really went for it - at closing time, Brian the compere looked at his watch and signalled Diz to do one more, but Diz carried on and on... and on!

The club finished very late, and I think Brian had to call a halt. We crept down the stairs, each one afraid of the landlord's wrath. Up in the club, Diz was still busy strumming his guitar - what a star and a very fine musician!


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