Obit: Diz Disley (1931-2010)

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 12:32 PM

Telegraph Obit

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Vic Smith
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 01:19 PM

Here's a story that Diz told about himself at one late night drinking session after he had done a gig for us in Brighton:-

Decades ago, Diz was playing the Officers' Mess at H.M.S Collingwood near Portsmouth and after the gig his hosts broke out the Pursers' Rum. I don't know how many of you have touched that stuff but, believe me, it is lethal.

Much the worse for wear, Diz was later weaving his car up Portsdown Hill when he was stopped by the police. According to Diz, the following exchange took place:-

Policeman Just a check, sir, I'm not sure that you are fully in control of this car.
Diz Just a cheque? Oh! Thank goodness - I thought that you were going to book me! Who do I make it out to?

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,addison
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 05:53 PM

Obit in The Guardian, 16 April.

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,GUEST, Cestrian
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 03:04 PM

In the 1960s, Diz appeared for the first time in the main folk club in Chester. He ended the evening by announcing to the mystified audience that he would now sing the famous "Chester Song". "Don't you know it?" asked Diz. "All together now - Chester song at twilight . . . ."

As the French say: Reservoir . . .

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Dave Burland
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 01:21 PM

I have quite a few Disley stories, my favourite being, he had just played a roaring guitar solo, finished the song and drank a whole pint of beer in one go, "my next song" he said "was written by W.C. Handy................ and I hope there is" He was a gent and a master.
Safe journey Diz

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Jeremy Riches
Date: 03 May 10 - 06:17 PM

What a loss. There was no character quite like Diz.

I am fortunate in having some unique recordings of Diz from his folk club days and have been asked if I could do a copy or two. Being mindful of copyright, does anyone know who I could contact to seek permission? Please email me on jeremy[at]richesfamily.net

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 May 10 - 07:00 PM

Jeremy - E Mail sent

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 04 May 10 - 02:19 PM

Some more letters about Diz published today in the Guardian.


Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: GUEST,Stu Weetman
Date: 29 May 10 - 04:57 PM

I only just found out about Diz having "reached room temperature" as I remember him once saying. A very sad loss. I first encountered Diz at a folk club in Bill Quay, where I joined what I now refer to as "Dizley's collection of shrunken heads". I played a floor spot (a 12 bar blues) and was properly chuffed when Diz asked me to get up and join him on guitar. He then announced that we would play "Basin Street Blues" in Bb. I promptly capoed up so I could use G shapes. We were ready to kick off when Diz declared "we don't need the handcuffs, dear boy!" and confiscated my capo! That was me snookered. My last memory of Diz was when he turned up as a guest at a Gypsy Jazz evening in woodcote, South Oxfordshire, about a year ago. He was, by then, too frail to play, but it was touching that, when Ian Cruickshank, the MC of the evening, introduced him to the audience, he received a standing ovation.

He was a lovely man, and a stunning musician.

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley - 22 March 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 May 10 - 06:08 PM

Stu - You missed an excellent Memorial Concert last Wedneday at The Half Moon ! Revived City Ramblers PLUS Chas McDevitt , Le Hot Club de Londres , Sarb and Carthyand all sorts of other people !

Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley (1931-2010)
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 26 May 19 - 05:16 AM

Hi, I don't know if anyone is still reading this thread, but I'm doing some investigation into my genealogy and believe that Diz may be my biological grandfather. My mother was given up for adoption in the 60s. I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have any more information about his parents (names etc) as I'm trying to trace their origins in Wales. Any information would be gratefully appreciated. Many thanks, Mark