Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)[Aug 2009]

Subject: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Splott Man
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:39 AM

Neil Lewis, who played for many years with Max Boyce, died at Morriston Hospital, Swansea this weekend after a long illness. Against the odds he had continued to work as a musician, and was in Bermuda when he was taken ill.

He was a very funny man in his own right and will be missed.

Splott man

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 03:45 AM

RIP:

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 06:28 AM

RIP, Neil.

It's a funny thing, I haven't thought or heard about Max Boyce for years and now I've heard him mentioned 3 times in the last 5 days.

Deirdre

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 09:05 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this. I played harp on a couple of Max Boyce's records years ago and met Neil at that time. He was amusing, great company (so was Max, a truly likeable guy), and a very fine musician.   Another good one gone ...

R.I.P. Neil

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Snuffy
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 09:35 AM

As we walked into the pub after morris practice on Monday night, the background music playing was Max with The Pithead Baths is a Supermarket Now.

Coincidence?

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:50 PM

Sad news indeed! I remember him and John Luce in Pompey and the song that had me on the floor was a parody of 'Leader Of The Pack' about a roadie in a rock band - It was called 'Packer Of The Leads'

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:53 PM

Sad news RIP Neil

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Michelle
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 03:30 PM

RIP Neil he was a great friend & will be deeply missed by all who knew him,always loved never forgotten

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Bald Bob (Canada)
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 05:30 PM

I am very saddened to hear of Neils death.As a good friend and driver/set-up man for Neil aprox 10 yrs ago centered in the Cambridge Ont area we spent many hrs together (often vaguely remembered). A good spirit has been lost----Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 05:13 AM

I was in Llantrisant Folk Club a while ago when in walked Neil. It was as if he hadn't been away; he was greeting old friends, and when his turn came he entertained the whole Club, despite his illness. Neil was a showman to the last.

Max, you'll be pleased to hear, is still wowing vast crowds, although his appearances are rare. Neil and John Luce used to accompany Max, and it's thanks to John that Calennig's music was heard all over the world - he made us marvellous sturdy flight cases for my melodeons and Pat's concertina, and despite numerous bumps and bashes over the past 30 years, they're as good as new!

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Splott Man
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 06:05 AM

Did any of you know him well enough to write an obituary for Taplas magazine?

You can contact Keith Hudson direct via the link, or send it via PM to Dr Price (above) or myself by early September.

Thanks

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Splott Man
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 06:07 AM

Here's a better link (I hope!)

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,John in Hamilton
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 11:50 AM

Loved his take on "Sweet Caroline". Here comes a verse about two gay German guys, "Hans touching Hans...

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Mark Harris
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 12:03 PM

Neil was a good friend, best man at our wedding in '82 and always a laugh to be around.
We spent many hours travelling & working together with Max in the late 70's, early 80's and many hours in local pubs in search of "real ale"! It's strange how an event such as a friend's death can rekindle all the good memories of those great times back then. You'll be sadly missed.
God bless & rest in peace Neil

Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Splott Man
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 04:31 AM

His funeral is next Monday (17th) in Coychurch, Bridgend. I'm sorry, I don't yet have a time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 05:26 AM

Never really met him , but saw and heard him withh Max ! A Fine musician indeed

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: Splott Man
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 05:24 PM

Coychurch Crematorium, which is off the A48 on the east side of Bridgend town, 1.15pm on Monday 17 August.
Then back to the yacht club on Barry Island.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Duane Nlfd Canada
Date: 11 Aug 09 - 09:17 PM

I had the pleasure of meeting Neil about ten years ago when he visited Newfoundland. He was with my friend's sister at the time and a group of our friends followed him on his gigs.he had the audience in stitches with his humour and in awe with his guitar playing. We had all built a good friendship with him and when i got the news it floored me. His playing of the Duelling Banjo was to this day the best i've ever heard. Rest in peace my friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Rory Furlong
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 12:40 AM

I don't think that Neil would like to rest in peace. I like to think that where-ever He finds himself now He is seeking out a session to have some craic! I liked Niel and I admired him as a performer. He will be missed and He will be remembered.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Lester Murray
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:28 PM

Dear Neil,
          You didn't have to sing or play so well.Nor be so funny and full of warmth. The talent was just a halo for such a lovely man. You stuck up for me when everyone else thought I was an asshole. Almost half a century ago, a slag heap slid down a railway siding and crushed a school house full of kids. You hawked a lot of newspapers, bought a guitar, (guaranteed not to bend), and the rest is His Story.
I personally know hundreds of your friends, fans and people you touched. We were organizing a fund-raiser, (Being for the Benefit of Neil Lewis), when we heard the news (oh boy). Everyone was willing to devote their time to help extend yours. It's been very difficult and frustrating to be so far while you slipped away. We'll have a memorial for you, play your videos and "remember the good times that we can have if we close our eyes". Thankx for the Memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,ROB ALLEN
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 09:17 PM

Neil & I go back a long way! just a bit before i joined the Max Boyce Band (as Max's 1st Drummer)..I no coz i was there back in 1977/78...
we met up again many years later when he came back to Barry Island after a long illness in Canada... I was singing in the Windsor Hotel on a Monday & Neil did the friday! here's a verse from my Composition "The Windsor Song"
Neil Lewis sings here on a friday, and he is a very nice man,
and he's got a good voice, remember Max Boyce? Well Neil and i played in his band,
And he sometimes calls in on a monday, just to show us what he's all about! He drank Canada dry! Well he gave it a try! and he's Going back after the Drought!.....
Neil thought it was funny!
I saw Neil almost every Monday for 6 or 7 years he was a great Guy! a man you could sit and talk to for hours & not be bored in the slightest!
Neil was a good friend along with Dicky & Jimmy! They really broke the mold when they made those three! well i bet there somewhere now! Drinking! arguing! & Making some great music together ! you three really were "The Mutts Nutts" and Neil you were and always will be TEAM LEADER!...
See you in my Dreams Mate!
Rob Allen

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,Peter Lehmann Las Vegas NV USA
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 12:23 PM

I just received the sad news that Neil had passed away and I grieve with the rest of his friends, from the great days at the White Heron in Bermuda where some of the funniest and most entertaining moments of my life occured mostly thanks to Neil.
Iraised my glass with you then and now raise it in your memory,
You will be deaply missed..
I am so greatful right now for having known Neil and calling him friend,
"BLOODY GREAT FISHES ARE WALES"
Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)
From: GUEST,ann may
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 05:03 PM

I think I was Neil (Jim) Lewis's first girlfriend in Bridgend, Mid-Glam - we went to the cinema was I was 15 so he was probably 16 and went to see 'The Third Man'. I cannot believe he has died as I am only 56 so he would have been around about the same age. I am so sorry for his relatives - he was a lovely boy and very polite and gave me a very brief kiss en route back to my house via Merthymawr Road. It was my first ever date. My sympathies to all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Neil Lewis (Wales)[Aug 2009]
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 10:45 AM

I saw Neil and John Luce perform together at the "Bell and Pump" folk club in Edgbaston Birmingham way back in seventies, fantastic evening was had by all. Neil was hilarious. he will be sadly missed. Dave Fletcher