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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)
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Subject: RE: Diz Disley - health From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 23 Mar 10 - 04:59 AM It has been mentioned on the BBC message board and the fRoots board that Diz has sadly passed away. No other info at the present time. If true another sad day. RIP. |
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Subject: RE: Diz Disley - health From: pavane Date: 23 Mar 10 - 05:15 AM So sorry to hear that, if it's true. |
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Subject: Obit: Diz Disley From: Leadfingers Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:27 AM Diz was moved from The Royal Free back to the nursing home in St Johns Wood , but never improved , I gather , and 'Just Faded Away' , dying in the afternoon of Monday 22nd March . Having known him and had some great music with him for forty five years I know I will miss him ! |
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Subject: RE: Diz Disley - health From: John MacKenzie Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:31 AM Poor old Diz, what a way to end such a chequered career. RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: John MacKenzie Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:35 AM A fine musician, and a legend in so many ways. RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: Will Fly Date: 23 Mar 10 - 06:51 AM Diz sometimes used to say, at the end of a performance, "God bless - after all, that's his job." If the devil was in him, he would sometimes finish with, "Tara then, many thanks - now f*ck off home!" Bless him! RIP - there'll never be another. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie Date: 23 Mar 10 - 07:52 AM His performance at the Stainsby Festival in the early '80s was something I could never forget, and the session with Johnny Silvo was mesmerising. But what I will be telling my grandchildren about will be the session in the beer tent where I got to play along with him. What they call a red letter day... He is probably asking St Peter to sausage him a gregory.. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: Zany Mouse Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:07 AM A great guy. Although I never knew him as a person I always loved his performances and I felt his personality showed through in them. I'm glad it was an easy passing. Rhiannon |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: The Sandman Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:11 AM I didnt know him or see him much,but I did catch him on television playing with Stephane Grappeli,he was a fine musician. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: Fleggy Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:28 AM I was saddened to hear he has gone; but what a great time he had while he was here! as Diz would say, "pip pip" I did a good few gigs with Diz on the jazz scene and my lasting memory is his rhythm guitar playing, you could not better it, combinig a very light touch with the pick and great swinging rhythm; it is something that only seems to work with acoustic guitar, and he certainly had some fine instruments. His folk club act was always good fun. Diz knew the art of being an entertainer, not just being a superb musician, someone who looked the part of the lovable rogue but who underneath was very much in control. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Diz Disley From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work Date: 23 Mar 10 - 08:38 AM Another good one goes... was listening to some of his stuff just this Sunday... RIP. LTS |
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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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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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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 - 12:29 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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 - 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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,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: 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: 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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