`Clive John RIP

[Mike Morgan]

Clint's obit from the S Wales E Post.  I think you'll need to paste it into your browser (apologies if that sounds as if I've gone a bit techy!).

http://www.thisisannouncements.co.uk/11219737?s_source=clsw_tiws_swep

[Michael Heatley]

I queried him on the John/Morgan thing as I had believed him to be Morgan when I wrote the Bystanders 'Birth of Man' sleevenote. But he confirmed he was, as the death notice states, John.

Maybe a relation of the great Barry John? 

[Nick Nation]

Another one here, featuring Terry: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Tributes-flood-musical-giant-Clive-John/story-13206967-detail/story.html

[Nick Nation]

....and another one, albeit a reprint, here: http://usrockers.com/category/news/man-keyboard-player-passes-away

But he confirmed he was, as the death notice states, John.

I stand corrected (again). In fact I subsequently noticed in an interview with Jim Norrish in TWC issue 9 that Clint refers to "My Dad, Stuart John...."

[Mike Morgan]

Nick,

thanks for the link.  It ws only when I read Taff's tribute that I remembered I'd seen Clint in Townhill Teachers Training College in about 76 supporting East of Eden.

He had a superb reception, so much so that EoE were thouroughly pissed off because during the band changeover and at least the early part of their set, the crowd were chanting for Clint.  They eventually said something along the lines of 'Clive John has gone home' which quietened the crowd.  Shortly afterwards Clive stuck his head through the curtain behind the band and it started all over again.

Great night, but I don't know how I forgot about it.  I've still got a flyer for the gig which was sponsored by Colt 45 - remeber that stuff anyone?

[Pete T]

Maybe a relation of the great Barry John? 

Gill's Aunt Edie in Penderyn had a neighbour Enid John.

[Andrew P]

Not only Colt 45, but also Breaker, same stuff, some sort of yellow lager-like beverage made from malt liquor. Breaker used to sell by the gallon down the Gower Inn when I worked there in the hot summer of 1976, mainly to the passing tourists who got out of their trees on relatively small amounts.

Oh, and I think everyone in Wales (well Cefneithin at least) claims a blood line to Barry John ...

[Mike Morgan]

passing tourists who got out of their trees on relatively small amounts.

Nice little Clintian reference there Andrew.

Apart from post Colt / Breaker carnage the only thing I can remember about them is that an advert had a recurring theme of a marching band, American football style, appearing out of nowhere and the other was an old lady asking a construction worker how to get to Carnegie Hall and he replied, Lady, you gotta practice.

[Michael Heatley]

Having missed out when Man played Southampton I tuned up to see Clint & Co only to find they were no longer on the tour. Wonder what went on?

[Martin Daughton]

Apart from post Colt / Breaker carnage the only thing I can remember about them is that an advert had a recurring theme of a marching band, American football style, appearing out of nowhere and the other was an old lady asking a construction worker how to get to Carnegie Hall and he replied, Lady, you gotta practice.

Any Tom, Jack or Walt
Who likes the taste of malt
Will like the malt in a Colt 45

Apologies for levity in a sombre thread but levity was food and drink to Clive and I'll be raising a glass of something infinitely better than Colt 45 on Friday in memoriam.

[Andrew P]

passing tourists who got out of their trees on relatively small amounts.

Nice little Clintian reference there Andrew.

Mike - it was affectionately intentional and I'm pleased it was noticed. And Martin D is right about a little levity. The expanding piano maestro would approve I think.

[Mike Morgan]

Personaly I don't think levity is out of place as long as it's not disrespectful and doesn't offend the family or close friends.

Most of the funerals I've been to have had the spirits of the closely bereaved lifted by the telling of a tale or more about the departed.  Mourning is an essential part of dealing with a loss, but levity brings back the good times.

With the greatest respect - let the good times (rock and) roll.

[Tim W]

Just received the following email... thought it worth sharing:

Sad to hear about my friend Clive John passing on.  He was a sweet man.  So generous, and such a talented musician.

I stayed at his Swansea home on Hanover Street in 1979 (when he shared it with Terry Williams & his family) and in 1983 when I took this photograph.  In the background you can spot the ferret poster I'd sent him (found for him in a Palo Alto, California book shop). 

I last spoke on the phone to him in the fall of 2009, right before seeing Man at the 100 Club.  His spirits and sense of humor were still there despite his illness.  We laughed about the old days and traded jokes about the Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks routine, The 2000 Year Old Man, which he dearly loved.  The highlights of my 1979 visit were seeing the Tremblin' Knees perform at the Coach House, travelling in a van through the Welsh valley with his his wacky burlesque comic band, Rolled Gold. beating him at billiards at the corner pub with my beginner's luck. In 1992 I went back & visited with my wife & then-toddler daughter.  He was so kind & gentle saying hello to her.  I shall never forget him.  The world is a sadder place without CJ. 

He was one of a kind.  I will miss him so much.  I have other photos as well, but this one captures the essence of Clint in his 97 Hanover Space.

Matt

[Nick Nation]

Just received the following email... thought it worth sharing:

Yes, glad you did, Tim - and pass on our thanks to Matt.

[Mike Morgan]

Echo  NIck's comments. 
I spoke to a funeral / service attendee the other day who said it was a great turn out and the Salisbury Club wake (which appears to have been actually held in the pub next door) was a great occasion with many friends / musos trading stories about Clint.