COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
IT WAS a lovely service last week for Coventry’s legendary crooner Vince Hill.
I was honoured to be invited as a VIP to the funeral at Henley-on-Thames Town Hall and later to Vince’s local pub at Lower Shiplake.
The day was intended to celebrate Vince’s life and successful career, and this was done superbly.
As the beautiful wicker coffin entered to the sound of ‘Edelweiss’, Clare Grove Funeral Celebrant did a superb job of welcoming us and reading the personal messages and tributes to Vince from his loving family and friends.
There were so many familiar faces – Debbie McGee, Carol Decker of T’Pau, Anita Harris and DJ Mike Read.
More of Vince’s songs followed with a photographic tribute from the private family album accompanied by ‘Look Around’.
Then it was a tribute from the Grand Order of Water Rats that Vince was so proud to be part of. All ‘Rats’ stood up and sang the traditional song led by Kaplan Kaye – that was very moving.
Popular entertainer Anita Harris made a short speech and sang a few bars of ‘Smile’. This was followed by some moving video tributes from various showbiz friends including Sir Tim Rice, Jimmy Cricket and Les Dennis.
The coffin left the town hall to the sound of Vince singing the fitting ballad ‘The Show Is Over’. Then it was off to Lower Shiplake to Vince’s local pub for a lovely buffet and a chance to talk about the man once more – how down-to-earth he was, his kindness and his wicked sense of humour.
Well done the organisers Stephen Munns, donations can still be made to The Mascular Society and Blind Veterans – two charities dear to Vince’s heart vince-hill.muchloved.com/.
Thanks to Mark Harrison for his company.
Over his lifetime, Vince released 25 studio albums, recorded theme songs for five motion picture soundtracks and earned a national and international reputation through hit records and sold–out performances at some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues such as Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the London Palladium.
Abz Winter – Judgemental
Abz Winter is back this time, however, it’s less dance beats and more rock with the injection of some powerful guitar riffs.
‘Judgemental’ is written about a toxic relationship in which Abz felt unsupported, a total lack of respect and where the constant conflict was undermining her very core. This unapologetic track hears her delivering brutally honest lyrics to what is now well and truly an ex!
The lyrics in the chorus – ‘You’re toxic, judgemental, Damn tragic, you’re the devil, hot and cold nothing special, I just want you out of my life!’ speak volumes.
Abz said: “This track is to empower others to tell their toxic partner to get out of their lives and at the same time have them passionately shouting at the top of their lungs, maybe get some release from pent-up emotions with a bit of humour.”
It’s available now from the usual sources.
