A Celebration of the Life of
Chris Smith

Christmas 2012

Another year, another Christmas without you in our lives. So sad to think of all you’ve missed, but so glad we had you here with us, even though it should have been for longer. Missing your smile and your unique perspective on life. Sending love and thoughts to you and to everyone who knew you and loved you.

Love always

Michelle xxxx

Happy birthday Chris. Thinking of you lots today on what should have been your 46th birthday. Will raise a glass and save some cake for you. Sending lots of love as always.

Michelle xxx

Remembering Chris today, three years after he was taken from us. Wonderful memories of a special person, sad feelings to be without him in the world. Missing you every day, Chris. Love always

Michelle xxxx

Christmas 2011

Sending out wishes for a wonderful Christmas and New Year to all. Wish Chris was still here to celebrate with family and friends – another year gone by but still he is missed every single day. Will be remembering all the good times when in his inimitable style he entertained us all, made us laugh, and reminded us why we all loved him.

Wishing for lots good things for everyone in 2012.

Michelle x x x x

I’m very sorry to say that Chris’s cat Ernie has sadly left us after a short illness. Ernie was a cat full of character and I really miss his presence round the house. After we lost Chris, Ernie was always around and having to look after him helped get me up in the morning, although he also did a grand job of looking after me. I’m glad he reached a good age of almost 16 years old but I miss him terribly. RIP Ernie

Michelle

Happy 45th Birthday Chris, Thinking of you today, wishing I was baking you a big chocolate cake again and taking you out tonight. Missing you and sending love always

Michelle xxxx

Two years on Chris and we miss you every day. You live on in our hearts, conversations and our music. Oh and not forgetting  in the enjoyment of Singapore Slings, Sicilian Rags and mushroom fondue! The magical memories keep you with us. All our love,

Mat , Kath, Lorna , Tash and Frankie xxxx

Thinking of you today, Chris, two years on. So much I’ll never get to say to you but holding on to the happy memories. Love you always

Michelle xxxx

Christmas 2010

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. I have such good memories of the last Christmas I spent with Chris, with his parents, then with mine, then up in Yorkshire. It was so good to feel he was in a place he loved and that he was settled and happy. We all miss him still, I know, and always will, but will hold on to the good memories of happy times spent with this very special person.

May 2011 bring only good things for all.

Michelle

Happy birthday, babe. Wish you were here to celebrate, eat cake, drink too much and shout at the football. Miss you today and every day. Love always

Michelle x x x x

One year anniversary

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to remember Chris on this first anniversary and during the past year. Someone that special can never be forgotten by anyone lucky enough to have known him. Love and good thoughts to you all and special thanks to Chris’s family for all their support and love.

Chris, every day I think of something I’d like to tell you. Every day I picture your smile. Sometimes I feel you standing beside me, supporting me, guiding me. Always I know you’re in my heart. I miss you, today and every day. I love you, always

Michelle x x x x

Remembering you today our dear friend Chris as we do every day. A year has gone by with all the painful first anniversaries without you there to share them with, but you are still here with us in our hearts and joyous memories. But oh what we would all give for a big Chris Smith hug. Miss you always. All our love

Kath, Mat, Lorna, Natasha and Frankie xxx

It was my absolute pleasure to have met Chris through the music industry in his little workshop where he would be fixing and creating all things audio digital electrical – and keeping Terminal studios (and its clients)together!!! I would estimate I worked there on and off for 6 years.

I am one of those singing types – types that can be demanding to say the least. Chris with his hilarious dry and witty mind would entertain my stupidity and childish nature and had little or no time for the more demanding amongst my breed.

Like myself he cared little for the ‘famous’ and went about his work in his inimitable happy go lucky way – always with a smile – in fact nothing was ever too much for him…such a good guy among so many erm not so good people!! I think his only problem was not being able to say no to something that was out of hours or a major hassle – he was a very hard working man.

One of my sad little habits I suppose I would call it , is giving people nicknames or just re-naming them!!!!….so it came to pass that I re-named Chris ‘Cliff’..(I made him a little nameplate and stuck it above his workshop)…this was always greeted with ‘it’s Chris ‘….to which I would reply ‘yes Cliff’….. and on and on it would go…every day without fail, but unlike so many other people, we both shared the absolute ridiculous hilarity that was my state of mind…haha it is funny whenever I think about it…you had to be there obviously!!!

Chris was the first person I ever went to talk to every day I worked at the studio…before my colleagues and before I had done anything – simply because I knew that he would help me start my day on a high….footie, music, occasionally bikes and anything in life really…..it was so nice to have someone who was on the same wavelength – the business is so full of ….insert your own word here ‘**********’…… I thank him for that and for being a fine human being – caring , hard working ,fun and funny…..

I eventually stopped working at terminal and one day got a call from one of my best friends, Michelle….she said…’I’ve just met a guy who says he knows you..worked in a studio with you in London.’ ……ooops I thought who do I a/owe money or b/what have I said and done now…. wait for it……..

Michelle continued…’he said to tell you its Cliff’……well I have to say I stopped for a minute….and then collapsed in laughter….of all the things in the world two lovely people had found each other…..the rest is history…..

I was lucky enough to visit Chris and Michelle a few times in Denby Dale and it was so nice to see two people so happy and with so much in common together and so nice to rekindle my relationship with him…. I remember one of the last times we spent a night out we did the classic curry, drink, smoke and collapse on couch thang……and just before we lost him he made me a cup of tea all with a smile!!! what a man…what a man…..that was ten days before he passed away.

I have never seen someone so positive and cheerful whist going through what he had to endure, he truly is an inspiration to us all….and you Michelle of course are too.
not many days have passed since when Chris hasn’t come into my mind.
Sorely missed…….

Cliff….see you somewhere bro’….xxxxxxxx

Paul Roberts

Wishing you all a Happy New Year

Let’s hope that 2010 is filled only with good things – happiness, health, wealth, friendship and love. And may all our memories of those we have loved and lost remain with us and grow fonder as time passes.

Michelle

SIX-MONTH ANNIVERSARY – 26/11/09

Remembering you with love, Chris, on this six-month anniversary of losing you, and missing you every day.

A light will be shining on the Christmas tree at Kirkwood Hospice in your name.

Love always

Michelle x x x x

News from Michelle – 8/10/09

I’m delighted to let you know that Karl Obermeyer, singer with Capital Sons and a good friend of Chris’s, has informed me that the band’s second album, Dirty Neon, will be dedicated to Chris. The album is out on 23 October, more information from www.capitalsons.com

Michelle

News from Michelle – 11/9/09

I’m very sad to have to pass on the news that Chris’s cat Scamp passed away yesterday. He made it to the ripe old age of 18 and, as Chris always said, had a long and happy life in which he was looked after and loved. Ernie, of course, is already desperately missing having another cat to torment.

Michelle

Chris meant more to me than I can ever put into words. What do you call somebody that encourages your personal talents, that you don’t really think of as talents but he highlights them in such a way that the world thinks you’re a genius!! I’ve got a ream of stories that involved Chris doing just that. He also walked the walk when it came to me needing a victim when I entered into the noble art of tattoo. He was a big fella, he had tattoos and he was my mate. I’ll never forget the names he called me that fateful night I first tattooed him, but we laughed until the bleeding stopped. They were the smallest stars, around his ankle bone (see picture gallery), I could do them now in 10 minutes, I’m pretty sure Chris said it was an hour, an hour of horrific bliss. I’ve still got the needleless bar with the date gaffered to it. That was a landmark in my life which enabled me to leave London for Brighton and start a new life… without Chris… it would have taken a whole lot longer.

Dee

NEWS FROM MICHELLE – 4/9/09

Fantastic news - Red Snapper (www.redsnapperofficial.com), who knew Chris from rehearsing at Terminal, have named their new release after him. The Chris Smith EP is now available for download - it consists of four remixed tracks from their A Pale Blue Dot album.

Thank you to Rich, David, Ali and Tom - this is such a wonderful tribute to Chris, he would have been hugely embarassed but secretly delighted.

Listen at: http://lorecordings.com/index.php?artist_id=21

Buy at: http://lorecordings.greedbag.com/buy/chris-smith-ep-0/

And thank you to everyone who has posted messages and/or sent personal messages. It has made this incredibly sad and difficult time a little easier to get through. Please keep sending in posts or photographs for the gallery.

Miss you every day, Chris, lots of love always

Michelle

I first met Chris in about 2000 when my band Farrah were rehearsing at Terminal. He was always so friendly and helpful, I felt as though we’d met somewhere before. After I took the mickey out of him for being a Leeds fan, he found immense amusement in the fact that I was in the worse position of being a York City fan, and we shared a few amusing rants about our respective teams. When Terminal asked me to drive one of their vans on occasions that they were short-staffed, Chris was a really dedicated and tolerant boss who always had something positive to say about my many screw-ups in the line of duty. I saw Chris on and off over the next few years as my band were often at Terminal and the studio upstairs. Although I can’t say I ever knew him well, I’ll always remember his friendliness, his one-liners and his wry smile. I last saw Chris when I popped into his leaving-do at the pub around the corner last year. I was really excited for him that he was moving up North and starting a new chapter in his life. Terminal seemed very quiet without him though. Myself and all of the band are numb and shocked by how suddenly Chris has been taken away.

Chris has left a lasting impression on me because he was a really good bloke, a person who had a positive attitude and outlook on life. Reading the other tributes on this site I’ve realised that he had that effect on everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Mine and the rest of Farrah’s wishes are with all his family and friends he left behind.

Jez and Farrah

Having moved to London from North Yorkshire in 1995 I thought I’d never find a Leeds fan amongst the crowds so the first time I rehearsed at Terminal I couldn’t believe it when I saw Leeds paraphernalia on one of the doors. I asked who the fan was and soon I was in a deep and meaningful discussion about Ian Hartes fondness for turkey and his predictable dip in form post Xmas. I loved talking to Chris about football & music and whenever possible engineered all our rehearsals to be at Terminal, often to the dismay of the band (we all live MUCH closer to another studio). I didn’t realise Chris had been a drummer as he never let it slip but it would explain how he always got a great drum sound when mixing FOH. Our last communication was early this year via text when we both agreed that Leeds were ******* ****, I’ll let you fill in the blanks!

I shall miss you a lot old mate,
MOT

Bob Knight

I met Chris over 25 years ago in the Wattenden Arms, during the summer holidays when we were studying for our A-levels and all we talked about was music. We hit it off straight away and when Chris told me he played the drums and learnt that I played guitar, the obvious thing to do was to form a band. This was the moment that the seeds of Moosehead Dieselburger were sown. During the summer months of the early 80s, we spent a lot of time rehearsing at his parents’ house (thank you Mr and Mrs Smith) with one of my school friends, Rich, on bass (another stalwart of Moosehead) or in the pub, or at gigs, or sharing a tent on camping trips with the Venture Scouts. Chris decided to pursue a career in sound engineering, self financed by getting up at 4am and filling coke machines, which was something I thought was either very brave or very silly. However, whenever Chris put his heart and soul into something, he always succeeded.

Chris got a job at Beano’s Recording Studios in Croydon, which was a second home to Moosehead, and recruited Mark (vocals) who worked in the Beano’s shop and another Chris (guitar) to complete the 5 piece beat combo. Over the period that the band were together there were only two changes, both bass players (Stuart and Frankie) and we even went on holiday together to Cyprus, which says a lot about how close we all were and still are. But it was Chris’ passion for making music that had a great influence on me. He advised me on my first 4-track recorder and even suggested a drum machine, which I believe is a very generous thing for a drummer to do! I also owe Chris a huge debt of gratitude for my taste in music.

I didn’t see Chris as often as I’d have liked to, but he always said that we’d just pick up from where we left off. I didn’t think that the next time we were together I’d be saying Goodbye. Chris, I still can’t believe you’ve gone, you are a fantastic friend and I have some great memories, but I’m going to miss you very much. Words of advice though, if you do sit behind the kit again remember to keep hold of the drum sticks and above all ‘Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World’.

Sleep well mate.

Bob Collins

Chris worked with me and my band Anna from our early days in Beanos recording studio in Croydon. He engineered our first demos as a band and then our first single – he managed to combine being a fan and advisor and he supported us incredibly from the earliest point – he was totally part of our team. He toured with us as an engineer and drove us all over the country, keeping us entertained and focused at some of the most terrible venues and through otherwise dull transit van journeys – we had some really great times. He was a friend and a major part of what we achieved back then.

We lost touch in recent years as people do when they move on and do different things. I can’t believe this great gentleman, indeed Squire (which was his nickname from us in the band) has gone and I’d like to send his family and colleagues my sympathies. Chris was a very special man and a good friend.

Pete Uglow

My relationship with Chris is a testament to the fact that music can bring kindred spirits together. I met Chris a few years back when he posted an encouraging message to my band’s website. He enjoyed our music and I was thrilled to have a new fan from across the pond. At that time, my girlfriend and I were planning our first visit to England, so I asked Chris if he would meet us for a pint or three in London. He obliged, and we immediately hit it off and spent a gloriously drunken evening traipsing around London experiencing live music and getting to know one another. I instantly felt as if I’d known him my whole life and we became fast friends. Chris said he had always wanted to visit my hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as some of his favorite bands hailed from there. We immediately planned his trip and I had the honor of being his personal tour guide. We had an amazing time and Chris even met one of his musical idols from the band Husker Du. From there we kept in touch regularly.

When Chris met Michelle, he said that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was so excited to have her come to Minneapolis and experience everything that he had. Michelle and Chris came over in August/September of 2008 and were the most gracious and sincere guests one could ever hope to spend time with. I envisioned having annual pond crossings with Chris and Michelle for the rest of our lives.

Chris was taken from us far too soon, but I am so grateful to have known him. He was absolutely one of the coolest cats around, truly one of a kind, and I miss him dearly.

Karl Obermeyer

I can’t write in full yet about how I feel about Chris leaving us – like everyone else who has contributed, I feel his passing has left such a gap that thinking about the future, or regretting the last Guinness or G+T we won’t share is too painful. For now, I’ll list some memories that highlight what a huge capacity he had for quietly making me glad I’d met him.

Leeds United – Driving up the M1 at unearthly hours during the mighty seasons of the late 90s, early 2000s. Watching the European adventures at his flat – having to leave the room together when awarded or conceding penalties – the garlic bread superstition! When I’d moved back to Leeds – still seeing him every two weeks – same season ticket numbers – so little time.

Shenanigans – Singing Leeds songs (Posh Spice) and other things at Matt’s stag do, dangling our feet over the harbour in the Isle of Man. Genuinely unrepeatable stories shared in hotel rooms. Drinking the pub dry of gin, sneezing gin for days. Watching him go walkabout when too full of Guinness, gin and lack of sleep. Double checking by looking at Chris to see if my jokes were funny or my jukebox selection cool enough – knowing I’d be told if not! Having him get me in the Swan although I was barred – and getting thrown out of both rooms again – much to Chris’s chagrin.

Friendship – Not being able to go anywhere near London without calling in at Terminal or Croydon, regardless of what I should be doing. Him ‘sound engineering’ my son’s Christening. Chris looking after my wife at Matt’s funeral, when I was incapable.

Too little time bro, love you.

Chris Mullarkey

I first met Chris at Beanos Studio in Croydon shortly after Beanos took over (about 1986-87) and, as with most people, took an instant liking to him (very difficult not to!). I’m not sure of the line up or even the name of the band at that point (Ultra Violets/Where’s Adam/Young Billy Young?). It was then we were first introduced to Mark Cobb, Bob Collins, Chris ‘No Bottom’ Merritt, Richie Bennett and Chris – The mighty Moosehead Diesel Burger. The ensuing years led to a number of recordings and shared gigs with never a dull moment: tear gas (Leeds Utd fans) in Brighton, band departures at a squat gig at a bakery in Redhill through to our final gig with Moosehead at The Kings Head in Putney… Bob (Collins) had to help me out on stage I was well over the legal limit for Rock’n’Roll ! All very fond memories for myself, my partner Jackie and other various band members.

Away from the music we would often meet up for a drink, I remember one night in particular at the Swan in Streatham during Italia ’90, Eire were playing and the drink (especially the Guinness) flowed extremely freely. Another night, walking around the outside of Wembley Arena discussing the merits of The Replacements whilst carefully avoiding the Billy Idol gig going on inside. In later years we would get together in the Gun West Croydon, usually on a two yearly basis, but guys being guys these soirées became more and more infrequent. I guess the last time we met up was about 5 years ago; although I had always been in contact via email, text or phone, and forever planning another get together, this was sadly, to be the last time we were to see him.

We’ve all suffered losses over the years but the news about Chris really hit me hard, the same was echoed throughout former band members and the Moosehead guys. We were all numb. We plan to get together over the next couple months for the last drink we all should have had with Chris before he sadly left us too early.

Neil Warner

My band “A” rehearsed at Terminal throughout our ten year career and there was one reason for that and that reason was Chris. I can’t remember when I first got to know Chris because I felt like I’d always known him. He was one of those people that you think you’ve known your whole life. Just so easy to get on with and to get to know. Always upbeat and always super friendly and forever joking and taking the piss. We all had a great time… He’d just walk in and hang out and it was the same with all the bands. People often comment on how a person “lit up the place”, but in Chris’s case he always did. I can’t imagine going down there again and not seeing him and not talking about rock music or Leeds UTD. He’d do anything for you with a smile on his face and he was such a positive and pleasant guy. We’re all so shocked and we’ll all miss him greatly.

Jason Perry, “A”

We had the pleasure of working with Chris almost daily in “A” at our rehearsal studio in Terminal from 96 to 05. He was one of our team, we made him laugh, made him tea, he laughed at my drumming (daily) and would sit there in disbelief watching us do no work and mess about. He was genuinely one of the nicest blokes we as a band have ever met and we are all devastated to hear of his passing. We will miss his warmth, his fantastic voice (he should have been on radio), his dry humour and his passion for music. He just wanted to help and would always go above and beyond to get our jobs done, whilst we joked about how bad Leeds were doing! A fantastic bloke and we will miss him. Our thoughts are with you and Chris’s family as well as all his friends and all the bands and staff at Terminal whose lives he touched.

Adam Perry, “A”/Bloodhound Gang

I’m a session drummer and knew Chris for a few years. I rehearsed at Terminal studios while working with various bands over the years and I always got on with Chris. I NEVER ever went without asking for him, he just had that effect on me, always pleasant, genuine and funny. I left the UK 4 years ago and only heard yesterday that he was gone. I’m truly gutted and stunned by it all. I only have fond memories of him and I only hope that when my time comes I leave behind a legacy of pleasantness like he has.

Chris Bailey

I’ve known Chris for my entire adult life, from the day I started University in 1985 until this year. He was my mate at Warwick, best man at my wedding and Godfather to all three of our girls. Chris was there when I first met Kathryn when we were both back at Warwick University in 1989 and he’s been there so often ever since.We first went to watch Leeds together in 1987 while we were both still at Warwick. We stood in the old Kop and watched Leeds against QPR in the FA Cup 5th Round. Brendan Ormsby scored a late winner. The Kop went mad and we were all crushed! In the Premiership glory years we both had season tickets and spent three or four years watching Viduka, Kewell, Smith, Batty et al doing their stuff. Chris would always drive us to Elland Road from Ilkley in his dad’s old Rover car, we’d watch Leeds win (of course), drive back home to Ilkley listening to BBC Sports Report and then drink Bombay Sapphire and tonic, eat mushroom fondue and talk long into the night. Leeds United may have lost the plot but Chris never did … you couldn’t keep him away from Yorkshire for long!

Chris brought joy and warmth to his many friends and family. He was a genuinely great bloke who made my life so much better for having been part of it.

Rest in Peace Chris
Mathew Wills (one t), Northampton

Chris was quite simply a huge part of our lives – from the minute we met in February 1989 until this May Chris was always there and now he is gone and that hurts more than I can say. Chris made me smile, made me roar with laughter and he once said he loved that fact that I wasn’t afraid to throw my head back and have a good belly laugh. But it was Chris’s tales and his own infectious laugh that always  set me off. He had a wonderful, intuitive way of making you feel good about yourself and I shall miss our long talks way into the night about life, the universe and everything. He brought a bit of rock and roll into our lives and we brought some cosy normality into his and for many a long year this formula not only worked but went from strength to strength. Our lives became intertwined in such a way that the prospect now of a life without him for myself, Mat, Lorna, Natasha and Frankie seems unbearably bleak. But I shall hold on to all the memories and the huge love Chris sent our way and hope it is enough to see us through. Chris faced his end with such courage so we must all now face our loss with the same bravery. He was gloriously warm and funny and the best friend you could wish for. Life will never be the same but part of us all has been touched by Chris and for that I will always feel blessed.

Miss you and thanks for all the good times
Kathryn Wills xxxxxx

I will never forget how kind and funny Uncle Chris was. I have many happy memories of playing Guitar Hero with him and listening to him read Dr Seuss, especially Fox in Socks, a hilarious tongue twister that provided endless laughs. He was a great Godfather and I always looked forward to his visits as they always meant fun and excitement. I will miss him so much and will always remember him and the fun he brought.
Lorna Wills, aged 13

I have always loved my Uncle Chris – he was the best uncle in the world, even though he wasn’t really my uncle! I am so glad he spent his last years with Michelle as she loved and cared for him. Uncle Chris and I shared a special bond – Dr Seuss books! I always loved him coming over and reading them to me. He inspired me with many things but especially taking up the guitar. My uncle Chris is truly special so I would just like to say as I did in a card to him – “Uncle Chris you will always be in my heart and I’ll be thinking of you and reading Dr Seuss every night. Love you” xxxx
Tashy Wills, aged 10

What I will miss about Uncle Chris is the way he played Rock Band with us and that I can never challenge him again on the drums. I will miss watching him light the chiminea and the way he read us Dr Seuss stories. I will miss him watching us play on the trampoline. He would chat about Strictly Come Dancing with us and would watch Doctor Who with us – I will miss this but most of all I will miss him. I love you xxxxx
Frankie Wills, aged 8

Chris was a wonderful part of our girls’ lives and I know part of him will be with them forever. He summed it up at Lorna’s 13th birthday party as Tashy showed him a photo board we had done of Lorna’s first 13 years. Tashy was talking him through each photo occasion and he said, “You don’t need to do that love, I was there for most of them!” and he was and for that the girls are richer and wiser.

The Wills family

I first met Chris through my flatmate Matt and instantly got on with him. I was always bumping into him rehearsing at Terminal Studios and we either ended up in the cafe or in his office getting insider gossip about who was looking for a new band….. The management company for a very successful band were curious as to how I found out they were looking for a drummer 3 hours after they had sacked the last one. I never divulged who told me.I never knew him as well as some but I always felt I’d known him for longer than I had. I liked his no nonsense approach to life but he also had a really warm and generous side. I do remember him coming around to our flat and talking inane darts nonsense with Matt (to which I switched off!) but he was always interested in what I was up to and the bands I was working with. He was a real music fan with a passion that I liked. He was always welcome around ours!

He was taken way too early from us and I’ll repeat what I’ve said to several people since he left us – he was one of the good guys in this world and I’ll miss him. See you buddy x.

Richard Brook

Chris was a guy Adele and I took to immediately – he was just one of those people you meet for the first time and within minutes feel totally comfortable with – like you’ve already known each other for ages. He was funny, knowledgeable without being pedantic, and the sort of easy-in-his-own-skin person who sets other people at their ease without even trying to. He and Michelle were so obviously good for each other; it was a delight to see, and those of us who’d known Michelle over the years felt that she’d finally met her soul-mate.

Adele was looking forward to comparing vinyl collections and talking about obscure bands with Chris and I was just generally looking forward to getting to know him better and to watching him and Michelle settling down and gradually grow into each other, the way the best-suited couples always do.

Life never seems so unfair as when a person as full of life as Chris is torn away from us. He’s there in our hearts and minds though, living on through all our memories. Rest in peace, Chris. It’s an honour as well as a pleasure to have known you.

Lots of love

Iain Banks & Adele Hartley

Chris worked for me at Terminal Studios for 14 years up until last September. The length of time he was with me speaks volumes about his strength of character and ability to work well in a team. He was the most reliable staff member I’ve ever employed taking about half a dozen days off sick in all that time! Chris was one of those people you didn’t have to say things more than once to, he always got it first time and then acted on it even if it meant working late or starting early. He was great company and a confidant when things were tough with the business but above all he was funny and always cheered me up when I was down. I missed him when he went to work up north and feel sad that I shall never see him again.

Charlie Barrett

I first met Chris in the Glory Days of 1985. At first I was a little intimidated by him. Even before he had tattoos he looked like he had tattoos. I soon warmed to him. He didn’t take life too seriously; he was fun to be out with, could spin a great yarn, wore what I wrongly thought was a cool leather jacket and would regularly drink me under the table. But he wasn’t just one of the lads. He had a tender side and cared for his friends. You could just hang out with Chris and be yourself.

Being with Chris was easy. In the early days we spent days together chatting about nothing and everything, when we should have been in lectures. We’d spend hours studying the horse racing form then race up to the bookies to put on a Yankee. We’d win occasionally. He introduced me to Neighbours in the days when it was on twice a day. We rarely missed an episode. We drank tea, chatted about politics, smoked each others fags until the ash tray could take no more and scraped meals together from whatever was lying in the fridge. We got six months behind on the rent until the lawyers got on our case and spent the winter of 86/87 shivering in a large cold house in Leamington which was dead ringer for the one in The Young Ones – I was Rick, Chris was a heavy metal Vivian . And of course there was always music. Youth culture would soon veer off into acid house and rave culture but Chris was stoically listening to Blue Oyster Cult, Thin Lizzy and Hanoi Rocks. I was impressed, though I had to turn a blind eye to the Van Halen records. We had great times together then and since. I wish I could play them back. I wish I could hear his laugh again and see his grin. I wish I could play one more hand of Brag or Hearts or Indians. I wish we could have one more beer, one more night chatting ‘til dawn. I wish the World could have had more of him. I miss him and it hurts that he’s gone. A great guy.

Andy Shearer

It was always a joy to rehearse at Terminal Studios, this was when I first met Chris. Chris was always great with encouragement and also a great piss taker or maybe teasing is more of an appropriate word as Chris would always follow it with a glint in his eye or a smile – one evening when arriving at Terminal with Dave, my fellow musician, Chris had obviously set the mixing desk for someone far more important in the music world than us and had written on luminous gaffer tape “Mick channels 1-8 are set for someone else, maybe one day Mick you will be able to use channels 1-8.” I still have the tape.

This summer Chris and Michelle were to see Bruce Springsteen in Bilbao with us. I’m sorry Michelle you won’t be there, as for Chris, I know you will be there with me, as you will always as I listen to Bruce and every great band and gig that you would have loved, as David Gray said “see you on the other side”.

Miss and love you brother x

P.S. look forward to ‘racing in the streets’ with you.

Michael Gallagher

Although I didn’t know Chris that well I always had a lot of time for him when we met at my sister’s family parties and I found him to be very friendly, interesting and a good laugh. In 1989 he made me a mix tape of some of his favourite bands such as: Drivin’ n’ Cryin, The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, Jason and the Scorchers and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. This simple act of kindness probably only took Chris a few hours to do, but it introduced me to some of the bands that have been the soundtrack to my life for the past twenty years. From this small seed a giant musical oak has grown, so thanks a lot for that Chris, I’ll always think of you when listening to The Replacements and Drivin’ n’ Cryin.

Iain Sharp

I can’t say how shocked and saddened I am to hear of Chris’ passing. I was one of a bunch of us who used to follow Leeds United, along with Riaz Syed, Paul Merrick, and Mike Quinn. With the rapid decline in LUFC’s fortunes, it’s perhaps understandable how our enthusiasm had waned slightly over the last few years. We first met at the London games we used to go to (`Cockney Leeds’ as we were once dubbed with threatening undertones by fans in the away end at Highbury) we always made a great day of it and got to know each other outside of the bonds of our football team, aided by far too many pints. I will remember Chris as one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet, really good and easy company. I can recall being in his car on the way to Elland Road from Leeds station with the other guys, the easy banter and fun, the anticipation, the beers inside us and just thinking, what better company could I have than this? His enthusiasm for LUFC was admirable, and probably the last time I saw him (too long ago!) we shared a pint at the station before he went off to our crucial relegation battle with Everton, which we lost. I’m so sorry he lost his battle with this cruel disease far too soon, and am truly saddened to hear this news.

Steve Dinsdale

A great tribute to a lovely person. No words can express the loss and unfairness that we still feel but the memories of his life, for those who were fortunate enough to have known Chris, remain priceless. Having been friends with Chris and Jeremy since before I can remember, I am so pleased that we saw Chris twice in the summer last year and were also able to meet you, Michelle, at a family gathering at Marian and Alan’s. You were both so happy and looking forward to your future plans. Chris, as ever, was Mr entertainer to the children, causing much unintended laughter by being dragged backwards off his chair while trying to hold on to Jeremy’s dog. Chris was a truly unique person and we will so miss him. All our love.

Andy & Yvonne Quartly