Chris Fender Black's ( Chris Veness) Funeral
Tuesday 16th February 2016
Herongate Wood Green Cemetery
Brentwood, Essex. CM13 3 SE
11 November 1938- 26-January 2016
On Tuesday 16th February 2016 the funeral of Chris Black one of the great Rock and Roll Guitarist's was held, we said
farewell to much loved friend but not to
his memory or his music.
As with everything in Chris's life his funeral was a
huge event, as it should be for a man who was larger than life, a man who
towered over Rock and Roll Music in the UK.
From the day he first picked an old guitar out of the
rubble after a World War Two bombing raid Chris Black knew he would play and love Rock and Roll all his life.
He was influenced so he told me by the playing of Bill
Doggett Scotty Moore, Bill Haley and later Duane Eddie. Influenced no doubt, but
he developed his own style and that
style excited people for more than 50 years.
In a career
that started with gigs down in Chilsehurst Caves in Kent and took Chris through
his National Service to working in clubs and theatres throughout the UK and Europe
Chris was always innovative. He shared
the stage with so many of the names of
the 50's and 60's including Brian Poole, Tommy Bruce, Don Lang, Heinz, Ricky
Valance, Jess Conrad, Screamin' Lord Sutch, and Wee Willie Harris to name just
a few.
His funeral reflected
everything that was good about Chris, loving father, loyal friend,
musician and not least his love for the birds and the environment.
Held at The Herongate Wood, Green Cemetery where a tree is planted with
every burial so that everything over the
years returns to nature. Chris would love that the cycle of life is being
renewed.
The service itself was typically Chris as
the 100's in attendance entered and circled the small chapel the sound
of Chris and his beloved guitar 'Brenda
The Fender, playing 'Peter Gunn' rang out and the scene was set for us to hear
instalments of Chris's life narrated by the Celebrant, Steven Heath. There were
also personal memories from Chris's children, grandchildren and friends 'Lord' Peter Stockton and Bob Burgos,
interspersed with more music. 'Rock and Roll parts 1& 2'
a recording by Bill Doggett, and
'Ghost Rider's in the Sky', and
3-30 Blues, played
by Chris. Pam Ayres poem, 'I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth,
brought laughter from the congregation. Exit from the chapel
was accompanied by the sound of Chris playing 'Sleepwalk'.
We walked to
the graveside and there said our
farewell with the Lords Prayer.
The family and
Chris's loved ones were joined for the service
by his many fans and representatives of the music world including Brian
Poole lead singer from the Tremeloes, Dave Lodge manager of late Tommy Bruce and
Mick Clarke original bass player from The Rubettes.
Those of you who would like to donate to Chris's
favourite charity, The Essex Wildlife Trust are invited to do so by going to www.justgiving.com/ewt/donate.
If you wish you can personalise the donation with a message in memory of Chris.
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