Book of Remembrance

I will never forget the gigs in Chiddingfold and times near the fire in the Crown afterwards. Stuff of legends! https://www.facebook.com/GinMillBluesClub/

Aged 16 in the Autumn of 1969, my life was changed forever when I first heard the Valentyne Suite and particularly the build-up to the last section, The Grass Is Greener, and and its unforgettable sax opening. Since then I've savoured everything Colosseum and any links and, though I didn't get to see the band first time round, I did see them in 1994 - at Basildon. Before that though I attended many Paraphernalia gigs and, having had the enormous pleasure and privilege of meeting Jon and Barbara on several occasions after shows, I am very humbled to have been able to share, however briefly, his/their company and experience first-hand his/their 100% wholeheartedness as a person/people. Of all the musicians (from the 60s/70s) that I've been lucky enough to meet, Jon was - along with Dick Heckstall-Smith and Mel Collins - the most down-to-earth, genuinely and inherently friendly and most willing to spare time for enthusiastic fans that I've ever met. A brief aside: on the sporting front, one of my supreme heroes is the late Bobby Moore. Like him, Jon wasn’t only a magnificent exponent and top level achiever of his natural skills, he was also a real gentleman and genuine, unassuming human being which for me counts even more. And just as Bobby has taken his place - as captain naturally - in the celestial football team, so Jon is now the drummer and lead inspiration in heaven’s definitive jazz-rock band, reunited, of course, with DH-S. The afterlife is profoundly richer for the arrival of such supremely talented but eternally modest souls. My sincerest and warmest thoughts go to Barbara and Ana Gracey, who know that their lives have been touched in a very special way by the substantial part that Jon has played as a friend, workmate, husband and father. Both are very lucky people and deserve to be in the warm thoughts of the music-loving public as they continue their efforts to come to terms with his untimely and wholly unwarranted departure and move forwards with their own lives. To Jon: thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the pleasure you have freely given me and countless others over the last 50 years. R(ock) I P.

I doff my cap to one of the great rock and jazz drummers and to the founder of one of the greatest bands it has been my privilege to see and listen to, Colosseum. His drumming never failed to excite, as did the music that Jon and his band of virtuosi created. Sadly, I saw them live only a few times, but I very frequently followed Jon's advice and put on the music and turned it down to deafening! Thank you Jon for enriching my life!

Ever since i started to play drums seriously in the early 70’s, i have wondered, admired and tried to copy Jon’s style of playing, but as a low flame of the master himself. I was immensely struck by the tragic news of his passing, which has left a chasm in the drumming fraternity.God give peace to you Jon, and thank you for the inspiration.

Just over a year ago since Jon passed away, I’m still finding it hard to believe he’s gone. I was lucky enough to see him live over the years with Colosseum and Paraphernalia, and loved his superb playing and solos. I managed to have a chat with him after one gig, and as a drummer myself, was thrilled to be spoken to as a fellow musician by a drumming hero! He influenced my playing hugely and I’m sure many others. I’ll watch JCM with a mixture of excitement and sadness.