Is it really four years since he left us? Still I find my thoughts running to Chris and what he would be doing in a particular situation or gig...how he would be enjoying a particular evening with beers and a promise of great bands to follow. Football too I know he would have enjoyed this season - the usual Bromley roller coaster of highs and lows!
Still miss you old boy!
Still thinking of you little brother, time passes quickly but memories do not fade.
Helen,Nick,James,Daniel and Megan xx
I met Chris 14 years ago at university in Huddersfield, and we became good friends. We ended up going to several gigs together, such as Sebadoh, 3 Colours Red and Moby during one guitar phase. He was always funny, interesting, and knew an incredible amount of bands across the globe. Unfortunately, we lost touch after I moved to the US and never heard about what happened to him until now.
He will be greatly missed.
Wow. I was flipping through old Xmas cards and came across one from Chris back in 1996. It made me wonder what he might be up to. Thinking he was on Facebook, I was having a frustrating search for him until I found this website. And only after seeing the photo of him was I sure it was the same Chris. It’s quite a shock to find out he passed away.
Chris was one of my first friends in the UK. His enthusiasm and spirit to try anything new is what I remember most of him. Back in the summer of 1995, I was in the pub in London with him when he tried Guinness and decided he didn’t like it. He preferred cider. He persuaded me to try some for the first time and liked it! Chris also introduced me to Ben Folds Five. Somewhere I still have the mixed tape he made for me. He’s the only guy I know on the planet that could mosh to piano music. Okay, “mosh” is generous. Tall, thin, ginger haired Chris sort of jumped around a lot to the music. He had enthusiasm and he would laugh along with you until he was red in the face.
He knew I named my son with a middle name of Christopher. He’s 9 now and an avid footballer with a love of music. I expect Chris would be pleased.
Chris was a very proud uncle. I remember him telling me how excited he was at being one, and his comments that family was very important to him. He traveled a lot – for friends and for music. I half expected to find him here in the US, actually. It’s very fitting that his memory and spirit live on all over the world. I wish all the best for Chris’ family. I am glad to have known him.
We just had a visit at work from The Kills, with x-Discount vocalist Allison at the ABC in Sydney..a great band, and reminds me of one random night getting the night bus home when i was with Chris on the bus and she also got on!!
this happened after Discount split mid UK tour with Hot Water Music I think?
Chris will be glad to know that about 10 years later and I still didn't say anything to her... ha
Hard Skin was as much fun as you always loved and as you'd have expected. All the regular suspects were there but there one missing in person...but there in spirit :-)
Bromley V Welling has been sponsored in your memory and again, i'm sure you'll be watching us and loving the "banter".
anyone who comes by this site and wants to get in touch with me direct - bass_loser @ yahoo.com
Time passes so quickly but the pain never goes away.Yet another year goes by without you.
You now have a new little niece.Megan was born on my birthday this year and is now 7 months old. Wish you were here to see her.
Thinking of you today and always.
Helen, Nick,James Daniel & Megan. xx
Another year passes but we don't forget you mate! Hoping that I can sponsor the Boxing Day game at Hayes Lane this year (kick off 1pm), just waiting for the green light from the club.
Before that it's Hard Skin at The Grosvenor on the 19th - it was Hard Skin you'd been to see before your passing, and the whole day wil be about booze, friends, rowdiness...and lots of singing and swearing, just as you always liked it! Nick and Jo are over this year so we can all raise several glass - or more likely the same glasses several times - as we remember you and know that space at the bar would have been so happily filled by you.
This is the third game (after Walton & Hersham in January 2006 and Worthing in December 2006) which I have arranged sponsorship on behalf of all his friends at Bromley Football Club, and for us all to remember him.Once again the donations of those friends has allowed for a match to sponsored in his memory. This year sees Bromley in the Blue Square South, only two steps from the Football League itself, and how much i'm sure Chris would have enjoyed visiting new grounds, taking new trips, and enjoying the company of all those friends in new towns. I have again provided a short piece for the programme, and we will all be keeping his memory very much alive at Hayes Lane...i'm sure too that there will be a number of glasses raised to him, as always.
We're thinking of you mate...
Been travelling this year with my girlfriend and got to see The Draft & Against Me! in Brisbane...Thought how you would have been singing along and raising a cold one if you could have been there mate...
I raised a cold one to you in your honour mate...Keep rockin, your infectious enthusiasm is missed tons mate....
without you, Happy Birthday Christopher.
Love from
Helen, Nick, James & Daniel
xxxx
I worked with Chris a little over seven years ago at Easynet. I left to go and live in Aus, and only found out that the had passed away yesterday. I am still in shock and cannot belive that he is gone. He introduced me to new and diverse music, as well as being technically savvy. I have thought of him over the years, wondering what he is up to, and now my prayers are with him and his family.
...and how Chris would have enjoyed the insanity of the two play off games which saw Bromley promoted for the second time in three years!
Again in December a match will be sponsored in his memory, as it has the last two years. Once the fixtures are announced and I know which game it will be I shall post an open invite here for anyone to attend.
Thinking of you often.
...since I was on here. But I was listening to Texas Is The Reason the other day, and remembered that's how we met. You offered to burn the cd for me - which you did - cos I couldn't find it anywhere. Or was it that you offered to go get the album for me and I'd pay you back? Either way, TITR were involved and that's what got me thinking about you, and the frailty of life. I hope they've got the football on wherever you are!
Last Saturday, December 30th, Bromley played Worthing in the Ryman League Premier Division. Before the season began, i'd arrange to sponsor the closest home match to the anniversary of Christopher's passing in his name, and so many of us gathered on Saturday for another dose of non league football at the venue he'd met so many friends and spent many happy times. The match ball was sponsored in memory of a mutual friend, Darren "Wiz" Brown of Mega City Four and latterly Serpico and Ipanema - I first met Chris at an Ipanema gig so it seemed entirely appropriate that this game was sponsored with both of them in mind. I sadly could not go to Halifax with Pippa on the 19th, because by a cruel twist of fate I was attending Wiz's funeral on that very day...but somewhere I cling to the hope that they were together somewhere, approving of what we were doing, drinking a beer, and talking about Husker Du.
"...too bad you're not around for us to see but i still feel you around like you never left us"
but it was a good trip! glad i did it. miss you buddy x
Once again this year I will be going to watch Bromley play football(?) and drinking beer, I enjoy it but I wish you were there too. x
Thinking of you.
Hope you've found plenty of booze and rock wherever you are now, thinking of you mate
Its one year since you suddenly went but not minute,hour or day goes by when we don't think about you.
Sleep tight little brother Helen & Nick x
Lots of love Uncle Christopher
from
James & Daniel xx
Today is the first anniversary of Chris' sudden and unexpected death.
I know we will all be thinking of him today and although I have to work, I will be listening to all of Chris' favourite albums today and drinking a toast to the great guy tonight.
It's been almost a year now since Chris has left us and yet I still dont know what words to say. And yet I feel deep inside that I need to sit here and say a few words.
Chris was such a genuine, down to earth, funny guy. His love for music, gigs, and of course Molly was unmistakable. He'd often tell of his treks to the US for the latest Fest, or the miles he'd travel to see his friends playing their latest gig. When next in at work he'd show me the latest photos and forum entries describing the latest weekend jaunt! He always looked in his element, beer in hand, crackin smile on his face, and his friends all joining him in making the most of life. That's one thing Chris always aimed for.....making the most of life. His life had taken a new direction, he'd met an amazing woman (never met her but heard so much about her) Molly, with whom he'd chat for hours every single day of the week, when ever they couldnt be with each other. When he told me he was going to get engaged he was a on top of the world. Molly of course said yes and his plans to move to the US were set in place.....
And then Chris was sadly taken from us in circumstances which doesnt seem possible, even to this day. I keep expecting to see him, hear him tell one of his corny, yet some how funny jokes, or go into one of his funny moods (it's funny when you look back on the way he could be sometimes - some took it as offensive but I knew him better (as do his close friends) to not take him too serious and just laugh it off)....
So now I sit here still not knowing what to say really but feel that even just to let people know how close and cherished he was to so many people is what I need to do.
God bless you Chris....
Miss ya buddy.....
Hope your smile is lighting up wherever you are now as much as it did here and I'm drinking a beer in honour of you today.
It's not the same without you buddy.
Today was Chris's birthday. I'm sad that he isn't here, but glad that I was lucky enough to know him while he was, and happy that so many of my thoughts are of him and that they always manage to make me smile.
My thoughts today are with his family and loved ones, as this must be a difficult day for them. I hope they know that there are people out there just like me, thinking of him and smiling.
Wherever you are mate, the beers are on me.
I just came across this last night, and I was absolutely SHOCKED. No words to describe it, really. I'm still shaken up...devastated...
I knew Chris while he was in Uni at Huddersfield. I was in school in the States, in my native North Carolina. We met online, and eventually visited each other in person...
I don't know if Chris's family will remember me, but I came to visit Chris over Christmas break in 1995. The last address I have for his mother is the one from that time period in Huddersfield.
Could anyone could tell me how I could get in touch with her, or his sister?
I'd greatly appreciate it. If it's OK with the family, I would like to be able to contact them and send my condolences.
Thank you, and I am so sorry about this. It's just dreadful. :(
Here's some great pics of Chris
http://www.geocities.com/gazette25/hwmeuropics2001.html
In the end of the season in which Chris held a season ticket, the boys won the Kent Senior Cup last night at Hayes Lane...i'm sure he's necking a Stella or a smuggled bottled of Duvel on some cloud right now.... :-)
I never knew Chris however from reading the comments here it seems I missed out on meeting one of the good guys.
RIP
As so many other people I got to know Chris via the Snuff mailing list, where he wisely and patiently managed the once quite active group. He always restored the order when people were getting too crazy. I just read the post by squeegee 10 minutes ago, and I must say it makes me sad, as always when one of the good guys had to go. I only met him twice, which translates for me to "every time I was in London". He took me to shows and told the foreigner which places to go to and where to buy records. Thanks to his very own and good music taste, I got to know lots of bands and his critical mind bewared my young soul of bad things.
And last but not least, I use his email-signature. I know it surely wasn't only his idea and it's not even that special, but for me it was and will always be Chris Small's way to end a piece of written conversation.
R.I.P., someone remembers you in Switzerland, and as you would have said,
Cheers,
Philippe
I met Chris in 1999, through the snuff elist, and he invited me to a few gigs. I didn't really know anyone in the underground scene at the time and through him I discovered Blocko, and met guys like Sweet Pete, Bob and Mates. I got married in 2003 and hadn't seen him in ages. But Chris really was great, he knew more about punk that anyone I know and I remember dancing with him at a Toasters gig.
I just found out from the snuff list he's dead. So I'm still shocked. Our mutual joke was over my love (and his hate) for KingPrawn. Rest in peace Big Man.
...can be found here on Monk Dave's forum
here: http://www.thenewestindustry.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=73
although i met chris only last year, it was the fest and you'd be surprised to find out how well you can get to know someone during one of those magical weekends. i remember all of us meeting up at the whiskey house just about every hour on the hour for god knows how many reasons. having brews and grill outs everywhere you turned. and chris, just like everyone else, was all smiles. who wouldn't be? this guy had me in stitches the whole weekend. a year had past and ever since the last time i saw him, i, just like many others that live in the states, "i wonder how chris is doing?" when i heard he was back again for fest 4, i did a bill and ted air shred and went on a mission. it only took me 20 seconds or so to find him. we were at the future house cookout. i thank god that i get to speak and share a brew with him, if only for 5 minutes.
i love you, chris. and i'll always miss you, bro.
F***. i never really knew chris, but from seeing him at gigs here and there. And my band(s) being friendly with his friends we bumped into each other. it wasn't untill i saw the picture on coopa's site that i recognised him. He was a top chap, always seemed really happy about being at the gig or the fact he had a beer in his hand. f*** this has come as such a shock, i was absentmidedly browsing and i find out about this. i only hope his friends and family can find what they need to get through this.
* i originally wrote this on scumville, but after reading this site - it seems the only place to leave a message. take it easy chris.
I had several chances to meet Chris while I was playing guitar for Bob Mould and again later when performing Hedwig in New York and the West End. He was an adventurous spirit, an open and inviting soul and and a real music lover. He was one of those guys you take an instant liking to and he was genuinely kind and funny. If he had a mean bone in his body, I never saw it. To me, he seemed the very definition of a decent bloke, a great guy, a real mensch and true gentleman and friend. His passing is a great loss to us all.
Like everyone else, I was really shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Chris. He was a very kind and generous person. He really helped me back in '98 during the LDPS tour when I visited London. It was my first time traveling anywhere alone. Chris only knew me from the Bob Mould list and he volunteered to help me find a hotel and show me around. I met Chris, Paul Hilcoff and Keiron after the Forum show. They all helped show me around and also provided a shoulder to lean on during a difficult time.
I was able to return the favor to Chris when he came to New York. I remember showing him Times Square for the first time and taking him to see Hedwig & the Angry Inch and his friend Marnie's band. Chris was so easy to get along with and had an infectious smile.
I saw him a few more times when I visited London. He went out of his way to help me out, pick me up at the airport and crash on his couch one night when I didn't have a place to stay.
We lost touch in the past couple of years except for the Bob Mould list and I'm sorry for that. I feel very lucky to have known him and pass my condolences on his family and friends.
just read all the messages about chris. even though they said remembrance & tribute, i convinced myself that he had just left the list. it seemed impossible that he could have died. like most of you, i can't believe it.
when i met chris he was 19 & very skinny. even though i hadn't seen him since 2002, i still considered him a friend & thought that i would see him again some time.
i can only echo what everyone has said. he was one of the good guys. honest, good-natured, fun-loving, friendly.
i met him in 1995 when he & tim came down from huddersfield to see grant hart at the garage. we invited them to stay over in sidcup to avoid having to drive back the same night.
one time he came to stay, i dropped him off at the station & he had said he'd wanted to hug me last time he came - so we tried to hug in the car only i obviously didn't have the handbrake on because we started rolling away.
each year we would fill in a list with our gigs of the year, ambitions & dreams. on one of these, he put his ambition as "to be happy & be in a loving,caring relationship" and his dream was "to be living in america". it seems that these wishes were finally coming true and i'm glad that he had this happiness. shame it was for such a short while.
from lyn latchford
I am totally stunned and saddened by news of chris small's death - it has taken me quite a long time to digest it.
chris was one of the first sugar-listers my sister and i met, as she says, when he came down to london for a gig. he was at college back in huddersfield at the time. he bumped his head on our light fittings and accidentally broke a chair.
we became friends and he stayed with us on subsequent visits to london. the pic i am posting was taken at a friend's house around xmas 1996.
it is so hard to believe we will never see him again. thank you for organising this website so that we can share our memories of him.
Belinda and Chan Latchford
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Christopher's many friends and work colleagues for all the kind messages, expressions that have been sent to this site. I'm sure Christopher would have been "chuffed" to know that he had a great set of friends.
My family and I were truly amazed at how many attended the funeral and my parents were honoured and proud to know that he had many good friends and colleagues in London who by the sound of things thought a great deal of him. I'm only sorry that I couldn't speak to many people on the day as I was totally numb.
It was great to hear about the sponsership of the game at Bromley FC on Saturday. Have a drink for us and I hope you will all have a great day.
A big thanks to Lloyd who has set all this up. You have been a big help to my Mum, thankyou on her behalf.
Helen (Chris's sister)
He'll be greatly missed! I never actually met Chris, but he was always ready to share helpful information on the Snuff mailing list, even if it wasn't related to the band. Definately gone to soon.
Liz
Boston, MA, USA
I just stumbled onto this site by accident, I hadn't heard this sad, sad news! I hadn't seen Chris for a quite a while, too long..and that sucks! I guess when you're our sort of age you think people will be around forever...
As people have said, the pic above says it all...the guy liked his drink as much as me and I'll be sure to have a beer tonight and dedicate it to Chris! ...even if it is too late!!
You meet so many people in this country through a mutual passion for music, that so often they kind of start blending into one. Travelling to different cities for shows, and welcoming visitors into your own town, it's pretty easy to get caught in a trap of niceties and smalltalk - pleasant but ineffectual.
Chris was the absolute antithesis of this.
From the moment I stumbled onto the Fracture Forum over five years ago, Chris’s no-messing attitude, sincerity and absolute passion for music stood out a mile. Ever since then, through emails and the times we’d visited each other’s cities for gigs, I got to know Chris better and realised what so many have written here – that he was an absolute legend and a complete one-off. No matter how many people he knew in the room he would always find time to chat, and his light-hearted, teasing sense of humour made even the shyest kid (as I was back then) feel included. I’ll never forget the time the foolhardy drummer from Kelly 8 chucked his stick into the crowd, hitting Chris on the hand… I was drunk and livid and pretty much got us both into a fight. Luckily Chris stepped in, and his folded arms and steely stare was enough to make the cocky Swedes back off sharpish!!
I wanted to hold back off posting on here until I heard it confirmed from Andy Jackson and Lloyd that the proceeds from this year’s Stars In Their Eyes will be going to the thrombosis charity Lifeblood in Chris’s memory. I still recall Chris exacerbating my stage-fright in his usual good natured way by tormenting me about my reaching the high note in Eternal Flame when I was playing in the Bangles tribute at Stars a couple of years back… then looking out into the crowd at the crucial point and seeing him standing there, as ever, pint in hand, laughing his head off. Doing AC/DC this year all I could think about was the fact that my friend wasn’t there to tease me anymore.
A tremendous chap, I feel lucky to have known him and I will miss him so, so much.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
I didn't know Chris well, but one thing I am sure of is that he was full of passion. This is perhaps best exemplified by the occasions when I had witnessed him sing his heart out to one of his many favourite songs, either along to a band such as Against Me or Frankie Stubbs playing a live show at the verge or to a recording of the Lemonheads blasting out of a stereo (I know he would agree Ben Deily is a better singer than Dando:]).
A tragic loss of life.
My feelings go out to his family, and his many friends whose expressions of fondness for the big man are so poignantly captured on this site.
A great loss
Was deeply saddened to hear of Chris' passing. When I started going to punk shows in London, Chris was one of the first people I started talking to. At times it was quite intimidating being one of the youngest lads in a room full of beery blokes watching many gigs at the underworld and the garage (then later the swan and the verge), but Chris always had time for a chat and I enjoyed bumping into him regularly over the years. Chris could always seem to smell bullshit a mile off as well, and if something or someone was pissing him off or ruining something for him he would make this known, without ever being violent or coming accross as an arsehole which I found very admirable. I had wondered what he was up to recently, and this is completely tragic and unfair.
Take care Chris.
Found out nearly two weeks ago and still can't believe it. The comments and the picture up top say it all.
Sleep well mate.
Even in far off Australia the news hit home to a couple of friends of 'Big' Chris Smalls.
Lots has already been said about Chris and his love of music, football and beer so i thought i would just remember a couple of the funnier times i spent with him.
One being the time i managed to win the BFC bowling comp by hitting 3 strikes in the last game to pip Chris at the end and the look of shock on his face was priceless, i think his face matched his hair colour!! I think he then one it back the next time anyway...
The other is music related and actually happened after one of the bowling nights. I was driving home and had Kristen and Chris in the car with me both rather drunk and wanting to sing. Against my better judgement i let them put Waxwing into the tape player and then had to endure 30 minutes of both of them singing along at the top of their voices as if they were both Rocky Votolato!! This was fun as we drove through Brixton with the windows down to the confusion of the locals.. ha ha ha
R.I.P Chris - Take care in the big mosh pit, bar, wrestling ring that you have no doubt reached.
Chris and I shared a love for the same music, even though he lived in the UK he had a strong feeling for Florida's music scene...making the trip across the pond several times to see bands he loved. While i knew him for a short time and met him briefly, i respected his zest for life and great spirit. One day we'll meet up again at the pub in heaven and we'll share a few pints and talk about those great bands we loved.
What can I say that hasn't been said already? Nothing. All the posts are testament to the beauty of a man that Chris was.
Before I'd even met the man in person, he had offered to pop down to a cd store to pick up a copy of the Texas Is The Reason album for me. And I'll always remember him for putting me in my place whilst drunk one night at the underworld in camden town.
That's the kind of guy Chris was. His passion and his love for music, life, football (and beer!) was apparent in everything he did.
I'm just sick to my stomach sitting here in the States...having missed the funeral.
I'm so sorry Chris. You were larger than life and always cracked me up everytime we talked or hung out at shows. The picture top left is the perfect memory of you - holding a beer, with a wicked smile, wearing a HWM tshirt.
I hope they have a stereo wherever it is you've gone!
Thanks for the good times, and the great memories.
Nic
I worked with Chris for the last three years at Easynet and over the last year or so found myself looking on Chris as a friend that was always willing to help with a server problem or answer a question, mind you if it was a stupid question you could expect to get told so. There has been so much said of Chris, his smile, sense of humour (for some reason when ever I walked into that machine room after the smile came a saying that he always used as I entered "calm down ladies") and what a great outlook he had on life. Chris was a very private person at work, he said very little about his life away from easynet, I had no idea that he was an uncle, I am sure he was a great uncle. The one thing he did share with us was his love of the US, he was for ever showing me websites of places he had been to and the next place he wanted to go. Only a few weeks ago he was on the internet looking at visa applications for his new adventure in life that was Molly and moving to the US to be with her, she must be devestated.
Chris, we have to get someone new to fill your role, but you will never be replaced.
Where ever he is now I am sure he has a pint in hand and a big smile on his face.
We have all lost a good friend that will be remember for so many things.
I am so glad I knew you Chris, good luck mate,,, Jon :-(
I hadn't seen Chris for a couple of months since I was last down at Bromley FC. I knew Chris from gigs and football and will remember him most for what a good laugh he was at my birthday in 2000 at my parents house. Its so shocking to lose Chris but his spirit will live on at gigs and the sporting events he loved.
RIP big fella
Sometimes things happen that defy any sort of justice or reason and Chris's death is one of them. Without knowing him that well i always remember him being there at Leatherface gigs somewhere down the front, smiling and singing along. Whenever i forget words to songs i usually look at someone to see what they are mouthing and Chris's head was always poking out from everyone elses mouthing the right words.
There was also a time in Germany where Hot water and Leatherface and Lloyd and Chris were there. It was a gloriously sunny day and the whole crowd of us were playing that french bowls game with the big silver balls. There wasn't much in the way of French finesse, but we all had a great time. Chris beamed all day. He was a rare gentleman and he had a huge heart.
I would like to send all the best wishes in the world to his family and his girlfriend.
Frankiex
...to get my head round this but here goes...
The thing that really gets in my throat about Chris' untimely leaving is the fact that last time I chatted to him at Lloyds birthday in Brixton he was on cloud nine about his life. His grin was even bigger (if you can imagine that!) about his future plans and he was enthralled in letting me know too. Absolutely gutting, in retrospect.
I have numerous stories to tell about times with Chris but the time we were in Leeds watching the pretend Descendents was as special as it comes. I bought us both a beer and stood for the most of the gig arm in arm singing and shouting and loving every minute. We then discussed our mutual love of Pavement with the kind of enthusiasm you rarely find in a person. It was an ace time.
My thoughts are with his family and his girlfriend (who is responsible for his new smile) and everyone who knew him at all; he brought a smile to everyone he met. That's a rare quality.
So today I raise a glass to the big northern lad showing London how it's done.
Take care mate, I'll miss you too much.
Jarv x
Shocked and sad to hear this news...
Will miss bumping into you at gigs and chatting about the latest music. Gonna spin a record for you.
RIP Chris
I first met Chris in a pub before an ALL gig. He was on a mailing list that I was on and said he was going. I e-mailed him back and said that I'd be going to the pub beforehand meeting up with a bunch of people if he wanted to join us, he did and that pretty much from that day on we always met up for shows.
That was the least of it though, we became great friends and in the real sense that I went through every emotion with him, including arguing (always after "a few" beers) , but it was more like a brotherly thing where we'd just laugh at each other the next day and call ourselves one of my favourite words and drink a few more.
He was passionate and caring about everything he was involved with, maybe nothing more so than music. He felt it and it meant the World to him, he had no ties to a scene. He was in his element at a show, talking to friends and singing along, some times mystified why there were only a few people into a band that he loved.
We lived in the same area and it's was always fun just to hang out at home sometimes and play some records and cds that he hadn't heard and see his face light up at something he loved. We used to meet up in a weatherspoons often if we didn't have much on that week, which were always a fun time. I conned him into coming to watch Bromley once and he ended up being a season ticket holder and, naturally making many more friends there.
We made many trips out of London to see bands, the biggest one of these for me was that he decided to join me and my friend Steve on a trip to the States to see Hot Water Music, Chris had friends there so I thought he may want to tag along anyway. We had a great time (including some drinking and arguing as usual) and through this trip I met one of Chris's friend and I'm now married to her and living in San Francisco, so he ultimately helped bring me the best thing in my life. He will always come in conversations when people ask how we met, our mutual friend.
He has put so much into other peoples life that he will live on with us forever - he was always first to offer people help if someone asked for something on a mailing list, nothing was ever too much for him.
He was so happy the last time we e-mailed, I was sending him some cds that I had picked up for him from Ben Deily, as usaual he was ultra excited about gettign the cds and the fact that I got to meet Ben. I was waiting to see if he had got the cds but now I know why I didn't hear back.
I was so happy to hear from him about Molly, I was ultra happy for him and also a little selfishly happy for myself as I thought we'd be on the same coast and I'd be seeing a fair bit of him down here as he'd get down for some shows, and talking to him a lot more I feel robbed of him as everyone does I'm sure and I'm still finding it hard to believe.
I will be at a Hardskin gig in San Francisco they day his friends at Bromley fc celebrate his life, I will be doing the same that day for him there.
I'm sorry that this is most probably all over the place. there is so much I want to say and I'm still shook up about this.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family and to Molly.
Chris was an amasing person that the World was lucky to have, he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
At every gig I go to I will have a quick glance to the left of that stage and drink a toast my friend and hope he's watching with a big smile on his face.
Cheers my friend,
Nick
We remember speaking to Chris at some gigs we'd played and he was always incredibly nice to us and made us feel glad that we'd plugged in and done our stuff. Were really sorry that you've moved on and sorry for those you've left behind. R I P. xx
in the years that i knew Chris, he has been a generous, genuine, and caring friend. firstly he was an acquaintance who i saw at gigs, and knew as "a friend of Blocko" but as we bumped into each other more often we became better mates and i will truly miss him. i greatly respected his genuine love of music, and the fact that his love of a drink or two(!) never made him violent. a big softie who cared for his friends immensely.
i have many great memories of the times i spent with Chris. the time he gave me a ticket for the Buzzcocks and i tried (and failed!) to match him pint-for-pint! bumping into him on the tube to work and shouting "get 'orf my tube!" (you gotta put on a west country accent for the full effect). the two days last year when we helped each other move house with Dan. up all those stairs too! i could go on and on...
i was glad i managed to return from my holiday early and see his friends and family at the funeral yesterday, paying our respects. it was great to let his parents know what a good friend Chris has been to me, and i have a lot of respect for their bravery at this difficult time.
i look forward to visiting his favourite Indian Restaurant with his friends soon, and raising a pint to Chris. i miss you buddy xXx
I just heard about this and am completely blown away. Chris will always be remembered from when London and Fracture was in it's prime. When you could go to any gig and see a plethora of friendly faces. I'll be sure to stick on some Leatherface and raise a glass to punk rocks friendly giant.
When I listen to the Lemonheads, I will raise my glass high and sing loud.
Take care Chris
Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life, going to say goodbye to my friend - our friend - a man who was one of the most passionate about all the things in life which made him feel alive. I was honoured to be asked to say a few words, and tried my best to relay to his family just how much I - and we - loved him. I wanted to get up and say how much he meant to us all - he was, and remains, one of us.
He was universally loved by like minded souls, searching to fuel their engines - people who, to paraphrase Hot Water Music (again), lived their hearts and never follow. All those songs which we shared, singing at the top of our lungs - I hear them every day, I smile at the memory of those times. Those memories will never leave me, so many elements of my life touched by this great man - my friend.
I have been moved by all those who have posted such amazing words here. I know a lot of you, some I don't, but we were all lucky enough to share an all too brief period of time with Chris. He touched so many lives, such a genuine and honest man, big of stature and heart, loved by so many.
I miss you my friend.
I would like to say a few words about Chris Small.
First I would like to say that Chris's funeral went off very well and I was honored and touched to meet his parents, friends and family.
I knew chris from the time I joined Easynet. Chris was a great guy and a hard worker who mixed with anyone and you always knew where you stood with him. Chris loved his food, beer, music, wwe wrestling and the USA.
In the time I knew him, he was a great friend and colleague and we both had simlar interests. Everytime he visited the states he would tell myself and the rest of the server team about his travels and what he got up.
Chris was also a very funny guy and he was excellent at telling jokes to the team, especially jokes by peter kay. Whenever we walked into the server room, he would be sitting at the computer with a big smile on his face and say, "Morning Ladies!".
I remember one day, he told me that Phil in the team, looked like Theodore Long the manager of Smackdown and showed me a picture. and asked me what I do you think and showed me a picture. I looked at the picture and replied, "Yeah he does". Just at that moment phil entered the room and approached myself and chris and we both looked at each other and shouted,"DO YOU FEEL ME PLAYER!".
Another thing I noticed about chris was that he was very selective about who his friends were and I was honoured that he classed me as one of his friends.
When he informed me that he was going to get engaged to molly and move to the states, I was so happy for him and wished him all the best and he also asked, if I could help him choose a ring for his financee via the internet.
I have the deepest respect for him and I am so sad that he has left us, so early in his life, where he was looking forward to be spending time with his future wife molly and start a new life in the states.
I know that chris is now in heaven and watching over his family and friends.
TAKE CARE CHRIS YOU ARE BEING MISSED.
Krishna
I met Chris at the 2004 fest in Gainesville. Shy or not, anyone who has ever met him could tell what a sweet, unassuming, guileless man he was. I remember when a group of us went out to breakfast and Chris decided to give juevos rancheros a try. The tortilla they served it on was like a titanium disk and the rest of it hardly edible. Instead of complaining he found the whole thing rather entertaining and worked on it the best he could. That big grin always present saying, "here's a man that knows how to live, because he has a real appreciation for the moment". At 2005 fest, I saw him again, happy as ever to be back in town. Wish I could have gotten to know him better. There is no doubt that Gainesville would have benefited greatly from his addition to the community.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family and his fiancee, Molly.
Eternal rest give unto him, o God
And let perpetual light shine upon him
I have just returned from the Chris' funeral with Dan Heap, Mates and Kerry, Cil, Tim (Driveway speeding) and Pippa.
Lloyd (a good friend of Chris') gave a really great speach about Chris and his passion for music and football. It was so true and moving and yet only now that I am home does the weight of the event fully fall on my shoulders and come out in tears. It was a truely sad and painful day.
It was fantastic seeing so many of Chris' friends and colleagues travel up to the event from London and speaking to his family I know they REALLY appreciated it.
For those who couldn't attend thanks for all the support and messages left on this page.
We will miss him dearly
Rich
I only really spoke with Chris a handful of times at gigs. He seemed like a nice guy. An extemely passionate and articulate guy too judging by his posts on places like the Fracture forum. I was really hit for six when a friend told me what had happened.
Condolences to family and friends.
Only just got the very sad news. Chris will be greatly missed, I hadn't seen him in a while when last summer I went to see jets vs sharks in kingston. It was ace to catch up and see him after not seeing him for a while. Little did I know that would be the last time. We spoke about bands people we knew and I thanked him once again for the husker du tape he'd made me (its still a regular car favourite). I will always remember chris pint in hand nodding away to bands at the swan and verge. His enthusiam, generousity and friendship where second to none. He will be missed.
Chris will be sadly missed. It was always nice to see him either when he came up to gigs in Leeds or on the occasions I ran into him at gigs in London. I wish I'd known him better....
I'm in total shock that Chris has gone, as others have said he was almost an ever-present at London shows for umpteen years - a genuine, all round great bloke, I even remember him once offering to chip in quite a big sum of money for a big gig i was planning, just as he wanted to see it happen. He'll be sorely missed, by so many people...
I knew Chris not in person but thru internet....i live in Brazil and sometimes we spoke about hot water music etc........i'm really sorry!!! God bless your soul in a wonderful place................
Luciano
On occassions like this, might have to search for someone's good qualities, but with Chris they were laid bare for all to see. He was a beacon of friendliness. He was thoughtful, intelligent, kind, considerate, exteremely reliable, appreciative, principled, generous with his time, someone who listened and knew injustice when he saw it.
He never let 'following the crowd' dictate which bands he was going to see play live. If no one he knew was going to a gig, to him that was probably all the more reason to show his support. That is why so often we would turn up at shows and 'unexpectedly' (and pleasantly) find him there. He tried to soak in as much as possible in his time. When I wanted to see a Harold Pinter play directed by the man himself, Chris willingly joined me with as much enthusiasm as I had, whereas other ears numbed at the prospect.
There were no financial rewards from running my record shop, the rewards were from having customers and encountering people like Chris. Our lives were richer from knowing him and somewhat poorer from losing him.
R. I. P.
Chris was a gig fixture. As necessary as the PA, the mics, the amps, the soundman... and Chris, with a pint in hand, grin on face.
When you bump into most people at gigs hundreds of miles away from their hometowns, you're a bit surprised, but not with Chris. He was dedicated, to music and football and following both wherever they may be.
It'll seem funny never again saying, "Alright Chris? Just up for the weekend? Should be a good gig...".
Gan canny big lad.
Russell
Very sad news..
Even though I only met Chris a few times, this news hits hard. I knew him through the sugar mailing list, and first met him when he kindly offered me to stay with him when I came to London from Holland to see Bob Mould in '98. The last time I saw him was by accident, me and my husband ran into him at a 5 band gig in Winchester, of all places, while on holiday. Like many people here I remember him with a pint and a big grin, nodding his head to the music. He had strong opinions about what good music was, but discussed them with humor, and I will gladly play all of my Hüsker Dü records in his memory. Loudly!
I wish all who miss Chris strength in finding a way to give this terrible loss a place, and to all: live each day to the fullest.
Liesbeth,
Utrecht, Netherlands
i liked that dude!st. pauli salutes chris with cans raised high!
all the best to your family and friends!
i think i'll play some leatherface now, things like this drive my crazy!
REGARDS!BJ
I found out almost a week ago about Chris and I’m still having difficulty getting my head around the fact that when I get to a gig early, I am not going to find Chris there for a beer and chat. Or that at the end of the night there won’t be a forum posting or a text message summarising the gig. Or if I decide to go on a road trip to Leeds, Gainesville or Stoke, he is not going to be there for the ride, and afterwards say “You’re joking!” and chuckle when he hears about any antics.
When he got engaged this year he told me he just knew she was the one. He hoped I would feel that way about someone too, because I deserved to. Chris was a warm, intelligent, loyal friend and I am going to miss him terribly.
I didn't know Chris outside of the London gigs we met at, but there were many of those, and during the bands he was always at the front, pint in hand, and in between he would be smiling at and chatting to, seemingly, most of the room. A sad loss.
Chris was unquestionably one of the most loyal, honest, sensitive yet quirky mates I have ever had. He is going to be bitterly missed. We used to hang out frequently - going to gigs, having dinner or simply just meeting after work for drinks because we wanted to get wasted for a laugh, or for him to moan about women and me to moan about…well whatever…
This kind of petered off through 2005 because, like everyone else we were becoming way too busy to do that stuff as often. We had our own lives, our own commitments and our own precious time to take care of. We probably only hung out a handful of times this year but when we did hook up, he was there (usually leaning against the bar) with the same smile, the same love and friendship to offer and same old pint glass in his hand. When I saw him at the Hard Skin gig just days before he died I didn’t get to speak to him much but I thought it would be ok because we would definitely hang out on New Year’s Eve and catch up just like we did last year. Too late now and I am so sorry.
Chris, I and everyone else who’s out in Gipsy Hill tonight will be having many a strong drink in your honour and I can see you cheering at the thought of it right now. We will celebrate the life you had and loved and the laughs and good times you gave to us. You might have left us in person but you will never leave my heart and my thoughts. Goodbye matey – sweet dreams.
Love cil xxx
I haven't seen Chris in years but I'll always remember drinking in The Swan, Quinns or Finnigans Wake with him before gigs when I first moved to London. It's horrible for someone to go so young. RIP Chris.
Chris was one of great people I have met over the past six or so years travelling around doing the Hot Water tours whenever they came over.
In recent years it became more of an annual get- together than anything else, catching up with people and drinking the night anyway, and Chris was alwas one of the guys you could rely one to be stood at the bar waiting to shake your hand and offer you drink.
I actually didn't think I knew Chris that well until I heard this sad news and thought of all the good times I have had in Chris's Company. It just won't be the same without him.
The last time I saw Chris was at Lloyd's wedding and he shocked me with the news he had gotten engaged, he seemed so happy and was really excited about moving over to the states ad starting a new life over there, this is makes this news even tragic as it was probably the happiest I have ever seen him.
My thoughts go out to all who loved Chris, he will be deeply missed by all.
Cheers Chris!
Simon
I only just heard the news and I am in a total state of shock.
Chris was one of the most genuine and easy going people I've ever met. In the last few years I've seen him only sporadically and talked to him online only now and again but that was one of the things I always appreciated about Chris: even if I hadn't seen him for ages he'd always have a smile for me and offer up a good chat over a pint at whatever show we happened to be at.
I just can't believe this. So, so sad.
I first "met" Chris over 10 years ago on the Sugar listserv. We always kept in touch via email and holiday cards, and I met him in person in the late 90s when he visited Boston. I remember he was so tall he barely fit in my beat up little car! He was a great guy, always sweet and funny and kind. I feel grateful to have known him. The world is a sadder place without him. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved him, and I know there are many.
I personally didn't know Chris all that well. I think I only met him in person the two times that he came to Gainesville for the FEST. We did chat online in various forums for the past few years. Enough to feel like I knew him well. He seemed like a very genuine person. Very dedicated to the people and music that he loved. I wish I could have had the chance to get to know him better. A great person has been taken from us too soon. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family.
i have only just heard the terribly sad news, i am speechless!
I will always remember Chris as the person who would be stood stage right at any gig with a pint of Lager and a huge smile. He was larger than life and such a friendly chap.
Chris you will be missed by ALL, see you on the other side
Chris Coleman
He was a good lad. Take care Chris wherever you are.
Chris was a sound sound guy. It's sad for anyone to die at 29, and sadder still for anyone to die around this time of year. Still hard to believe he's not going to turn up at shows in the new year.
this shocked me during what was an awesome xmas bar this unbelievably untimely news. i just can't believe i'm writing this, you think you have all the time in the world to bump into mates again at gigs and then you.. don't... our paths hadn't crossed for a while but chris was a wonderful guy, who i remember most strongly for being outspoken but also a calming influence during heated debates on the fracture forum. but i also remember him in person at shows in london, calming in his persona in real life too. just made you feel at ease. see that picture there? in the corner? thats my memory.. heh... the smile. the pint. the music. hope they still serve, and still play, wherever you are.
The first time I met Chris was with the HWM guys, so I don't remember it exactly, just that smile on his face and that he was totally wasted. I have no idea where he stayed that night, we were in my home town, and he was welcome at mine but like a gentleman he sloped off to wherever he was going and kindly called us before he set of to London in case we were going to make the same train.
Which we didn't, Wollard wanted to be a robot.
After that I remember seeing him all over the place, never quite sure when, unless the boys were in town. I also realised we knew a lot of the same people which was kinda cool, and kinda strange that we didn't meet sooner.
At one of the last HWM shows in the UK Chuck dedicated a song to Chris, Lloyd, Si and I. This song was Poison, off their last album. Amongst the many songs I could pick for him, this would have to be up there, along with Chuck's thanks for him being such a great friend.
In fact, on that occassion Chris was such a good friend that he and Lloyd decided to buy me doubles all night, and proceeded to allow me to plunge head first into them from the stage, where they then passed me around and ensured I made it safely back to the stage again.
I am glad, that in the least, Chris made it to the fest this year, knowing how much he loved it and how excited he was. I am glad that he got to see so many of his American buddies, and that he saw The Draft play before he was shockingly taken from us.
Having looked over some of his blogs on Myspace, Chris clearly wanted us to have a great Christmas and New Year, and he also had many plans for the upcoming year.
We miss you Chris, and I hope that wherever you are it is much better than anything you ever experienced here.
With much love and condolences, from me and I am sure that Chris, George, Jason and Chuck would also join me in this,
Vic x
I still can't get over this news. I still can't get past the fact that the guy with the grin in the photo will not be at gigs anymore. He was down in Brighton for the Hard Skin gig the week before Christmas, had a quick chat with him on my way out... and now that's it. Gone Forever. A tragic waste of a young live. My thoughts are with Chris's family, partner and friends who have lost a really great person. I'm so sorry.
Firstly i would like to say i did not know Chris personally and did not recognise the name until i saw the picture of Chris with big Lloyd.
May i offer my sincere condolences to all of Chris's family and friends at this sad time.
Though it seemed Chris was at every gig I ever went to, he only became someone I'd consider a real friend over the last year. I can't quite believe we're saying goodbye so soon. I got home just after hearing the news and found the beers he left in my fridge only the week before - first time I've ever been moved to tears by a can of Kronenbourg. Somehow appropriate.
This November I got to hang out with Chris for a few days at the Fest; I don't think there was anyone in Florida more excited. Chris raved for months beforehand about seeing Radon (he was right, of course) and I won't ever forget seeing him jumping around for their entire set, yelling along with every word, soaked in sweat and spilled beer. No force on Earth could have taken the grin from his face that night.
There isn't much I can add to what others have already said about the reasons he'll be so sadly missed, or about his easy laugh and smile. I feel lucky I got to know him a little. My thoughts are with Molly, his family and all his friends.
Chris was such a regular face at London gigs for so long I can't even remember the first time I met him. He was just always there! My fondest memories are from the time of the Rude To Stare Collective, as I was visiting London pretty regularly back then. Getting into Camden and then straight onto Quinns, there was Chris, massive smile. Onto the Verge and there was Chris, always supporting his scene and his friends.
We didn't always see eye to eye, and I saw less of him over the last couple of years due to not visiting London so much, but I was excited when he bought a ticket to an event we were putting on in Cardiff in September 2005 - alas, come the day he had much bigger fish to fry so couldn't make it, but that was okay by me.
One of the last times I saw Chris was at a Verge show on my 28th birthday. It was for a Frankie Stubbs acoustic set and was totally amazing. The venue was pretty full, and people were talking loudly. Too loudly, that's for sure. Half way through trying to hear Frank play his songs, and getting increasingly frustrated with the babble from the crowd, Chris shouted at the top of his voice, "Shut up! Everyone just shut up!" - At this moment in time Chris put into words what everyone else in the two front rows had been thinking since the first note! And, for a song or two at least, the non-believers quietened down.
That's how I'll remember Chris - sincere, funny and committed to the music he believed in. He'll be missed by all that knew him.
I knew Chris through football, we watched Bromley FC together and he put the stuff I wrote onto www.bromleyfc.com.
We also shared a love of Basketball and American Football and watched them both at Crystal Palace NSC.
When the regulars sit down to watch the Superbowl in February, it just won't be the same, but we'll raise a glass to him and his memory.
He'll be greatly missed at Hayes Lane and by all connected with Bromley FC.
The smile, the sense of humour and the passion for sport & life in general.
I remember hanging out with Chris and showing him where the infamous Hardback Cafe in Gainesville used to be and us talking about all the bands that had played there. He was just an easy person to be around. If you didn't know him I guess he would could come across as intimidating but he was one of the nicest most sincere person I'd ever met. You never had to worry about Chris putting on "airs" or playing stupid personal politics ... he was real and if anything ..he was pure of essence. I knew spending time with him would make me a better person and it did. Thank you Chris.
I can only echo the words of everyone else. I didn't know Chris well but from the many times I bumped into him at gigs he always struck me as a genuinely nice guy. Always so approachable and a real passion for his music
Loads of little memories spring to mind
- My first contact with him, swapping Husker Du live tapes.
- bouncing back e-mails like two excited schoolkids before Bob Mould's last solo gig trying to work out what the setlist might be
- debating the best Guided by Voices tunes at a Sebadoh gig.....
29. Too young.
RIP Chris
I literally just found out a minute ago that Chris had passed. I'm not really sure what to say. I'm feeling really down. It's pretty redundant to say that he was a really good guy. But if I could be just a little self-indulgent for a moment, he was dedicated beyond reasonable expectations as he's stuck with my half-assed band through the good and bad times. While he wasn't part of my regular London crew, I've had many good times hanging out with him and talking at gigs. I even kept up a correspondance with him over the years. I'm not sure if we ever played a London gig that he wasn't at. I dunno. I really don't know what to say. It seems like there's been a lot of death in my life over the past year. It's very, very sad...
A true gentleman.
A genuine guy with a brilliant taste in music.
A friend to everyone who had the good luck to meet him.
There is a big ginger hole in all our lives.
I cant write anymore or I'll start crying again.
I got into the DIY aspects of punk rock pretty late in life at 21, and one of the first people I met was Chris. He pretty much took me under his wing and was always there to chat, have a beer or go to a gig with and I think the fact I can't remember much of the summer of 2001 is down to him (and maybe the Stella at the Swan). I can remember regularly going out with him on a Friday night and not returning home until Sunday, staying at his place in Gypsy Hill, drinking at the paxton and sitting listening to music that without him playing it to me I never would have heard. I hadn't really spoken to him that much in the last few years after moving out of London, which I regret. I would be a different person if it hadn't been for meeting Chris, his friendship mean't the world to me. It may sound cliche but Chris was one of the good guys.
I only met Chris at Travis Cut gigs, i could never really work out where he lived as he just turned up everywhere, i'd see him in leeds, Leicester, London, Southampton, Brighton a really top bloke, obviously dedicated to music and lager.
Ironically we found out yesterday at our first rehearsal for 2 years!!
Kinda took the shine off it.
He was a very nice person, always had a smile, and was always down the front for every gig i saw him at.
the photo above is haow we will all remember him..
For the last five years it has always brightened up my evening to see Chris' smile at a gig. He was one of the first people I spoke to from the fracture forum simply because he was indeed completely unmissable. I remember him telling me to look out for the big ginger bloke at the front of the Snuff gig.
I'm so sad that I'm not going to see that smile anymore.
Bye bye Chris
x
If anyone needed reminding how fragile life can be here is a perfect example. Chris was one of the the good guys. Whether it was throwing you around at the front of some gig, long drunken train journeys back from Kingston Peel or not letting me get any sleep in that damn motel room in Leeds because he wanted to talk about that book 'My Band could be your life' at 4am...his enthusiasm for everything was infectious and he'll be missed.
About 5 years ago, i posted on the fracture forum that i had never ever gotten a valentines day card.. Chris told me to drop him a mail with my address and he would send me a little something for valentines day. The morning of valentines day, the doorbell rang and there was a huge bouquet of flowers for me that chris sent me.. Bear in mind, i didnt really know him at all then..it was, by far, the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me in my entire life.. I saved the rose that was in the middle and its dried and hanging on my wall, as it has been for 5 years.
I remember seeing him at a swan show after that and saying to him "thank you sooo soo much.. it was the best thing ever" and he just looked down at me and smiled and was like "dont worry about it.. its ok".
He was an awesome man. I hadnt properly hung out with him recently other than seeing him with the big smile at a couple of shows but every time i saw him he would take the piss out of me a bit and always have time for a chat....
Rest in peace big guy.. I'll miss you and your smile.
I just cannot beleive this is true...It sucks that such a cool person has has left us. I got to know Chris through a mutual taste in some rockin melodic music. Going on a nationwide tour to follow Hot Water Music with Thackers, Pissed Si AKA, Lloyd, Mates and a host of other faces we all know and rock with... They were some great times and Chris was so passionate about it, never letting a 400 mile round trip get in the way of seeing his beloved HWM...
This love took us on a trip with him to Amsterdam to see HWM play with Oil. It was a brilliant trip, full of big smiles, too much beer and Monk Dave recording Thackers snoring on the train out of Amsterdam. That trip was so cool...
Just recently I'd enjoyed hooking up with Chris a lot more, going to the Dinosaur Jr re-union shows and of course going to see one of his favourite musicians, Bob Mould...Chris was so happy at that show, not only was the Mould solo stuff good he played plenty of his Husker Du and Sugar songs too. You couls see Chris in the crowd, about a foot taller than everyone else, beer in hand and bellowing the lyrics to some of his favourite songs. These are memories I shall cheerish...
I will make sure I'm playing plenty of Husker Du and Sugar from now until the 3rd of January. My thoughts go to his family, fiancee & friends and know we'll all miss him and know the "scene" will not be the same without him..Take care buddy...
Erm, just logged onto that myspace thing and saw this. I have just moved to Texas and sometimes i think "have i done the right thing?". This puts it in perspective. You just have to do it, as none of us know how long we could be here.
I met Chris at a gig many years ago, always with pint in hand and a cheeky grin on his face. I was always envious of him being a good few inches taller than me, thus enabling him to get a good view of the bands no matter what venue and no matter how crowded. He was a massive hot water music fan much like myself and i travelled with chris to Amsterdam for the weekend to see that band, as well as doing the Uk tour with a hired van going up and down the country. I didn't know Chris outside of gigs really, yet he seemed quite a private person somehow. He was always up for a beer and a band and i love that because i felt i was with people of the same ilk. I am still so shocked at hearing this and i am very sad over it. I have come to a new Country to try and start a new life when Chris has had his life taken at such an early age. I send my best wishes to his friends and family and Chris, i'll be raising a glass in your honour my friend. You will be missed.
Thackers
I only met Chris a couple of times. The first time was when DS and I first got together. He made me feel really welcome, which really meant a lot to me as I didn't really know anyone at the time. God bless him.
Georgie x
Reliable BTN - walk into a gig, whether it be London, Kingston, Leeds... how many times was the first friendly face that of big ginger Chris with a pint in his hand and a wry smile on his face. His passion for the music he loved was tremendous - I started to recall just how many times and hours I'd spent in his company, train journeys, dodgy takeaways in Leeds... propped up at a bar - I missed him when I moved out of London, but everytime I went back for a show, well he'd be there...
Man, we shared so many words together, I had so many great times in his company... I am grateful for that... words fail me, goodbye Chris.
Chris was a good friend. No better than that - he was a great friend. Chris was my gig-buddy - the kinda guy you meet up with in a bar before a band - enjoy a few beers and a chat and then try to keep up with him and his appetite for Budvar. I lost everytime of course - that guy could drink me under the table any day. It became a running joke that if I came home pissed I must have been out with Chris.
I met Chris at the same place that I'm sure many who knew him met him - at a gig watching a punk rock band. He was the big ginger guy at the front, completely unmissable. Chris's character was the complete opposite of his appearance, he was a big softie, friendly, kind, chatty and funny. Chris was also very guarded, it was always difficult to get under the surface and see the real him, although over the years though I felt I was getting there.
Chris recently emailed me to tell me about his engagement to Molly. He sounded real excited about the whole thing and for the first time in a long while Chris seemed really happy and contented - I promised to take him out for a curry to celebrate and catch up. For me this really has made it more of a shock. Just as he was turning his life around it was snatched away from him.
Chris will be sorely missed. I truly hope more of his friends will use this site to tell their stories of this big guy.